Blog
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Client Spotlight – Ossining Children’s Center COVID Era Ribbon Cutting
You can’t keep a good project down. Despite the pandemic, Ossining Children’s Center has continued to hit exciting milestones in their Capital Campaign.
Build Your Natural Networks – Best Fundraising Growth Strategy
How many times have you heard, “Fundraising is really about relationships?” It’s true. This blog article describes how to turn this concept into a powerful reality for your nonprofit.
What Can Fundraisers and Nonprofits Learn from the Lifecycle of a Frog?
Just as Nature requires a process for developing the life of a frog, successful fundraising requires a process for developing relationships that lead to generous donations. And just like in Nature, you can’t skip a step! Read on to make sure you know all the steps involved in building relationships with donors.
Q&A Lessons: Nonprofits Speak with the Voice of Experience
What are nonprofit leaders thinking? How have the last 6 months of the coronavirus pandemic impacted their work and perspectives? In this blog post, 3 nonprofit leaders - a Development Director, an Executive Director & a Director of Philanthropy - are brought together to look back at what they wished they’d known, and what they look forward to learning.
How to Handle “No” from a Nonprofit Donor: Fundraising Skills I Learned in my Opera Career
Who would think there are lessons from a career in opera that apply to fundraising? Both take courage, perseverance and joy. In this article by a retired-opera-singer-turned-fundraiser, you can learn about the parallels and add a valuable perspective to your fundraising.
Naming Opportunities: When Politics, Policy, & Philanthropy Collide
How does your nonprofit decide who is an acceptable donor? Read about two huge gifts that Lincoln Center (NYC) accepted and see what you think about the divergent politics.
Top Tips to Get Back to Fundraising Basics
In this unprecedented moment in time, we are all thinking the same thing: “How will we recover and come back from the many changes we have faced these past few months?” In my conversations with clients and associates, the question I am most frequently asked is, “What do you recommend I do differently?”
Pictures of Success: Capital Campaigns Serving Families Go Forward Despite the Quarantine
I’m so pleased to share good news from two of the Heller Fundraising Group’s capital campaign clients! Both are considered essential services, so construction on their projects has continued throughout the quarantine and both are on schedule to open their doors as originally planned.
Nonprofit Self-Esteem: The Columbia Syndrome
All nonprofits suffer from some form of low self-esteem. Read this article to learn how even the most powerful can exhibit this behavior and how your organization can overcome it.
Fundraising & Pop Culture: Holy Grant Making Batman!
We love movies that have scenes with fundraising. And Batman no less! Will Batman make a grant? Find out and get inspired by checking out this blog!
Q&A Lessons: Fundraisers Speak on Virtual Event Planning
Virtual events for nonprofit organizations have become the new success story during the Covid pandemic. Learn more about the best practices on raising money and attracting attention to your cause virtually.
Martin Luther King, Jr.: Civil Rights Leader, Visionary, and Yes, Even a Powerful Fundraiser
Did you know that Martin Luther King, Jr and Mahatam Gandhi were great fundraisers? Learn what goes on behind the scenes of a social justice movement.
The Case for a Better Case: 4 Elements of “VIBE"
A great case for support can keep your campaign on track even in tough times. With these tips, your campaign's VIBE will stay strong.
Major Gift Fundraising is Still the Same (COVID or not)!
Our social and physical movements have changed during Covid but basic human relationship needs have not. Are you still practicing the tried and true methods of fundraising?
Fundraising & 1929 Great Depression
We all get nervous during hard economic times but fundraising can often still be robust. Read about what happened during the 1929 Great Depression and it might surprise you!
Fundraising Leadership: Attitude is Everything
As fundraising consultants, we watch our clients deal with high-stress levels on a daily basis. Raising money is a daunting task, especially when the goal is in the millions. Our work offers many opportunities for feeling afraid, dismayed, and discouraged. It’s vitally important that those leading the fundraising effort stay aware of the energy and attitude they share with their team. The team takes its cues from its leaders.
Is Your Feasibility Study Terrible?
Most likely your Feasibility Study is terrible! Sorry to be the one to tell you so. Read our article to find out why and how you can still have a successful capital campaign.
Stewardship in Advance, aka Gift Agreements
It’s like that old joke, “When does a joke become a ‘dad’ joke? When the punchline is _a parent_.” Here’s my variation: “When does a gift agreement become stewardship? When it’s written down.” Ok it’s not really funny. But it IS true - if it is written correctly. Let’s break that down.