I’ve spent the last two decades as a professional fundraiser and fundraising consultant, and during these years I’ve tried out many different methods of getting in to see a prospective donor in person (the gold standard for fundraising prospect visits). I’ve cold called, cold emailed, sent letters, used LinkedIn, you name it.

Research shows that a handwritten thank-you note sent immediately after you receive a gift helps ensure a repeated—and often increased—gift. We live in a time when everything is automated: you buy something online and immediately you get an email saying how important your business is… yeah, yeah, yeah.

What did Leo Tolstoy know about fundraising? Find out what his classic novel has to say regarding a universal truth about needing to get your people and systems in alignment.

Galas can be a fun and exciting evening, but not usually a good time to do serious major gift fundraising. How can you turn your next event (or even virtual event) into a powerful action step with your top donors and prospects.

Founder and Principal Peter Heller of the Heller Fundraising Group interviews his colleagues about their most outrageous moments in their fundraising careers. 

What can you do to avoid capital campaign pitfalls that will derail or weaken your work? This article describes the most common mistakes and offers simple solutions.