(Writing a “Wow” Needs Statement) So, how do you capture and hold the attention of the funder reading your proposal? The first section of each proposal, after an introduction or executive summary, is the Needs Statement. That is where the proposal writer presents and justifies the request for funding. The funder, of course, will be …
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Financing & Loans
What Does “Six Figures” Mean & How Can You Earn It
Earning six figures refers to making between $100,000 and $999,999 annually. This income range is often seen as a milestone in financial success, symbolizing comfort and greater opportunities. For many, reaching this salary level represents financial stability, allowing for more discretionary spending, investment opportunities, and freedom to enjoy a better lifestyle. It’s frequently viewed as …
Too many people (NPO board members, volunteers and staff) believe that “Evaluation” means determining what a potential donor should give!! That couldn’t be more wrong. A formal evaluation process has two objectives: to identify a dollar amount that the prospective donor would be likely to be able to afford; and, to identify a (realistic) dollar …
Building an Effective Grant Proposal: Part One So, you’ve completed your research and are ready to start writing!! The question, now, is how do you go about structuring your grant proposal? For those circumstances where the funder provides specific guidelines, there’s only one rule worth remembering: “Follow those guidelines to the letter.” But what about …
Gift Tables (also known as Gift Pyramids) are great fundraising tools for capital campaigns, major gifts fundraising, “fiscal year fundraising,” and even for major events. Starting with the basics: Prior to the beginning of every fiscal year, an NPO goes through its budgeting process and comes up with a (realistic, attainable) figure for how much …
“Hank,” the email said, “can you send me a gift pyramid that my organization can use in preparing for a capital campaign.” My response leaned somewhat toward the academic…. Gift Tables and Pyramids are great fundraising tools, but their construction and usage are often very much misunderstood. They are most often associated with capital campaigns, …
There are two categories of donor cultivation: the education about and the involvement in the programs/activities of the NPO … leading up to the solicitation and obtaining of the first major gift from non-donors; and, the ongoing education, involvement and recognition of prior donors leading up to their next major gift. But, before you can …
A Major Gifts Program’s Leadership: Part Two Once your Major Gifts Committee has created its list of “Suspects,” they must pair (on paper) those people with individuals (volunteer leaders) who know them, who have access to them, and can (and will) be involved in the process of turning those “suspects” into “prospects.” The volunteer leaders …
