by Dawn Franks | Nov 1, 2016 | Donors, Giving
It’s the chicken and egg dilemma. Which came first, the effective donor or the effective organization? In 2010 British researchers announced they solved the chicken and egg problem that dates back as far as Aristotle. They reported the chicken must have come...
by Dawn Franks | Oct 19, 2016 | Donors, Nonprofits
Are we speaking the same language? Seriously, when a nonprofit says here’s a list of items our organization most needs are you moved to make a phone call and take something off the list? When a donor says “I’m excited about what you do and would like to learn more,”...
by Dawn Franks | Sep 10, 2016 | Donors, Giving, Millennials, Next Generation, Nonprofits
A thread of embarrassment runs through donor stories. So much so that donors seldom share their giving experiences. For some it’s about too little to give, others too much too late. Other stories hint at long-held family beliefs that it is shameful to talk about...
by Dawn Franks | Aug 15, 2016 | Donors, Nonprofits
Three organizations gathered around two tables. There were at least ten of us. I was there to help everyone discuss an issue of grave concern to a major donor. The discussion was necessary and in the end, reinforced what the donor already suspected. One organization...
by Dawn Franks | Aug 2, 2016 | Donors, Nonprofits
I have a friend who served as the chief fundraiser at several different nonprofit organizations. Recently, he penned an open letter to donors to share what feels like a divide between nonprofits and donors. He posed the question, “Is there a way around what...
by Dawn Franks | Jul 20, 2016 | Donors, Nonprofits
He was sitting across from me at the conference table. Excitedly describing the idea he had for a new nonprofit there was hardly time for a breath between sentences. Not wanting to pour cold water on his idea I sat back and listened. Finally, there was a pause, and I...
