Tom Ahern was a recent guest speaker at Women in Development of Greater Boston, sharing tips on writing for digital donor communications. Here are three takeaways I thought were particularly interesting and useful: Using “we” is for public relations. Using “you” is for donor communications. You need to tell the donors that they are needed before they are primed to give. When communicating...

This is another installment of an interview we had with Abbie von Schlegell from last year. Here, she talks about how major gifts have become a key component of fundraising. Rachel: You've got annual gifts. You've got capital campaigns. Where do major gifts play a role in the spectrum of giving? Abbie: Major gifts in fundraising are usually larger gifts, specifically for a project or even...

Allison Picott is the founder and principal of Advancement Advisers. We invited her to share a couple of the steps she took before switching her career from law into nonprofit development.   Let’s face it.  No one goes into development for the money.  That being said, it is important that anyone contemplating a job in development must first ask themselves, “Can I afford to take a job in development?” This...

Last week I had the pleasure of hearing Maura King Scully and Tracey Palmer speak at Philanthropy Day on Cape Cod.  They shared a lot of great takeaways - some were more technical, and others more conceptual.  I've shared below a couple of ideas that resonated with me the most. When crafting any donor communications material, it is important to get into the mindset of donors and anticipate key questions...

Today we continue the conversation concerning non-profit board members. This week, Abbie Von Schlegell, founder of a. von schlegell & co. talks to Rachel about the kind of characteristics you want to look for while in the process of selecting a new board member for your non-profit. This process is always nerve-racking and feels like a daunting task, but Abbie is able to break it down into...

A little while back, we interviewed Lily Robles from Opus Design, and she had a few thoughts on ways nonprofits can promote their events. Because we have fully entered the gala season, we thought this a propos. Here is an article too, from the Boston Globe, on the ups and downs of hosting a charity event. Rachel: So what are a few tips that you can offer to folks who are considering creating...

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a Women in Development of Greater Boston meeting while Rachel and Geoff were filming in DC. The topic of discussion focused on building a healthy relationship with your board in order to strengthen the effectiveness of the work of your organization. The panelists included Sherif Nada, who represented “The Board,” Rita Fuerst Adams from the viewpoint...

April is National Volunteer Month, so I thought I would devote this blog to three great causes that I am volunteering for in some capacity. The Children's Room I serve on the Advisory Board of The Children’s Room, an amazing nonprofit that provides support and community to children, teens, and families who are grieving. Whether the loss of a loved one is unexpected or expected, either way it is incredibly...

Last week I wrote a blog in honor of International Women’s Day. This week, also keeping women in mind, I thought I would share an interview with Abbie von Schlegell on women’s philanthropy. Here are links to some Boston-area women’s giving circles, in case you are interested in learning more: Boston Women’s Fund Hestia Fund The Miriam Fund Womenade Boston  

Last week I attended a panel presentation hosted by Women in Development of Greater Boston entitled, "To Give or Not to Give: How Do Donors Make Decisions About Their Charitable Giving?" Here are three takeaways I want to share: Are you being as inclusive as possible? Renee Burns from Merrill Lynch Wealth Management related a story in which one of her female clients was offended that despite...