[Guest Post] How to Make Your Fundraising Plans for Next Year Better… and More Effective

by Marc A. Pitman | Dec 22, 2014 | 1. Research, 2. Engage, 3. Ask, 4. Love (Stewardship), Guest Posts

I’ve been enjoying Joe Garecht’s work at The Fundraising Authority for years. And I’m thrilled that he’ll be teaching in The Nonprofit Academy in January. He’ll be teaching on How to Write a Successful Non-Profit Fundraising Plan, so...

Are you ready for donors using LinkedIn?

by Marc A. Pitman | Aug 26, 2014 | 1. Research, 2. Engage, 3. Ask, 4. Love (Stewardship), Internet & Social Media

In teaching nonprofit social media, I call LinkedIn the “little engine that could.” Started in late 2002, LinkedIn has seen many social media platforms rise and fall. (Anyone remember Friendster or MySpace?) But LinkedIn keeps trucking along. And in my...

4 Disney Lessons to Transform Your Donor Retention

by Marc A. Pitman | Jun 3, 2014 | 1. Research, 2. Engage, 3. Ask, 4. Love (Stewardship), Board Members

I’m just finishing up another family trip to Walt Disney World. Every time I’m here, I study the culture, habits, and design of the parks and resorts. I’m fascinated by their attention to detail, their ability to create brand new merchandising...

[Guest Post] 5 Principles to crowdfunding success – a case study

by Marc A. Pitman | Apr 2, 2014 | 1. Research, 2. Engage, 3. Ask, 4. Love (Stewardship), Guest Posts, Internet & Social Media

Today it’s my distinct pleasure to introduce you to Renee Tougas. I’ve known Renee and her husband Damien for more than a decade. They’re not your typical fundraisers, so when their crowdfunded Kickstarter campaign for $16,000 raised over $19,000, I...

Is there a Ron Newell in your donor pool?

by Marc A. Pitman | Dec 19, 2013 | 1. Research, 2. Engage, Odd, Unassuming Philanthropists

Did you hear the latest story about an unassuming millionaire? According to Foster’s Daily Democrat, Ron Newell was a quiet truck driver in Dover, NH. He liked kids and animals, especially dogs. Last August, Mr. Newell passed away at the age of 78. Last week,...

Fundraising is farming, not Powerball

by Marc A. Pitman | Oct 6, 2013 | 1. Research, 2. Engage, 3. Ask, 4. Love (Stewardship), Fundraising Secrets

Nonprofits often mistake hiring professionals like fundraising coaches or consultants as buying the winning lottery ticket. No matter what they’ve been told, they think the professional will magically find them funding. Fortunately, that is actually great for...