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Steier Tips

Jun 05 2018

How to start a capital campaign

By Steier Tips

For most nonprofits, a capital campaign is the result of many months, if not years, of strategic planning and preparation. Typically, an organization has established some long-term goals and projects that are too large to be funded through normal operating revenue. Now, what are the next steps? How do I start a capital campaign? Here are the five key steps in transitioning from strategic planning to conducting a campaign: Identify your organization’s needs: Before moving forward with a capital campaign, you should be able to answer “yes” to this question: Is the need – as defined by leadership – real?…

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May 03 2018

Capital campaign video can lead to fundraising success

By Steier Tips

What if I told you that fundraisers with video raise 70 percent more? That’s a big number – one that demands our attention. A capital campaign video is a strong way to convey a clear message and evoke passion about one’s cause. Most of our clients have found that the investment made in a professionally produced video is worth it. YouCaring, which assists organizations with online fundraising, states that fundraisers with videos raise 70 percent more on average. A professional video is among the capital campaign services offered by the Steier Group. The growing popularity of this service is due…

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Apr 05 2018

Memorable thank-you letters set your organization apart

By Steier Tips

If you want to properly thank a donor, take your template thank-you letter and toss it out. Instead, write a quick note from the heart that acknowledges the gift and gives your donor a reason to support your organization again. Your goal is to make your letter (and the gift) memorable. Here are some suggestions: The thank-you letter It’s a given that you need to include the basic gift documentation. Once you’ve done that, look for ways to make the letter memorable: Never send the same letter to a donor twice. Change the content of your thank-you letter as often…

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Mar 01 2018

Eight capital campaign strategies that work

By Steier Tips

Every capital campaign is different. The organization’s mission and vision, the campaign goals, the donor base, the availability of willing volunteers – all of these factors contribute to making each project unique. However, there are techniques that apply to almost all organizations. Here are eight capital campaign strategies that work: Campaign planning studies: Even before a decision is made about whether to conduct a campaign, a thorough campaign planning study will set you on the path for future success. A study will test support for the proposed projects, help you establish realistic goals and identify potential donors and volunteers. Beyond…

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Feb 01 2018

Motivate donors by sharing your nonprofit’s success story

By Steier Tips

While your organization is dedicated to doing good in the community and serving a particular set of needs, it remains true that you also have another group to serve – your donors. Their continued generosity is what empowers you to fulfill your mission. How can you ensure that your donors will dedicate their resources to your organization, year after year? At its heart, this is a question of motivation. How can you motivate donors to continue to give to your organization? The 2016 US Trust Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy revealed that 54 percent of wealthy donors gave because…

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Jan 04 2018
How can a capital campaign consultant help guide you through this fundraising process? Think of the three A’s of consulting - assess, advise and act.

What do capital campaign consultants do?

By Steier Tips

As a nonprofit leader, you know the extraordinary effort you and your staff put forth to fulfill your mission. It takes passion and determination to serve your community. You must also cultivate, solicit and thank donors to meet your organization’s current needs while always keeping an eye to the future. Add in strategic planning, hiring and budgeting and it can be an overwhelming task! Now consider launching a full-scale capital campaign and the phrase “there are not enough hours in the day” comes to mind. You will need help to do the job right, and that’s exactly what a capital…

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Dec 06 2017

Three ways to boost your year-end fundraising

By Steier Tips

As the year draws to a close, it’s important to take a look back at 2017 and take stock of your organization’s successes and struggles. For nonprofit leaders, it’s a busy time focused on year-end fundraising and 2018 strategic planning. It can be difficult to set aside time for reflection, but it’s necessary in order to develop your organization and fulfill your mission. This kind of discernment and purposeful follow-up action are what distinguishes top-notch organizations. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Evaluate your performance: Look back at the goals you set for 2017. Were expectations unfulfilled,…

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Nov 01 2017

Four ways to improve your planned giving program

By Steier Tips

Strong planned giving is the hallmark of a high-functioning development program. While many organizations are able to meet their needs through annual fundraising and capital campaigns, planned giving is often the final element that allows a program to reach its full potential. Deferred gifts offer peace of mind to both the donor and the organization. They allow the organization to escape the hand-to-mouth budgeting cycle and plan for the long term. Is your planned giving program meeting its full potential? Here are four ways to boost the power of your deferred gifts: Catalog the planned gifts that already exist: If you…

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Oct 04 2017

Three ways to express your gratitude to donors

By Steier Tips

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses.” ― Alphonse Karr (1808-1890) As I look back over the Steier Group’s 20 years, I could easily focus on the setbacks, struggles and heartaches. In other words, I could focus on the thorns. But I’m glad to say that when I look at the amazing relationships the Steier Group has developed with our clients, when I survey the good that we’ve achieved together for such noble causes, when I consider the projects accomplished that have borne such fruit for so many, I cannot help but concentrate…

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Sep 06 2017

Why do development directors only last 18 months on the job?

By Steier Tips

Let’s face it: Not everyone is comfortable asking others – especially people they know – for money. It’s an acquired skill, and it takes a bit of courage. It typically takes someone with an outgoing personality who isn’t afraid to hear the answer “no.” Leaders of nonprofit organizations, including religious ones, often find themselves in an endless cycle of replacing their development directors or stewardship coordinators. Many times they believe they have found the perfect person – only to see him or her leave within a year. Sometimes the grass is greener somewhere else, but often losing a quality development…

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