Steier Tips

Throughout history, successful armies have received wise leadership from their generals who coordinate positions and strategies, working to win a war. However, while an army’s leaders may spend hours discerning, studying and calculating before making a decision, it’s the frontline troops who put a plan into action. When reviewing the organizational structure of your campaign, you may consider your volunteer team in the same light. A pastor, CEO or president represents the five-star general, while the volunteer team serves as the troops, the foot soldiers responsible for enacting campaign strategy. And just as a successful army requires dependable troops so…

Campaign events can be tricky. Your guests know they’ve been invited for a reason – you’d like them to consider making a gift. But you also want to show your deep appreciation and gratitude. It’s a delicate balance because these gatherings are cultivation events and also platforms for your request for support. Donors expect a lot from you at these events. Noting that these gatherings are a representation of your overall fundraising effort, donors want to see an organized yet thoughtful occasion. When planning your next campaign event, consider some of the following tips: Engage your volunteer team and ask…

Some apologies are a must: neglecting to take out the trash on garbage pick-up day (guilty) and accidentally breaking your child’s favorite toy (guilty again). Some apologies, however, should remain unspoken. A request for support for an organization that does good work resides at the top of this list. Too often, development directors, stewardship coordinators and volunteers with a passion for a cause feel compelled to piggyback a request for support with an apology for asking. “Sorry to bother you.” “Sorry to ask you for such a large gift.” “Sorry to ask you for support when times are so tough.”…

There is a good chance your organization has discussed the idea of how to reach the millennial generation. Smart leaders recognize the importance of keeping young people integrated and active within churches, schools and community nonprofits. It is critical to engage young constituents – one day they will serve as the next generation of leaders. Without young, dedicated people in our communities, our missions and organizations would cease to exist. I’ve identified three areas on which to focus when it comes to engaging this unique and sometimes hard-to-reach generation. CONNECT Start with active members. These individuals may have children in…