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Rainmakers Keep Their Eye On the Prize

by Brian Saber

When people think of fundraisers they think of you. Goal-oriented and driven, you keep your eye on the prize and never give up. As the Analytic Extroverts, for you everything is about strategy. Who are the best prospects for you to solicit? How do you guarantee a meeting? How do you make the most convincing ask?

Asking for an Exact Amount is Key

by Brian Saber

When you meet with a prospective donor about a gift, they are expecting you to ask for an amount. How often does a donor say, “What did you want to ask me for?”. The donor assumes you have something specific to ask them for, because you set up the meeting.

The Power of Empathy in Fundraising

by Brian Saber

Face-to-face asking is powerful because when two people communicate in person it creates a level of empathy that is rarely developed otherwise. When we’re in each other’s company we’re more inclined to want to be seen as good, and to see the good in others. And that makes us more willing to help the other.

Evolution or Revolution? How Do We Create a Fundraising Board?

by Brian Saber

Virtually every organization is frustrated with their board’s personal giving and involvement in fundraising, and everyone thinks their situation is unique. In fact, most small to mid-sized organizations (which is most organizations!) are more similar than not and the solution is generally the same.

Leading Asking Exercises

by Brian Saber

Your staff and volunteers need much more training and practice if they’re going to be comfortable and successful askers. To help you, I’ve outlined key points and shared a number of exercises that you can do on your own that I find make the biggest impact when I train.

Asking Matters Hits a High Note on Guidestar and Other Fundraising Blogs

by Brian Saber

We’re proud to announce that our post on the 15% overhead myth was the #1 most popular post on Guidestar in 2015!

Gift Range Charts to Guide Annual Fundraising – NOT Activity Silos

by Brian Saber

I wish I could lay claim to “win the confidence, create the desire.” If this doesn’t sum up fundraising, what does?

Movie Mondays Features The Asking Styles!

by Brian Saber

We’re happy to be featured on Chris Davenport’s Movie Mondays, a series of weekly videos that help nonprofits raise money, steward donors, and inspire board members. In the video, I cover the basics of Asking Styles and how they apply to fundraising.