Give and Take

Emotional Intelligence
Major Gifts
Barbara Kappel

Emotional Intelligence: The Key Ingredient to Major Gifts Success

In every major gifts operation there are a few key factors that will either foster success or precipitate repeated frustration. In this brief, light, and digestible rant, I will define emotional intelligence and the role it plays in several aspects of successful major gifts management.

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angry bird looking at camera
Estate Planning
Viken Mikaelian

A Lesson from an Early Bird

I picked up my coffee this morning at our local WaWa (for those of you who aren’t on the East Coast, you’ll have to Google that) and drove to our office in Valley Forge, PA. After an uneventful, pleasant drive that gave me a little extra planning time, I pulled into my parking space ready to start the day. I opened the door to get out …

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Low Response to Planned Giving Newsletters? Here’s What You’re Doing Wrong

If you have been in the fundraising industry for a while, you remember a time when planned giving newsletters were a surefire way to connect with donors. While the majority of people still prefer direct mail as a form of communication over e-mail, the popularity of planned giving newsletters has dwindled. Planned giving newsletters can still be a useful tool, but they must be sent with a clear strategy.

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Woman In Front of PC Writing Her Will
Bequest
Gretel DeRuiter

Q&A with Viken Mikaelian Re Online Will Planner

The number one reason some nonprofits do not want a will maker on their planned giving website is because they know “better.” Fundraisers are deeply rooted in their belief that a donor should use an attorney to draft a will. True. But it’s not our decision.

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Fundraising Strategy
Viken Mikaelian

Are You a “Fingers Crossed” Marketer?

Are you a “hopeful” marketer? The kind of person whose entire marketing strategy consists of crossing your fingers, sending out an occasional mailer and hoping you get a few responses? Well, I hope this post shows you the error of your ways.

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Bitcoin Depiction of US Dollar
Fundraising Strategy
Viken Mikaelian

Cryptocurrency: The Next Gifting Frontier

Cryptocurrency—crypto for short—is a blanket term that covers a wide array of digital currencies that can be used to buy goods and services just like cash. Read on to find out how nonprofits can harness the power of crypto to further their organization’s mission.

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eBook Cover - 25 Ways to Influence Others

25 Ways to Influence Others

Influencing others is a skill that can be learned and developed into an art form. Here are some easy techniques to help you to develop your influence.