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It takes a special kind of person to be a fundraiser. Or at least that is what we tell ourselves. For most people, fundraising is intimidating. After all, who wants to go around asking other people for money. For most of us, fundraising doesn’t come naturally.
And yet, fundraising is an essential part to running a successful nonprofit.
So, here is some good news. Fundraising can be learned. AND it can be enjoyed.
In this podcast I interview Mitchell Linker, author of the book, “Nobody Dreams of Being a Fundraiser”. He talks about his evolution of becoming a good fundraiser. And the struggles he went throught that helped him learn his craft.
Mitchell walks us through a start-to-finish scenario of how to approach potential donors to ask for major gifts. Within this scenario he discusses:
- How to identify potential major gift donors
- How to start a major gifts program
- What to say (and ask) during face-to-face visit with potential donors
- And, in the end, how to ask for money
This is a great podcast for anyone interest in raising money for their nonprofit. And especially if you want to start a major gifts program.
Special Gift! Leave a comment below to be automatically entered to win a free copy of Mitchell’s Book.
Resources
Mitchell’s Website: NooneDreamsofBeingaFundraiser.com
Other Resources
Mentioned at beginning of podcast, podcast featuring Steve: Epidemiology Podcast
Comments are closed.
Thanks so much for this episode. I am just starting my work in the nonprofit sector. I’m a full-time grad student studying Nonprofit Administration with a focus on fundraising. I really enjoyed hearing the conversation about asking questions, getting to know a donor, and listening to them as a way to lead into the ask.
I really appreciated hearing some of the questions you use to “go to the island”. Those help a lot. I’d love the chance to win the book. I very much appreciate Nonprofit Allyas well – I feel like Steve has been a great coach this year, as I get my nonprofit off the ground.
Hey Shanna,
You could try FlipCause. They seem to be reasonable price and rather robust. We just did a podcast with them.
Check it out at, https://nonprofitally.com/community-engagement-fundraising/
Amazing podcast, it was very helpful. I’d love an opportunity to win Mitchell’s book.
Thanks for the comment. Good luck. BTW – congrats on heymentor.org’s 501.c.3!
I loved this interview! Thank you. I’m glad Mitchell highlighted how uncomfortable it can be to ask for monetary donations, but this was extremely helpful!
thanks again,
Elizabeth
Thanks for the feedback. It’s good to know we aren’t the only ones uncomfortable with asking for money.
Thanks. This was very helpful. I had a question. Does Mitchell have a checklist for the fundraising process? Besides Razoredge, what other database do you recommend?
I have learned my processes need to be on one computer but accessible. I was using my personal laptop and desktop.
Thanks
Shanna Johnson
sjohnson@watwbroward.com
Thanks for your comment. I can’t really recommend any other fundraising databases. I am sure there are plenty, and perhaps some that are less expensive (if also more no-frills) but I don’t know of any off hand. It just so happens that everywhere I’ve worked has used RE.
This website might be a resource to inquire about systems. https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/tools-resources
Or you could even call Blackbaud (which makes the Raiser’s Edge) and ask them what they’d recommend for a small non profit. Thanks, Mitch