In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we're going to be talking about why your donors REALLY give, and how you can leverage that knowledge as a nonprofit leader to encourage greater donor generosity through effective development strategies. Join us as we dissect the two main categories of donor motivations: institutional and individual. We'll analyze how donors assess the effectiveness and worth of organizations, considering aspects like financial responsibility, mission alignm...
Dec 20, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Click here for access to part 2 of 10 Secrets to Crafting a Compelling Fundraising Letter! → https://www.fundraisingmasterminds.net/5-more-secrets-for-fundraising-letters In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we're going to be talking about Jim's 10 secrets to crafting a compelling fundraising letter. Whether you're tackling an email campaign, newsletter, or event appeal, prepare to have your questions answered and your answers questioned! Join us as we dive into the 10 essenti...
Dec 13, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 36
In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we're going to be talking about the 5 things you must do before the new year, and why these 5 things are critical for your nonprofit organization's growth. Join us as we share our top five nonprofit fundraising strategies for the last two weeks of the year. We're going to be talking about everything from practical advice on communication to the assessment of your critical few, from targeted outreach to the significant impact of year-end don...
Dec 06, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 35
In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we're going to be talking about the one mistake that will ruin your fundraising event. Get ready to have your preconceptions shattered and your feathers ruffled! Join us as we share personal experiences and insights on crafting successful fundraising events. We'll cover a variety of topics, including how to create the perfect atmosphere for your event and refine the clarity of your donation tiers. Don't miss out on these essential tips for ...
Nov 29, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 34
In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we're diving deep into the world of how to start a monthly giving program that actually works. From the benefits of a monthly giving program to practical advice for rewarding membership status, we're covering it all! Join us as we unpack the essentials of creating a successful monthly giving program. Discover the crucial elements of a strong cause concept and the creative marketing approaches that will incentivize donors to stay committed f...
Nov 22, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 33
In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we're going to be talking about all sorts of a-thon events (from walkathons to bikeathons to marathons and more!) and asking the question: are a-thon events really worth it? Join us as we talk about every aspect of a-thon events in nonprofit fundraising, and the consequences of a-thon events that you might not see. From amplifying awareness to bringing money in the door, from the thrill of pep rallies to the importance of nurturing long-ter...
Nov 15, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we're going to be diving into the intriguing world of small dinner parties for nonprofits. Join us as we explore the nuances of this intimate strategy and how it can complement your fundraising efforts. Discover the key differences between small dinner parties and the Perfect Vision Dinner strategy, and learn why you should incorporate both in your fundraising toolkit! We'll walk you through the four essential steps for hosting a successful...
Nov 08, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Did you know that matching gifts are responsible for over 10% of your event's total donations? If you didn't, then you're in for a treat, because in this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast we're going to be talking about matching gifts - the ultimate way to multiply your impact as a nonprofit! Join us as we talk about the five key ways matching gifts can ignite your giving and multiply your impact - and some of them may take you by surprise. From corporate partnerships and enhancing ...
Nov 01, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we're going to be looking at the five words you should never say as a nonprofit leader, and why you shouldn't say them. Join us today to delve into the profound impact of language on donor relationships. Learn how building genuine connections with your donors will lead to long-term success. Discover how you can move away from transactional fundraising to transformational relationship-building by simply changing your vocabulary and mindset. ...
Oct 30, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we're going to be talking about Jason's five expert tips to maximizing Giving Tuesday this year. Get ready to supercharge your year-end fundraising campaign with these strategic tips to a successful Giving Tuesday! Join us as we cover Jason's five tips to making your Giving Tuesday campaign a resounding success. Learn why starting early is the key to maximizing your results, and discover how matching gifts can turn Giving Tuesday from a pai...
Oct 18, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Click here for access to part 2 of How to Write an Exceptional Fundraising Letter! → fundraisingmasterminds.net/fundraising-letter-part-two In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we're going to be talking about how to write an exceptional fundraising letter! Tune in to learn the art of crafting a compelling appeal, and get ready to hear the invaluable insights of someone who is in charge of mailing over 2 million fundraising letters annually! Join us for Part 1 of this episode a...
Oct 11, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Click here for access to our special year-end campaign strategy guide! → https://www.fundraisingmasterminds.net/year-end-campaign-strategies-pdf In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we're diving deep into the art of crafting a winning year-end campaign strategy. We're going to be talking about things like specialized appeals, matching gifts, and the crucial role of list segmentation. But that's just the beginning! Join us as we explore the four essential components of an effec...
Oct 04, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we're going to be looking at the most inspiring nonprofit success stories of 2023: the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Join us today to hear real-life examples of nonprofits that achieved amazing results through the Perfect Vision Dinner strategy. We'll take you behind the scenes of these fundraising events and discuss exactly what worked, and what didn't. We'll also look at some dinners that just didn't measure up, and talk abo...
Sep 27, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 25
How do you raise $100K+ in five months?? You know your mission, vision, and values. You have a board of directors selected and ready to go. You've already filed all your legal paperwork, and now, all you need to do is get funded. But how in the world do you do that? If this is a question you've been asking, then you're in the right place, because in this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we're going to be talking about how to start a nonprofit, how to get fully funded, and how to r...
Sep 20, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we'll be diving deep into the topic of plated dinners vs. buffets for nonprofits. We'll explore why your choice of serving style matters, and how it can profoundly influence the success of your nonprofit's event. Join us as we look at ChatGPT's opinion on the four potential benefits of buffets for nonprofits, and how Jim and Jason's personal experience measures up to it. We'll talk about how important it is to create an elegant experience f...
Sep 13, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Have you ever felt like giving up on referrals for nonprofits? Have you ever reached the point where your friends and family have heard every fundraising pitch in the book? Have you ever found yourself wondering, "How on earth am I going to find someone new who is willing to give?" If you have, then you're in the right place, because in this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we're going to be talking about how to go beyond your friends and family and find new partners - to skyrocke...
Sep 06, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Are silent auctions the ultimate solution for raising a little extra money as a nonprofit, or are they as enjoyable as a root canal? Should you do a silent auction at your event? More importantly, do silent auctions actually work? In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, join us as we answer all these questions and more. We'll debunk myths, invent some new vocabulary, and ask a couple tough questions about silent auctions. Are they really worth it? If they aren't, why? What could ...
Aug 23, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we'll be diving into the deep topic of how to segment your nonprofit marketing efforts: in a nutshell, reaching people who care about your organization. Join us as we discover the importance of segmenting your audience for efficient and impactful communication. By categorizing donors based on recency, frequency, and gift amount, you can ensure that your message reaches the right people at the right time. And remember, it's all about friendr...
Aug 09, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we're going to be talking about the three fundamental ingredients to a successful nonprofit marketing plan: the hook, the story, and the offer. Join us as we dive deeply into these three fundamental components. Discover the critical importance of each element and understand how the absence or weakness of just one can lead to failure for your entire marketing plan. If you're facing challenges in your marketing efforts, it's likely that one o...
Jul 26, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we're going to delve into the common myths surrounding social media in fundraising - specifically, in the area of nonprofit marketing. Join us as we unravel the truth behind these misconceptions and learn how to navigate their potential pitfalls. While social media plays a vital role in public relations and increasing awareness of your nonprofit, it can fall short as a fundraising platform. Discover how to leverage social media as the initi...
Jul 12, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Click here for access to the 3-3-3-Skip Communication Plan! → https://www.fundraisingmasterminds.net/3-3-3-skip Welcome to the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, your go-to source on all things nonprofit! In this episode, we're diving headfirst into the gritty details of major donor development. Get ready as we look into the controversies surrounding major donors. We'll explore fundamental questions like: What exactly constitutes a major donor? What does it take to create an effective major donor ...
Jun 28, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we'll delve into the world of event underwriting, and explore exactly how you can best use your event sponsors to achieve your fundraising goals! Prepare to have your preconceptions challenged as we debunk common myths surrounding event sponsorship and underwriting. While the idea of having your dinner underwritten may seem appealing, we'll unveil the surprising ways underwriters can inadvertently hinder your fundraising efforts. But don't ...
Jun 14, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we'll be unpacking the critical roles and responsibilities of nonprofit board members! It's time to roll up your sleeves and discover just what are the essential qualities that make outstanding board members truly exceptional. Join us as we uncover the five important standards that contribute to the success of nonprofit board members. We'll talk about everything from the importance of having board members as financial partners, to the cruci...
May 24, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Welcome to Episode #14 of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of nonprofit fundraising and provide you with helpful tips and actionable strategies for success! In this episode, we'll be tackling the common misconception known as the Myth of the Multiples. We'll be covering everything you need to know about the Myth of the Multiples, including the two main reasons why it just doesn't work. We'll also be sharing some horror stories about the consequences of falli...
May 17, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Welcome to the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, where we explore all things nonprofit! In this episode, we'll be diving deep into the important topic of nonprofit board members. Join us as we debunk common misconceptions, outline the essential qualifications of a great board member, and reveal insider tips on how to find the best candidates. We'll explore who to have on your board (and who to avoid!), as well as the ideal number of board members for maximum effectiveness. You'll learn some of th...
May 10, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Are you tired of the same old fundraising dinners bringing in the same old donations year after year? And have you ever considered that ticketed dinners might actually be working against you? In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we explore the ins and outs of ticketed dinners and why they might not be the best approach for your nonprofit organization. Join us as we dive into the three flawed mindsets that often lead nonprofits to opt for ticketed dinners. We'll discuss why sim...
May 03, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Welcome to our Q&A episode, where we'll be answering questions from nonprofit executive directors Matt and Mikey and sharing powerful strategies on how to successfully upgrade your donors and raise personal support for your cause! In this information-packed episode, we'll reveal insider tips and expert insights on how to optimize your donor engagement efforts. Learn how to create compelling vision dinners that inspire donors to take action. Discover proven strategies for connecting with mid-...
Apr 26, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Are you struggling to secure foundation grants for your organization? Have you been following conventional wisdom, but still not getting the results you hoped for? It's time to uncover the truth about foundation grants and learn the secrets to success! In this episode, we will share three common myths about foundation grants and three secrets to success that will transform your nonprofit's grant-seeking efforts. Discover the importance of research and relationships in writing a compelling appeal...
Apr 19, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 10
"Big name speakers: are they worth it?" is the question on everyone's mind when it comes to planning a fundraising event. The idea is, if you can snag a big name speaker, people will flock to your event. But is it really that simple? In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we'll explore the pros and cons of featuring big name speakers at your nonprofit's events. We'll also present four compelling reasons why having a big name speaker might not be the best choice for your organiza...
Apr 12, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Are you considering starting a nonprofit but don't know where to begin? Look no further! In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we're sharing our top five expert tips for starting a nonprofit and getting fully funded. If you're passionate about making a difference in the world, tune in to learn how YOU can succeed in starting a nonprofit. From choosing the perfect name for your organization, to building a board of directors, we cover all the important details you need to know to...
Apr 05, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 8
