The primary role of your case statement is to translate the funding priorities of your institution into messages prospective donors will embrace with enthusiasm. This translation occurs in two fundamental ways: First, your case needs to do the practical work of translating all of your “institutional speak” into everyday language that regular folk understand. Acronyms, jargon, and…
For most advancement and development programs, defining success is rather straightforward. At the end of the year, we might point to the total amount of gift income received. Or the number of donors who gave. Or the number of people who attended events. Or the number of new planned giving commitments that were formalized. The…
It’s easy to take notice of the mass happenings. The red news banner on the bottom scroll of your television visibly blaring the phrase, “Breaking News.” The homerun in the 9th inning of a tied world series game that has everyone in the stadium on the edge of their seats. The Netflix show that everyone…
Gonser Gerber would like to congratulate our client, Palmer College of Chiropractic, on the launch of their largest campaign in school history, the $25 million “Daring and Driven” campaign, of which they’ve raised $20.2 million. We’re so proud to watch you soar and be by your side for this historic achievement! Find out more about…
All advancement programs have finite resources, both human and financial. The idea that you can spend whatever you wish to accomplish your goals and aims is not reality. Sure, advancement budgets at some institutions are larger than at others, but there is always a limit. And, over the last few years – regardless of the…
Ineffective gift officers will (perhaps) spend time with prospective donors; Better gift officers will spend time with prospective donors. And they, also, will invite the gift; The best gift officers will spend time with prospective donors. They, also, will invite the gift. And they will utilize the influence of others to increase the chances that…
Most every institutional and advancement leader will say they want to raise more money in the future. In fact, most will say adamantly that they need to raise more money in the future. However, many leaders will also say in the very next breath, “but we don’t have money to add a new gift officer position.” Or,…
You can raise a lot of money very quickly appealing to negative emotions. Humans are hard-wired to respond physically to negativity. When we are fearful, or angered, or bitter, our bodies release stress hormones that prepare us to fight or flight. Our physical and psychological responses to negativity are powerful motivators. In the short term, we will act when scared…
Pay more attention to others, less to yourself. Dogs don’t care about what they are doing. They care about what you are doing. And that makes us feel good. Don’t let a “no” derail your efforts. Sure, your dog might pout or cower if told “no” forcefully. But dogs don’t stay in that negative emotional…
A key aim of our advancement work should be to gain deeper awareness of our donors (and prospective donors). What do they believe about our institution? What is their motivation to volunteer? To give? What are their specific reasons for engaging with us? How would they describe their values? What other organizations do they support…