Author Archives: Siobhan Aspinall

About Siobhan Aspinall

About Siobhan Aspinall: I am a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), passionate about the environment, social causes and surfing. I have been fundraising in Vancouver, Canada for over 20 years and love working with people who have a fear of fundraising. Call me for help developing a first-time fundraising plan, starting up a major gifts program, writing a case for support, or anything else that's keeping you awake at night! Please find me on linkedin and tell me what you'd like to see in future posts! : ) Photo Credit (sanddollar header): Minette Layne via Compfight cc

Building Trust with Your Funders: Bold Conversations

Building trust is THE relationship priority and the global pandemic has created some new opportunities for important conversations with donors. Put up your hand if you’ve noticed an increased commitment from funders to give either more dollars, unrestricted dollars, or … Continue reading

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Fundraising During a Pandemic: What You Should Start, Increase & Stop

These are tricky times and there’s no one-size solution for non-profits who are facing multiple threats right now. Luckily, some great fundraisers are sharing tips on what to do, many of them informed by having worked through the global recession … Continue reading

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Why is the Nonprofit Sector Allergic to Flex Time?

With my recruiter and fundraiser hats on I can see this issue from both sides, and it burns my toast!       I talk to charities every day complaining that they can’t find or keep good fundraisers, but who … Continue reading

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Boss Quiz: Are You a Talent Manager or a Talent Muncher?

Find out if you are a Talent Manager, a Talent Muncher, or something in between with this nearly scientific quiz. Write down your answers and compare to the key below! You have an open door policy for your team… Always … Continue reading

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Top 3 Interview Blunders That Could Cost You the Job

What’s going on out there? I sit in on tonnes of job interviews, and get feedback on many more from friends and colleagues. These blunders are happening more often, but are so easy to fix. Don’t be the earnest applicant … Continue reading

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How To Engage Younger Donors

Our donors are all getting older! How do we engage the next generation of philanthropists before it all goes sideways?! I hear this panicked question a LOT. And I usually give some unexpected advice: don’t bother! Yes, that’s a bit … Continue reading

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3 MORE Things Your Org Needs to Succeed at Fundraising

Ready for more after reading part one? I thought so! Here are 3 MORE top-down approaches to improving your charity’s fundraising efforts. Like my first list, you’ll notice that these do not directly involve the fundraising team. Here we go. … Continue reading

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3 Things Your Org Needs to Succeed at Fundraising (spoiler: none of them involve fundraisers)

Hi there! Ever wonder what more you can do or say when your organization is looking for more fundraising revenue? The majority of established mid- to large-size charities look to major gifts from individuals to secure sustainable funding, and donor … Continue reading

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Tracking Donor Relationships: Your Cheat Sheet for Raiser’s Edge

  Some relationship fundraisers dread using their customer relationship management system (CRM). Too complicated – too fussy – too many tabs – too many other things to do instead!   Raiser’s Edge is a great example of a very common … Continue reading

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Starting Your Planned Giving Program in 3 Steps

  3 steps? Could anything be easier?? No, not really.       STEP ONE Update your messaging to let donors know you’re open to receiving bequests. On your direct mail reply device: Add a couple of checkboxes with these … Continue reading

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