Author Archives: Siobhan Aspinall

Your charity has been struggling since the recession – or even before that. Your major gift volunteers say that everyone’s “tapped out.” Your corporate partners say it’s harder to get money from their Ontario headquarters. But has the money really … Continue reading →

There are two issues at play here. First, do donors really care about our recognition names/levels/circles/clubs? Does this recognition drive loyalty and gift size? And second, what can the charity actually offer for each level so that it isn’t just … Continue reading →

It was in the middle of a hair-raising meeting at United Way – we were within reach of our campaign goal that year, but had hit a couple of snags and were deciding how to cope – when I glanced … Continue reading →

Those first-timers can be tricky, especially when the point is to raise money! This topic request came from my BCIT students and includes a 9-minute videotronic option if you are too lazy to drag your eyes down this whole page. … Continue reading →

A good major gifts fundraiser knows that an ask centers on the 5 R’s: the right person asking the right prospect for the right project, at the right time for the right amount. But many times the focus is completely … Continue reading →

I won’t mince words here. I lie awake at night wondering whether our corporate donors ever read a word of those boring, million-page reports we send on the impact of their gifts. And yet there is a huge reluctance in … Continue reading →

It’s that time again! Let’s look at some words that are like garlic to my fundraising vampire. Keep them out of your major gifts events, proposals and meetings and you will live forever. 1. Metrics It’s not that I’m a … Continue reading →

This one’s all about the love – donor love. Remember my first stewardship piece covering the basics for personalized, impact-focused donor updates? Well, here’s the promised follow-up with some specific ideas you can try out back at the ranch. Our … Continue reading →