Just Ask - Rethinking Development

Greg dives further into the implications of what he terms the “Catholic Black Market”. This episode covers the implications of the Catholic Church charging less than they should for the services they offer. Conversely, Greg advocates for a simple solution: pricing services fairly makes great programming and staff possible.

The less we charge, the more the service costs. This is the premise behind “The Catholic Black Market,” which Greg defines in todays show. The free or steeply discounted model people have come to expect from Catholic Churches comes at a cost.

The idea of a perfect time to call someone is an illusion. Too often, fundraisers project our own predispositions and fears onto a potential donor to justify why we shouldn’t call them. Don’t do this! Bryan and Greg give encourage and practical tips to stop waiting for the “perfect” time to call.

One of the most terrifying terms in development is the “cold call”. How do you take the cold out of this crucial step in donor relationships? There can be no relationship or support for your cause without making the discovery call. Today Bryan breaks down the steps to master this skill and get more appointments.

Bryan and Greg bring three more reasons every parish needs development. Learn what benefits come by taking a more professional development approach to raising funds and building relationships in your own parish.

Are parishes too comfortable with the status quo of the weekend collection supporting the parish? Will aging congregations face challenges relying solely on this method of giving? Yes!!Bryan and Greg make the case for why every parish needs development. This is part one of a two part series.

You get in front of a benefactor and ask for a gift, and they say yes! But, your the gift is not “closed” at that point. When you get back to the office, do you know when and how the benefactor intends to make their gift? These are just examples of information a good development officer needs to record. Greg and Bryan discuss the 5 key details you must get for a gift to truly be valid and closed.

How do you best direct your time to bring value to your organization? Any given day, there are numerous ways a fundraiser can spend their time. Greg explains how your activities fall into one of two categories: income or expense. The income producing tasks are short and simple. The expense producing tasks are many and should be exercised judiciously. Find out whether the tasks you do are making or spending money for your non-profit.

You should always tell the truth. For as the saying goes, “the truth will set you free.” In this episode, Greg sheds light on why that donor isn’t getting back to you with the answer you want. Simply put: you aren’t asking right question. Don’t beat around the bush with donors. Ask the question you want answered.

In the pursuit for building a sustainable funding model for your non-profit, you can’t forget the mid-tier support. Bryan lists 3 reasons mid-tier support should be valued more highly by every fundraiser.