“People want to support a winning organization not a whining organization.”
3. Understand that people and funding organizations give more when they are able to give more.
The point I am trying to make is that donors give larger gifts, or more gifts when they are best able to make those gifts. There may be a certain time of year, or a certain point in life when larger charitable gifts are possible. When a family has sold a business, inherited wealth, had a financial windfall of some type, sold some property, or had a large bonus at work, they are in a better position to give gifts. You cannot know the exact timing of these moments, so the best thing to do is to build a long-term relationship with your donors, and regularly meet with them and provide them with information about your projects. When they can make gifts, they will let you know.
4. Have a variety of giving options for donors.
Some businesses will only provide support for organizations through sponsorships that help to promote their business interests in the community. Some businesses are generous, but they can only provide goods or services in kind. (Make sure you find ways to use those types of donations well, it can make a huge difference.). Some businesses and individuals will only support a fundraising gala initiative with the purchase of a table or a generous donation to a live or silent auction.