Hey Fundraiser!

In this episode, Mary dives into transforming board members into effective storytelling fundraisers. She highlights the significance of board members feeling comfortable and skilled in connecting with donors through the organization's stories. Mary categorizes board members into four types: connectors, storytellers, visionaries, and closers. She offers insights on how board members can craft three vital stories: their involvement story, impact story, and thank you story. Additionally, Mary outlines key storytelling rules and suggests conducting storytelling exercises during board retreats to enhance these skills. Book a FREE gameplan call with MaryWatch this podcast episode on the Hey Fundraiser! Youtube channel Grab a copy of the slides here Listen to the previous podcast episodeFour Types of Board Members Takeaways: Board members are pivotal in fundraising by engaging with donors and narrating the organization's stories. Board members can be identified as connectors, storytellers, visionaries, or closers. Each board member should develop three core stories: their involvement story, impact story, and thank you story. Stories need to be genuine, relatable, and focused on the organization's community impact. Board retreats offer a great opportunity for board members to hone their storytelling abilities.

In this episode, Mary discusses the importance of fundraising operations and how it can make or break a fundraising program. She outlines six pillars of strong fundraising operations, including strong technology and systems management, enhancing the donor experience, supporting fundraising efforts, data-driven reports and analytics, building collegial partnerships, and standard operating procedures. Mary emphasizes the need for fundraising operations professionals to prioritize supporting fundraisers and highlights the importance of proactive gift entry and communication between different departments. Chapters 07:32 Fundraising Operations Pillar 1: Strong Technology and Systems Management09:13 Fundraising Operations Pillar 2: Enhancing the Donor Experience10:09 Fundraising Operations Pillar 3: Supporting Fundraising Efforts12:43 Fundraising Operations Pillar 4: Data-Driven Reports and Analytics20:12 Fundraising Operations Pillar 5: Building Collegial Partnerships22:54 Fundraising Operations Pillar 6: Standard Operating Procedures Resources Mentioned In This Episode → The Fundraising Operations Success Formula—Free Masterclass→ Ask Mary A Question on Speakpipe Connect With Mary Hackett→ Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ Email Mary at mary@maryhackett.co

In this podcast episode, Mary Hackett discusses the importance of metrics in annual giving. She emphasizes the need to measure what truly matters and avoid vanity metrics. Mary then dives into specific key performance indicators (KPIs) for annual giving, including retention rate, retention rate for first-time donors, upgrade rate, total raised, donor pool growth, and second gifts in the same fiscal year. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Metrics03:03 Importance of Annual Giving07:13 Retention Rate08:32 Retention Rate for First-Time Donors10:29 Upgrade Rate12:51 Total Raised14:31 Donor Pool16:10 Second Gift in the Same Fiscal Year18:07 Trendy Annual Giving Slogans Downloads and Resources Mentioned In This Episode → Download KPI's For Annual Giving→ Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

In this week's Hey Fundraiser! episode, Mary Hackett discusses the importance of creating an effective fundraising board and how to engage board members based on their unique profiles. She highlights common mistakes organizations make with board members and provides strategies for deploying them strategically. Mary introduces the four board member profiles: connectors, storytellers, visionaries, and closers. She explains how to engage each profile and offers an audit tool to assess the composition of your board. By understanding and leveraging the strengths of board members, organizations can maximize their fundraising efforts. Episode Takeaways Board members should be strategically deployed based on their unique profiles and strengths. Common mistakes organizations make with board members include assuming they know how to raise money and expecting them to be full-time major gift officers. The four board member profiles are connectors, storytellers, visionaries, and closers. Engaging board members based on their profiles can lead to more effective fundraising efforts. Assessing the composition of your board and recruiting the right personas can strengthen your fundraising board. Downloads and Resources Mentioned In This Episode→ Join The Nonprofit Collective→ Download Board Member Audit→ Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction: The Importance of an Effective Fundraising Board02:26 Strategically Deploying Board Members03:25 Common Mistakes Organizations Make with Board Members08:41 Effective Strategies for Engaging Board Members11:30 The Four Board Member Profiles19:23 Engaging Board Members Based on Their Profiles26:34 Conclusion: Deploying Board Members for Success

Join our host, Mary Hackett, as she bravely shares three impactful stories of fundraising failures, revealing valuable lessons and pitfalls to avoid in this very personal Hey Fundraiser! episode. Link mentioned in today's episode >>> Questions To Ask Valuable Resources From Hey Fundraiser! ↓ Learn More → Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

In this episode, we are diving into two inspiring and creative cultivation stories from my experience as a major gift officer. Join us as we explore the lessons learned and the power of personalized connections in cultivating lasting donor relationships for maximum impact. Do you have an inspiring creative cultivation story you want to share? We would love to hear from you! Click the link below to submit your story for a chance to be featured on the Hey Fundraiser! podcast. >>> Click here to send us your story! Valuable Resources From Hey Fundraiser! ↓ Learn More → Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

Director of Development Reports | Free Downloadhttps://www.heyfundraiser.com/Director-of-Development-Reports In this episode, I am sharing all my tips and tricks so you can quickly gain visibility, attain early wins, and assess your staffing and resources. Grab my free reports download to see exactly what I request when I start a new position as a director of development so that I can fully understand the lay of the land and easily set myself up for long-term success. Valuable Resources From Hey Fundraiser! ↓ Learn More → Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

In today's podcast episode, we're gonna look at how super successful major gift officers spend their time. For the last seven years, I've been studying 32 development departments across the US and the results of this study might shock you! Study Downloadhttps://www.heyfundraiser.com/MGO-Trends Episode 15—Six Ways for Fundraisers to Have the Best Major Gift Portfoliohttps://www.heyfundraiser.com/podcasts/hey-fundraiser/episodes/2147961261 Learn More → Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

In this episode, we're unveiling six powerful strategies that will revolutionize the way you curate your major gift portfolio for maximum impact. Learn More → Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

DownloadsSample Proposal & 50 Ways to Engage Donorshttps://www.heyfundraiser.com/Major-Gift-Proposal-Template In this episode, I am sharing my one-ask fundraising strategy that will allow you to solicit your donors once and thank them for 364 days.If you are looking to learn more check out our latest masterclass, The Donor Cultivation Method. Learn More → Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

Downloads15 Questions to Askhttps://www.heyfundraiser.com/prospect-meeting-questions Moves Management Stageshttps://www.heyfundraiser.com/moves-management-stages In this episode, we are going deep into mastering moves management. Moves management is the framework and process of identifying prospects, building relationships with them, soliciting them, and properly thanking them for their investment in your organization. Learn More → Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

→ FREE Masterclass: The Seven Figure Fundraiser Success Formulahttps://www.heyfundraiser.com/sff_masterclassgate In this episode, I will discuss the common practice among nonprofits requiring a minimum donation from board members. Depending on the organization, this requirement can range from $1,000 to $10,000. However, I'm here to challenge this tradition and urge you that it's time to ditch the board minimum. You might be surprised by this suggestion, or you have completely fallen out of your chair! Tune in for a fresh strategic perspective on board giving. Learn More → Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

A happy fundraiser is more likely to go the extra mile and be successful in their efforts, which is why it's crucial to empower them and make sure they feel supported. In this podcast episode, we'll discuss six tips to help you keep your fundraisers happy, motivated, and feeling supported throughout their fundraising journey—because happy fundraisers raise more money! Learn More → Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

In this episode I want to talk to you about asking for major gifts and handling those pesky objections that come up. Every fundraiser gets nervous before asking for a major gift because it puts you in a very vulnerable place. Like, what if the prospect says no? In this episode, I will share 3 questions to ask a teetering prospect that will turn a “no” into a “maybe” and a “maybe” into a “yes!” Do you need a more strategic cultivation plan that will help you raise more money? Check out our newest masterclass, The Donor Cultivation Method. A sneak peek of Asking: By Jerold Panas Learn More → Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

Creating Your Board | Download Free Guidehttps://www.heyfundraiser.com/creating-your-board-guide In today's episode we will discuss engaging other individuals from your organization in the fundraising process. Your program staff and leadership are all essential allies in the cultivation process. Tune in for strategic ways you can utilize your leadership to maximize your fundraising efforts. Learn More → Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

Download Our Best Questions for Your First Prospect Meeting https://www.heyfundraiser.com/prospect-meeting-questions Your clients, who are the beneficiaries of your programs, can provide compelling testimonials and insights that showcase the effectiveness of your organization. However, it's crucial to avoid treating them as mere tokens or putting them on display. It's important to respect their dignity as they work with your organization. The involvement of clients in promoting your organization should never interfere with their participation in the programs they're engaging in. Hear my thoughts on this topic in today's Hey Fundraiser! podcast episode! Learn More → Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

Events are an important part of engagement for donors and prospects, and you can strategically use them to springboard your cultivation efforts. Events can run the gamut – you've got huge fundraising galas to small, intimate house parties and everything in between. You might not love events, but why not make the best of them and utilize an event to kick off your cultivation efforts? Do you need a more strategic cultivation plan that will help you raise more money? Check out our newest masterclass, The Donor Cultivation Method. Learn More → Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

Download Our Best Questions for Your First Prospect Meeting https://www.heyfundraiser.com/prospect-meeting-questions The first meeting with a prospect is a big deal. It's your chance to make a great first impression and begin a new journey with the prospect. During this meeting, you need to assess whether or not the prospect should continue in your portfolio and, if so, what should be the plan for this process? But how do you gauge affinity? By asking the right questions and then listening for clues about their feelings toward the organization. Let's take a deeper look into cultivating relationships with prospects. Learn More → Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

→ FREE Masterclass: The Seven Figure Fundraiser Success Formula At some point in your fundraising career, you are going to have an upset donor who is angry with the organization, leadership, or the direction that the organization is going. It's not a pleasant experience, but with some grace and skills, you will make it though it. You will experience upset donors. It's part of having a relationship – there are ups and downs. If a prospect is really upset and threatening to pull their giving or something drastic, engage your manager. It might take more than just you to smooth things over. That's okay, just remember, they are upset because they care. If they didn't care about your organization, they wouldn't get upset. It's hard to remember that when you're being yelled at or lectured, but try to center yourself in the comfort that they care. If they didn't care about your organization, they wouldn't get upset. It's hard to remember that when you're being yelled at or lectured, but try to center yourself in the comfort that they care. When donors or prospects have strong feelings, listen, and try not to get defensive. Sometimes people just need to be heard and acknowledged. → Download KPI's For Annual Giving→ Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

Mistakes made during donor cultivation can cost you the relationship and the major gift! We're going to break down the biggest missteps that fundraisers make during cultivation so you can work hard to avoid them. If you can avoid these mistakes, you will be well on your way to sophisticated donor cultivation and closing large major gifts. Donor cultivation is building deep, long-lasting relationships. Think about how you build relationships with new friends or romantic partners, and the faux pas you work hard to avoid in those new relationships. The eight mistakes we're going to cover today are very similar. Learn: The common mistakes to avoid when conducting donor cultivation How to build deep, meaningful relationships with major gift donors and prospects Why a proactive approach in cultivation is the best Do you need a more strategic cultivation plan that will help you raise more money? Check out our newest masterclass→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass → Download KPI's For Annual Giving→ Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

KPIs are the measurements of success for your major gift officers. That's why choosing the right KPIs is critical. Peter Drucker wisely said, "what gets measured, matters." And he's right! Whatever metrics you put into place for your major gift officers will become their focus. If you are measuring the wrong things, your major gift officers will begin focusing on the wrong activities. Make sure your KPIs are donor-facing, include solicitations, and that most of the portfolio is being cultivated. They should be easy to measure and not tie your major gift officers to their desks. Major gift officers should spend minimal time on data entry but just enough to measure the KPIs. Learn: What are KPIs Why are KPIs for your Major Gift Officers important How to track KPIs in your database The best 5 KPIs for your Major Gift Officers How often you should review your KPIs Want to download our five KPIs and other helpful hints for measuring success? Download our KPIs → Download KPI's For Annual Giving→ Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

This week we are exploring how to maximize your fundraising reports so that the right information is going to the right audience. Once you release a report, the cat is out of the bag, and the people who are reading your fundraising reports are going to make assumptions and act upon the data you've given them. Let's talk through all the do's and don'ts when it comes to presenting how your fundraising efforts are faring! ⋙ The three big mistakes when producing and presenting fundraising reports ⋙ The four audiences you have when presenting reports and how each audience needs different information ⋙ The content you need in your fundraising reports → Download KPI's For Annual Giving→ Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

Welcome to the first episode of the Hey Fundraiser! podcast. Today I am sharing my fundraising story. Learn Downloads and Resources → Download KPI's For Annual Giving→ Join The Nonprofit Collective → Connect with Mary Hackett on LinkedIn→ Join our Private Facebook Group→ The Donor Cultivation Masterclass

Hey Fundraiser! Welcome to the Podcast, before we dive into today's topic, and for those who are new here, let me first introduce myself, I am Mary Hackett the Founder and Host of the Hey Fundraiser! Podcast where I share valuable, honest and action-packed advice for the frontline fundraiser. With over 20 years of experience, I have curated the top fundraising secrets that will turn YOU into a Seven Figure Fundraiser. Learn more about our self-guided courses and coaching collections over on www.heyfundraiser.com