In today’s crowded nonprofit landscape, simply having a worthy cause isn’t enough to break the curse of being ignored. Google’s groundbreaking research has revealed what fundraisers need to achieve before donors feel comfortable giving: the 7-11-4 rule. This framework isn’t just for businesses—it’s essential for nonprofits seeking to transform casual interactions into committed donors. FOR FREE TODAY: Create a Welcome Email Series - CLICK HERE Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon....
In fundraising. When you authentically celebrate even partial success, you often unlock additional giving. It’s like a mountain climbing team sharing their journey story while still on the mountainside - their authentic enthusiasm often attracts unexpected support. What does this kind of celebration look like? To help you, I have put together a couple of "failure" campaign emails that will help you craft your own. CLICK HERE FOR FREE CELEBRATIVE EMAIL SAMPLES Get David's book Visionary Fundr...
I have an acquaintance who loves to put posts on social media about his wife. “She’s hot,” he will say. When I see his posts, I feel awkward. What ought to be beautiful and admirable is instead a little repulsive. He even has a shirt, “I LOVE MY HOT WIFE.” AND a coffee mug: “MY WIFE IS HOTTER THAN MY COFFEE” Most of us find this off putting, but fundraisers do this all the time. Your messaging can make audiences uncomfortable - a common mistake that drives donors away instead of buildin...
"I reviewed with each person the factors that motivated their giving. A recurring pattern was the towering gratification they received from making the gift." Jerold Panas, Mega Gifts, Who Gives Them, Who Gets Them. Are you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pane that says: "Lean Into Your Visionary Capacity With David: FREE" and sign up for my Mentoring Monday's email. This puts you on my email list and you will always know where I will be speaking next. Get David's ...
Some of history's greatest fundraisers have never asked people for money. HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN? Are you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pane that says: "Lean Into Your Visionary Capacity With David: FREE" and sign up for my Mentoring Monday's email. This puts you on my email list and you will always know where I will be speaking next. Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE ...
"There needs to be a near-militant belief in its mission..." Jerold Panas, Mega Gifts, Who Gives Them, Who Gets Them Are you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pane that says: "Lean Into Your Visionary Capacity With David: FREE" and sign up for my Mentoring Monday's email. This puts you on my email list and you will always know where I will be speaking next. Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising t...
"History has recorded few truly anonymous gifts. Many benefactors, who pretend anonymity, hide after a conferring a gift - much like Virgil's Galatea. She fled...but only after making certain she had been seen by everyone." Jerold Panas, Mega Gifts, Who Gives Them, Who Gets Them Are you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pane that says: "Lean Into Your Visionary Capacity With David: FREE" and sign up for my Mentoring Monday's email. This puts you on my email list and...
"It is my experience - confirmed by the million dollar givers - that major philanthropy is spontaneous." Jerold Panas, Mega Gifts, Who Gives Them, Who Gets Them Are you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pane that says: "Lean Into Your Visionary Capacity With David: FREE" and sign up for my Mentoring Monday's email. This puts you on my email list and you will always know where I will be speaking next. Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital c...
"As Harold Seymour put it many years ago, no one ever got milk from a cow by sending a letter." Jerold Panas, Mega Gifts Are you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pane that says: "Lean Into Your Visionary Capacity With David: FREE" and sign up for my Mentoring Monday's email...
"For many major donors, sophisticated or fancy campaign literature has as much impact as the sound of one hand clapping." Jerold Panas, Mega Gifts, Who Gives Them, Who Gets Them Are you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pane that says: "Lean Into Your Visionary Capacity With David: FREE" and sign up for my Mentoring Monday's email. This puts you on my email list and you will always know where I will be speaking next. Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon....
Are you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pane that says: "Lean Into Your Visionary Capacity With David: FREE" and sign up for my Mentoring Monday's email. This puts you on my email list and you will always know where I will be speaking next. Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Special price $5.00 You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net Instagram LinkedIn
At weddings, ministers are fond of rehearsing the historical story of Jesus’ first miracle. He attends a wedding where the host runs out of wine. At the insistence of his mother, he turns six stone jars of water into wine. The belief in miracles is a matter of personal faith and varies among individuals and spiritual traditions. Personally, I believe it is a miracle every time someone gives away money they could have spent on themselves! Fundraising is participation in the miraculous! B...
Let me introduce you to my friend Jeff Slaughter. He is a missionary, fundraiser, master storyteller and more. Find Jeff at: https://jeffslaughterwrites.com/ https://elevateeurope.com/ Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Special price $5.00 You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net Instagram LinkedIn
As a fundraising consultant, I’ve encountered countless nonprofits who believe they’re telling compelling stories about their work. But when I look at their websites and social media feeds, I’m often left wondering: Where are the stories? Fundraisers think like news reporters when it comes to telling stories. But nothing could be further from the truth. You are not a news reporter, you are a nonprofit storyteller. There is a huge difference in news reporting and storytelling. What I usu...
Naming opportunities are a nonprofit's golden ticket to unlocking major donations. This episode reveals the power of offering naming rights to recognize supporters, plus you'll learn 7 key steps to follow to successfully implement this lucrative fundraising strategy. Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Special price $5.00 You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net Instagram LinkedIn
Describing the need is easy compared with the hard work of finding the descriptive words that paint a picture of the need having been met. If there is one thing I find that leaders don't understand, it is the power of vision. Most leaders think they become powerful when they can describe the need. Not so. Describing the need is easy compared to describing the world, like Pastor Wells, where that need would no longer be valid. Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digi...
When we fail to recognize and celebrate “firsts,” we miss powerful opportunities to strengthen our relationships, build momentum, and create a positive, thriving culture. In families, celebrating firsts – from a baby’s first steps to a teenager’s first job – helps to create a strong sense of unity, pride, and mutual support. By acknowledging these milestones, we show our loved ones that we are paying attention, and that we are invested in their growth and success. This builds trust, strengthe...
Your vision and mission statements are more than just words on paper - they’re the heart and soul of your nonprofit, guiding every decision you make and every dollar you raise. Invest in getting them right, and watch your impact soar. Need more help? Get my book, I dedicate a whole chapter, Establish Your Compelling Vision, to this. Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Special price $5.00 You can conne...
Jewish storytellers celebrate unity and brotherhood by telling a story about pouring huge amounts of expensive oil on the top of one of their leader's heads. Their story corresponds to the "rock in the pond" principle. Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Special price $5.00 You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net Instagram LinkedIn
One of Dale Carnagie's favorite stories was about fishing. "I love strawberries and cream, but I find for some reason that fish prefer worms." In the same vein, you don't "catch" donors by baiting the hook with what you love... Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Special price $5.00 You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net Instagram LinkedIn