Mersky Jaffe & Assoc

06/05/2025

Plan Now for Next Year’s Successes. So don’t be afraid to ask prospects to give because you fear them leaving. It’s fine if they no longer want to hear from you; there are many others who do.

Do you work in the field of development? Then like me, now as we approach year’s end, your email inbox fills daily. Mine overflows with advice from fundraising companies and consultants. (I should unsubscribe from some, but I don’t want to hurt anyone’s… [Read more…]

06/03/2025

Does it Feel Like the Sky is Falling? You may worry about cutting programs if you don’t raise enough, but donors respond to purpose, not panic. Position yourself as a mission-driven force, not a desperate organization.


https://merskyjaffe.com/does-it-feel-like-the-sky-is-falling/

06/02/2025

This or That? Executive Search edition. But if you are not finding your unicorn, what tradeoffs are you willing to make? This or that?

https://merskyjaffe.com/this-or-that-executive-search-edition/

05/29/2025

Choosing the Interviewees for a Feasibility Study. Dream big and test everything you think might be possible — you can scale back later. You may discover the community is more enthusiastic (and generous) than expected.


https://merskyjaffe.com/choosing-the-interviewees-for-a-feasibility-study/

05/27/2025

Legacy Gifts: Myths and Facts. Your focus with donors should be on your mission and their desire to perpetuate it. One can always find experts to help your staff and volunteers. The basics are easy. And you want your donors to engage with their own financial advisors. Then, they are confident that they are doing what is best for the future of their favorite nonprofit.

https://merskyjaffe.com/legacy-gifts-myths-and-facts/

05/26/2025

Fundraisers, Start Your Engines. According to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, the data makes this abundantly clear: Each year, in the aggregate, there are fewer donors than gave the year before. Among those who do donate, they make fewer gifts for smaller amounts.

https://merskyjaffe.com/fundraisers-start-your-engines/

05/22/2025

Does Your Year-End Solicitation Need 12 Versions? Each organization needs its own segmentation strategy. The basic steps to understand this can be done through some CRMs. If your data is accurate and usable, DonorPerfect, Bloomerang, and others offer some analytical tools.

https://merskyjaffe.com/does-your-year-end-solicitation-need-12-versions/

05/20/2025

Thank You! Yes you! Choices are not wrong, even if you don’t agree with them. But they are choices. If you want to keep your donors, remind them why they are the hero. Why their donation — whether $15,000, $1,500, or $150 — helps your nonprofit achieve more. Why their specific role as a donor makes a difference. And then, make sure you are talking to them at many times throughout the year when you are not asking for money.

https://merskyjaffe.com/thank-you-yes-you/

05/19/2025

Put Yourself In Your Donor’s Shoes. How would you feel if somebody kept asking you for favors or borrowing money without ever thanking you? Well, that is how your donor feels if you do not express appreciation for their contribution. No donor wants to be your ATM!

>> https://merskyjaffe.com/put-yourself-in-your-donors-shoes/

05/15/2025

Do You Understand the Feasibility Study Process? Thinking about a capital campaign? Many organizations see the need for a capital campaign but question if a feasibility study is worth the cost.


https://merskyjaffe.com/do-you-understand-the-feasibility-study-process/

05/13/2025

Fundraising is a Contact Sport. Be creative. In a world where so many were raised on Sesame Street and social media, we must accept that most people we encounter today have a very short attention span. To counter this tendency and the distractions that abound, use every tool you can — photos, icons, audio, video, etc. — to draw the eye and focus the prospective donors to pay attention in this crowded world.

https://merskyjaffe.com/fundraising-is-a-contact-sport/

05/12/2025

Two Critical Donor Segments Worth Reaching. The first communication should be a thank you email or letter immediately after that first contribution. Tell them how important they are to you and your organization.

https://merskyjaffe.com/two-critical-donor-segments-worth-reaching/