Nonprofit fundraising is on my mind. Perhaps it's on your mind too.

On Friday, I was on a fantastic panel discussion hosted by the Development Executives Roundtable and the Golden Gate Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The topic of the discussion was about the interplay between strategic planning/thinking and fund development. It was a thoroughly enjoyable discussion and I believe we provided some great value to the development officers in attendance.

After the panel ended, I opened my email and found this Harvard Business Review article that had been forwarded by one of our customers. The timing was excellent. With the overwhelming amount of information out there regarding nonprofit fundraising, I thought this article was a gift that elegantly cut to the chase about how to seek funds best right now.

The author essentially outlined a four-part process in an individual fundraising letter:

1. Provide an update
2. Provide an offer/gift
3. Inform about your services
4. Ask for a donation if you have the means

Four authentic and straightforward steps.

I hope you find the same value in the article as I. If so, please share the gift with others.