The Fundraising Coach

Competition for donors is tough. The problem is that most nonprofit are focused on acquiring donors when they should be thinking about how to retain them. In this podcast, learn how to create loyal and generous fans by thanking donors in ways that stand out and separate you from the competition. 

Learn 3 of my favorite ways to raise money from donors during the month of December. Time is running out -- do what works!!

This is a brief podcast on how to create an engagement form that your board members can fill out when they join your board, or annually, to get board members more engaged in the work of your organization, based on their gifts and skills -- and interests! A free template is made available by writing Tom at tomiselin@gmail.com . 

Engage more members in your fundraising efforts by urging them do what THEY want to do, not what you want them to do!

The best way to raise money from donors when you first meet them is NOT to ask them for money. Rather, make a non-monetary ask, first -- a "connection" ask. Ask them to volunteer, observe your programming, provide advice, watch a performance, or attend a "friend-raising" event.    This podcast addresses this common problem and provides suggestions on ways you can raising more money by taking a sof...

There are many positive things you can do to engage board members and volunteers to support the fundraising efforts of your organization. However, some organizations require their board members to raise money. The problem? Forcing people to ask for money often results in tragedy. Learn why!

Sometimes your smallest donors hold the largest promise of major gifts, but you'll never know unless you reach out to them!

Does your board have a "Give or Get" policy? Should they? This podcast, or shall I say rant, discusses the downside of having such a policy and why it's more effective - and practical - to establish a "Give and HELP Get" policy. If you do, your board will be much happier, and you'll probably raise more money from them and your donors.

This podcast covers 6 fundraising principles will help you understand what attracts donors to nonprofits. These principles are important to learn because knowing what attracts donors to nonprofits will help raise more money and develop more loyal and generous donors.

In this brief podcast, learn why it's important to think about how much time you're spending on grant writing compared with other types of fundraising tactics such as face-to-face fundraising. Tom shares his "Grant From Hell" story, which will get you thinking about the efficiency and effectiveness of your fundraising efforts.

In the 1980's, I had it all -- then almost lost it all in a blink of an eye. Listen to this podcast and learn about the transformational experience I had that turned a self-centered stock options trader into a selfless social entrepreneur that's passionate about helping leaders like you build high-performance nonprofits. 

Welcome to The Fundraising Coach. My name is Tom Iselin and I started this podcast because I know how  insanely  difficult and competitive fundraising can be.  I'm not some professor spouting fundraising theory; I have founded and have helped build some of the nation's most notable nonprofits in their sectors from the ground up . . . and I've raised millions to fund them. I've been in the fundrais...