I spy with my little eye...

Because it is the time of year I would like to give you a warning. I regularly come across something in market research or long-term strategies I don’t like: fundraising potential within a target group (or channel, or segment) that, so far, has brought convincing success to hardly anyone in the market. And why? Because the organization has been convinced of its own exceptional characteristics, or because of the little competition in the market on this so called potential. Sometimes this comes from internal voices, but often this comes from external consultancy firms or exotic freelancers.

10 key characteristics of top performing fundraising directors

Fundraising Directors are crucial for success. This incredible mastermind, known as Head of Fundraising in some countries, is in control of a massive budget and responsible for providing the organisation with the resources to do what it is supposed to. If you know how complex fundraising management is, you also know the sheer power of the Fundraising Director. (S)he controls information, makes everyday decisions, prioritises activities, inspires the team and sets the overall direction. At least, that's what they should...

What happens if we (don't) train fundraisers?

I've been involved in many recruitment processes for both starting and senior fundraising jobs. Lately I've seen vacancies being re-posted several times, because it's too hard to find the right person. How weird is that? Well known and widely respected organisations doing so much good in the world, but unable to fill one fundraising position. You only need one in the end, but a bit of choice would be nice.

the fundraiserReinier SpruitApril 13, 2018the fundraiser, training, coaching

10 things I would tell my younger self

The other day a starting fundraiser asked me for general tips and tricks on how to improve his fundraising skills. It got me thinking: what would I tell myself if I was able to go back in time? In random order a list of 10 things I would tell my younger self.

opinion, the fundraiserReinier SpruitNovember 18, 2017why, investment, data analysis, mentor, Yoda, donor experience Comments

Disce aut Discede: learn or leave!

The Latin phrase "Disce aut Discede" is used as the motto of many institutions and schools. It means "Learn or Leave". It's time we adopt this mindset in our sector as well.

There is plenty of best practice available in the sector, as you will see when The Commission on the Donor Experience presents her findings. But to be honest: there is more bad practice happening around us. More then we'd like to see.

Thank you Wally!

Although I’m proud of my own 16 years in fundraising I am fully aware that I’m just a rookie compared to some old-timers out there. This post is a short tribute to one of the greatest fundraisers of his generation: Gerhard Wallmeyer, also known as “Wally”.

At the end of the year Wally retires after 36 years of superb fundraising for Greenpeace Germany, in which he as Fundraising Director has built the largest fundraising office in the Greenpeace movement.

Fundraisers: you need to be one to hire one

Some months ago someone asked me why I spend so much time preparing the right set of questions for an interview panel. I told him that we only have one chance of doing this right. We can cross our fingers and hope to choose the right fundraiser, but if we don’t take this seriously enough it’s more likely that we hire the wrong candidate.

the fundraiserReinier SpruitJune 1, 2015hiring&firing, the fundraiser

The struggle for justice is a marathon

In the closing plenary of this year's International Fundraising Congress Kumi Naidoo, International Executive Director of Greenpeace, shared an inspiring story I'd like to pass on to you (slightly paraphrased). Kumi is a life long activist from South-Africa, where he was involved in the anti-apartheid movement.

Kumi Naidoo: 'My best friend growing up was Lenny Naidu, and we fled around the same time into exile in 1987. He asked me a question the last time I would see him before we fled.'

opinion, the fundraiserReinier SpruitNovember 23, 2014Kumi Naidoo, IFC2014, IFC

YOU are the reason for your results

Today I want to share what I think is the single most important ingredient for fundraising success. This ingredient can make it, or break it. It’s the multiplier effect. It’s the most powerful element in your fundraising program. Every fundraising program has at least one, some have more, but nobody seems to have enough. Some are good. Some are considered good, but are in fact not.

You’ve guessed it. I’m talking about The Fundraiser. Yes, you.

the fundraiser, opinionReinier SpruitSeptember 12, 2013Charlie Hulme, Adrian Sargeant, Jen Shang, the fundraiser

FREE: 10 years of fundraising experience!

Exactly 10 years ago, I started my first job as a fundraiser! And from the beginning I was hooked. I love fundraising, because it enables change. Vision and passion combined with great fundraising enables important change. And as a fundraiser you play an important part in that change.

So, looking back over those 10 years, what did I learn? I’ve listed the most important strategic ingredients for a successful fundraising program.