Welcoming Submissions for Penelope Burk’s Donor-Centered Communications Project Two critical points of contact determine whether donors stay loyal or quickly abandon your cause after giving only [...]

There’s some buzz around the decline in the number of American households who give to charity, or at least the number who gave in 2018, which is the year that was studied. Should fundraisers and [...]

Many respondents in our annual Burk Donor Survey have been giving for decades, but most still vividly remember what inspired them to become donors. As you draft your next appeal, shape your next [...]

It’s that time again when I get to revel in the stories from donors about what inspired them to start giving. So far, more than 16,000 active American donors have participated in The 2021 Burk [...]

2017 was a record-breaking year for giving. Still, 36% of individual donors admitted they could have given more – in some cases, much more. This includes an eye-opening 53% of donors under the [...]

Recently, the Burk Donor Survey featured a report on why alumni do or do not give to their alma maters. I was intrigued to discover how big issues such as student debt or rating their education [...]

Ah…my annual indulgence that I eagerly share with you. Please enjoy this selection of comments from donors who have already taken part in the 2018 Burk Donor Survey. Included are a number of [...]

In my previous blog, “Is Giving Tuesday Helping or Hurting Fundraising”, I referenced how this fundraiser is contributing to the over-solicitation of active donors and risking their future [...]

Over the years I have asked donors hundreds of questions about philanthropy and fundraising, but my favorite is always, “Can you remember the first time you gave?” Every donor can. Consciously [...]

Lately I’m wondering how different fundraisers’ lives might be from the lives their donors lead. If you could see what donors are saying in The Burk Donor Survey, you might be wondering, too. [...]

…the 20 characteristics of superior thank you letters

…the case for funding the arts is not diminished in a down economy

…how poor stewardship and miscommunication can send a donor in the wrong direction

…how a skilled and sensitive telemarketer created a lifetime donor

…how a not-for-profit’s insistence on unrestricted gifts drove away a caring donor

…confusion among Board members, CEOs and Fundraisers about responsibility for raising money