Sharpe Blog

On a recent transatlantic flight, I queued up some of my favorite music by Luke Combs, hoping to relax and get some sleep. As I drifted off, the lyrics of one of his songs really resonated with me, especially in relation to my role as a gift planning consultant. When I hear that hallelujah chorus …Read More

According to several studies, it appears the adage “’tis better to give than to receive” is a scientific fact. Here’s to your health In 2013, Emma Seppälä, PhD and Science Director of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE), published the article “The Compassionate Mind,” where she reported that for people who are ill, showing …Read More

While most fundraisers are comfortable asking for the major gift, few truly have a plan for how to move forward to ensure the gift will be realized.  The reality is you must sell the idea twice—first to your donor and then to their advisor, because the larger the gift, the more likely it will be …Read More

As Thanksgiving approaches, we asked some of the Sharpe Group team what they are thankful for. Here are some things from our gratitude list. “I am thankful for the most beautiful October weather and enduring friendships.”—Kristin Croone, Senior Consultant “I am thankful for my physical and mental well-being and my close relationships with my husband …Read More

With the 2024 election behind us, fundraisers should focus on some additional tasks during the remaining weeks of the year. Here are a few year-end actions to consider: If early fall appeals have not met your goals, consider a post-election reminder to donors who have given in previous years but not yet this year. Make one …Read More

While it’s important to thank your donors for every gift, whether large or small, a special “thank you” can lead to the deepening of a relationship (and, perhaps, expanded giving). Here are a few suggestions from Sharpe consultants that you may not have thought of:   Kristin Croone: Universally, an “experience” far outweighs a tangible …Read More

An important relationship skill is the ability to see people as individuals rather than stereotyping them according to certain traits. This is also a valuable skill for fundraisers when working with individual donors. As a general marketing tactic, however, this can be impossible. It’s knowing general traits (i.e., the demographic makeup of your donor database) …Read More

Do you remember a couple of years ago when making a bucket list was a hot topic? When compiling my list, I included lofty ideas with a lesser chance of completion and some more achievable undertakings. One of the latter items was to go ziplining. I occasionally thought of my unfulfilled bucket list items, but …Read More

Featuring compelling donor stories in your communications is one of the most critical strategies for engaging planned giving donors for your organization. These stories demonstrate your donors’ motivations for giving and show why your organization is so meaningful to their lives, thus inspiring others to say, “I can do that, too!”   As noted in …Read More

Even the most curmudgeonly among us can welcome and enjoy the thoughtfulness of a happy birthday message.  Why? A quick Google search tells me: Remembering someone’s birthday makes them feel recognized, seen and valued. Receiving birthday wishes reinforces social bonds and a sense of belonging whether it’s from family, friends or colleagues. Birthdays often trigger …Read More