The AFP Conference wrapped up today.  It was a great conference (as always) with many opportunities to learn from others.  I thought I’d share a few things that I picked up.

• 66 percent of high wealth donors said they quit giving because they did not feel connected any longer.  We really have to focus on relationships!
• “Stretch goals” have enormous power, generate energy, creativity!  See if you can raise just a little bit more than you think you can.
• The cost of acquiring a new donor is rising. So is the cost of losing a donor.  We need to hang on to our donors and the best way to do that is to engage and respect them.
• You wouldn’t write ‘dear friend’ to anyone who actually is.  Never send a letter to ‘dear friend.’ Always personalize.
• Donors don’t give to institutions, they invest in ideas and people.
• Fund raising is a noble profession.  Archbishop Desmond Tutu said so.

Next year, the conference is in Chicago.  I encourage you to make plans to be there.  Go to www.afpnet.org to get the scoop.