Burk's Blog - Cygnus Applied Research

Is the Diminishing Number of Donors an Issue for Fundraisers?

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,…

Stories from Donors in the 2021 Burk Donor Survey on Why They Give

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…

Philanthropy and The Power of Parents

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…

A Fundraiser’s Most Valuable Prospect Research

Dear Louise: When I realized you had graduated in 1993, I just had to check the records. Yes, you were indeed in my first-year chemistry…

Can Your Walk-a-Thon Still Work During Covid-19?

There are some amazing stories in the news lately about determined, isolated runners completing a marathon on their treadmills, or carving out a route inside…

Managing Staff Who Are Working from Home

When asked, “Where do you get important work done?”, the majority of workers, including fundraisers, say they get it done at home. “Anywhere but in…

Fundraising in a Crisis

At times like this, when my financial situation is threatened…it is difficult to trust my heart. My head gets in the way and tells me…

A Philanthropist Stands Ready to Reward a Donor-Centered Not-for-Profit

Not long after I published the first edition of Donor-Centered Fundraising, I heard from a donor who had participated in several of our research studies.…

All Philanthropy Starts with a First Gift

Once again, I am delighted to share with readers of Burk’s Blog some new stories and anecdotes from donors who have just participated in the…

Just Do It? No. In Fundraising, You Have to Do It Right

Why just any kind of thank you call, done whenever, by whomever is not donor-centered and likely won’t work.