Interview with Penelope Burk

World renowned fundraising author, researcher, speaker and the President of Cygnus Applied Research

Execute Donor-Centered Fundraising within your organization

Penelope Burk is considered one of North America’s best fundraisers and was even voted number .2 in America’s Top 25 Fundraising Experts as published by Philanthropy Media. Penelope ’s unique advantage in the fundraising industry is her evidence-based approach. While her professional experience in the sector spans forty-five years, her publications and training programs are all the product of research with donors.

Interview with Penelope Burk

World renowned fundraising author, researcher, speaker and the President of Cygnus Applied Research

Execute Donor-Centered Fundraising within your organization

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Summary of interview with Penelope Burk

Section 1: Introduction to fundraising and founding Cygnus Applied Research

The beginning of Penelope Burk’s fundraising career and early lessons learnt on fundraising best practice
Founding Cygnus Applied Research and the importance of using proven research to back decision making

Section 2: Donor-Centred Fundraising

Having an evidence based approach through extensive research of over 10,000 donors and the important findings from this research
Helping nonprofits and fundraisers build stronger relationships with their donors
How to create compelling communication content that resonates with donors
Putting procedures in place to reduce churn through Donor-Centred Fundraising
Reflecting on success stories

Section 3: Donor-Centred Leadership

Helping boards, CEOS and senior leadership understand the importance of fundraising
Why fundraising staff attrition is high and how senior management can take control of this
Identify out-dated best practices and overcome this

Section 4: Final advice

Penelope Burk’s final advice to inspire and fulfil fundraisers