The J.F. Smith Group

The days after a solicitation are when donors are deciding, questioning, and comparing - and silence creates doubt. Thoughtful follow-up doesn’t pressure donors; it reassures them.

Our latest blog post is up! Check it out here!

https://www.jfsg.com/articles/closingtheloop

Training Tuesday!

In Jerry's video last week, he outlined how to deal with a donor who attempts to get ahead of you and make a smaller gift than you planned to ask for. What if the case were the opposite? What if the donor indicates they're willing to do more than you planned to ask for in your proposal?

Always Present Your Proposal...Unless... In Jerry's last video, he outlined how to deal with a donor who attempts to get ahead of you and make a smaller gift than you planned to ask for. What if the...

Tuesday training! If you’ve ever hit the “gatekeeper wall” in fundraising, this one’s for you.

In this quick video, Jerry shares a real-world story of refusing to settle for the “easy yes” when the capacity was clearly much bigger - and how a strategic team approach helped move the conversation from a $25K offer to a $500K commitment.

A line that stuck with me: “I’m not going to submit a $25,000 proposal… because this company is capable of something much, much larger than that.”

Watch here:

Getting Around the Gatekeeper Jerry provides an example of how he was able to get around the gatekeeper so he could make his full presentation and give a proposal to the CEO of a large co...

New year, same dedication to our mission. The J.F. Smith Group wishes you a happy, healthy, and impactful 2026! Let’s make this year’s vision a reality.