1. No written fundraising goals. To achieve success in fundraising you must have written goals that can be accomplished, changed or modified.

2. Board members in name only. All board members must be involved in the fundraising process -- whether it's asking for gifts, opening doors or identifying potential donors.

3. Board members who don't give. All board members should be asked to make a monetary contribution in accordance with their ability to give.

4. Inadequate records. Not-for-profits must keep accurate records on income and expenses as well as pledges receivable, donor files, prospect lists and in-kind gifts.

5. Failure to do your "homework." Many charitable organizations fail to adequately research their potential donors.

6. Individual donors are not being given top priority. Individuals were responsible for nearly 90 percent of all gifts made in the United States last year.

7. Reluctance to ask for gifts. If you're not asking for gifts you're probably receiving far less than your potential.

8. Forgetting to thank donors. All donations, no matter what the size, must be recognized.

9. Failure to inform, educate and motivate donors. An uninformed, uneducated and unmotivated donor is one who will probably not make future gifts.

10. Failure to seek fundraising advice and assistance. Fundraising information is available through the library, workshops, seminars, and competent consultants.