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In my years consulting various organizations and their boards, I’ve led numerous board retreats with various emphases. I’m typically brought in to help boards get clarity on things like: Fundraising An upcoming capital campaign Strategic, long-term vision casting All of these topics are valuable pursuits for a board and worthy of the time given. But, […]
During last month’s Walk With a Consultant, we discussed some of the pros and cons of special event fundraising. I was getting ready for my presentation at the AFP Conference, and some of the questions we discussed over coffee came up again at the conference. This month, I’d love to continue that conversation, as well […]
If you’ve been involved with nonprofit organizations or the philanthropic community for very long, you know that volunteers are a critical part of the staffing in most organizations. Nonprofits need volunteers for board positions, to help with event management, and many, many other things. Volunteers are the best! A “best practice” for any organization is to […]
When my good friend Amy Eisenstein asked me to write the foreword for her new book, 50 Asks in 50 Weeks, Second Edition, it was one of the easiest “yes” responses I’ve ever made! The impact of this book on my fundraising skills can’t be overstated, and I know you’ll benefit in the same way […]
Within an organization, there are 5 roles that must be filled in order for that organization to be as productive and efficient as it can be. The top two roles are critical, and how those roles are implemented is extremely important. Today, we’ll look at the top two roles: Governance and Leadership. These two roles are […]
Where does your board spend its time? Today I’m excited to share with you a concept from my upcoming book, The Intentional Board. In board meetings, time is spent on various items typically falling within 7 Horizons of Focus. How much time should be spent on each horizon? Check out the video to find out! (You […]
Early in my career, I came across a quote that radically altered how I viewed my job as a development officer. “The donors’ need to give is always greater than the charity’s need to receive.” The longer I live, the more convinced I am that the philosophy of that quote is true. Each of us […]
Guest post: Kathy Wright, COO for the Institute of Conversational Fundraising and Certified Professional Coach. Values are the principles we live by. They are what drive us or make us tick. They define who we are and what we hold dear. Perhaps you value truth, trust and freedom. Family may be a strong value, or […]
“I’ve got a great idea for a new event. No one else is doing one like it and I’m SURE it will raise a lot of money!” exclaimed an enthusiastic board member. “Let’s add a couple more mailings this year to ask for donations. We increased our budget so need more income to meet it” […]
Earlier this year, I served on a panel with other fundraising professionals, and this great question was posed to us: What are the top characteristics that make a good fundraiser? For me, the answer has three parts. FIRST: ‘an infinite capacity to not know what can’t be done.’ Too many people believe in what can’t […]