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As we come to the end of June, we’re faced with a stark reality: 2017 is halfway through! That thought might prompt excitement, panic, relief, or some other emotion in you as you consider what it means for your organization. The midway point is a good time of the year to evaluate our progress. Self-evaluation is […]
This year’s AFP International Conference in San Francisco was one of the most personally and professionally rewarding that I’ve been to in several years. As a fundraising professional, you can often get good content from philanthropy experts online with just a few clicks. This content is usually free and easily available, but there is nothing like […]
In 2009, I created a workshop called 7 Reasons Campaigns Fail, and How to Avoid Them. Recently, as I looked over some of my notes from those early sessions, I was struck by this truth: the #1 reason campaigns fail is the same today as it was back then! What is the #1 reason? It […]
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, […]
I’ve been a fundraising consultant for 15 years now, and I’ve had clients who range from outstanding to frustrating (to put it mildly) and everything in between. What makes one a pleasure to work with and the other a nightmare? There is one simple trait that makes a client the best in class, and another that […]
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 […]
“Our organization can’t raise $1,000,000.” “Men my age only want to date younger women.” “I can’t pursue my dreams because what if I fail?” “Our board members won’t help with fundraising.” “That foundation/individual doesn’t give in our area.” Each of these statements is a “limiting belief.” The term applies to thoughts that constrain us in […]
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 […]