A few months back, I shared some of my favorite one-liners, jokes, re-frames, and hot takes from the many workshops and meetings I’ve facilitated. That post was a shout-out and a gift to my fellow trainers, facilitators, and group leaders. Like I said then: Steal these lines! Here’s another round of insights, zingers, and stories … [Read more...]
Culture, compassion, efficiency, and the space in between
Last year, I was hired by a nonprofit that serves their neighbors in times of need. They’re good at what they do, beloved by their community – and they needed help with their strategic plan. During our conversations, I learned that the employees who handle intake at their facility – greeting clients and connecting them with services – … [Read more...]
What I said to the Vermont Legislature
Earlier this week, I had the distinct honor – and slightly weird experience – of addressing the Vermont House of Representatives. I was recruited by two friends, who happen to be legislators, to provide the devotional before Tuesday morning’s session. Here’s the YouTube link. I am not clergy, so I was surprised by the invitation. The … [Read more...]
The value of inclusive strategic planning
Note: This guest post is adapted from a new book, Inclusive Strategic Planning for Nonprofits, by Dr. Renee Rubin Ross. Thanks, Renee! When I’m asked why Inclusive Strategic Planning is valuable, I immediately go into the kitchen. Let me explain. SOS Meals on Wheels had a problem hiding in plain sight. Their industrial kitchen – the … [Read more...]
Steal these lines!
If you work with groups in any way – for example, if you train people to raise money, facilitate retreats, engage with nonprofit boards, etc. – this post is for you. After thirty years of consulting, facilitating, and training – and more than a decade of teaching others how to do these things – I’ve developed a library of insights, … [Read more...]
Three threats to nonprofits – and why advocacy matters
I belong to a grassroots nonprofit with an annual budget of $100,000 and one employee. When the Affordable Care Act tax credits recently ended, the organization sent an emergency fundraising appeal. The details were pretty gruesome. To cover one employee and their partner, monthly premiums had jumped – I am not making this up – from … [Read more...]
Welcoming new board members: Why a “Board Buddy” makes all the difference
Note: This post is from Train Your Board partner Bob Osborne. Thanks, Bob! Joining a nonprofit board can be exciting … and a little overwhelming. New trustees are stepping into a world of unfamiliar people, names, expectations, jargon, responsibilities, and organizational culture. Do you want to set them up for success? Give them a … [Read more...]
Closing the gift: A fundraising exercise
Note: This post is adapted from Train Your Board (and Everyone Else) to Raise Money by Andrea Kihlstedt and Andy Robinson. Most of what we call fundraising takes place before or after you receive the donation: prospecting, cultivation, recognition, donor engagement, and so on. You can do all those things supremely well and still miss an … [Read more...]
Who can I ask for a donation?
Note: This guest post is adapted from The Accidental Fundraiser: A Step -by-Step-Guide to Raising Money for Your Cause, Second Edition (2025) by Haley Bash and Stephanie Roth. Thanks Stephanie and Haley! A common belief among new fundraisers is that they don’t know anyone they can ask to support their cause. This is based on the … [Read more...]
Plain-speak for fundraisers
Many years ago, during a visit with two friends, we were discussing our respective jobs. One worked in the film industry. The second created educational curricula for schools. I was a professional fundraiser. Oddly, we all had the same job title: Director of Development. I was reminded of this conversation while reading George … [Read more...]
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