Note: This guest post is from Karen Strong of Strong Outcomes, LLC. Thanks, Karen! As a white woman who has worked in conservation for more than two decades – and who longed, for years, to be taken seriously as a professional – I thought I could gain credibility by behaving like the people who had power. Through conversations with … [Read more...]
Identifying potential donors … virtually
When it comes to fundraising, nothing beats one person talking with another … preferably in person. As a general rule, people will pledge five to ten times more during a scheduled, face-to-face conversation than they will donate by mail or contribute online. Back in the pre-COVID era, we had these conversations in living rooms, coffee … [Read more...]
You won’t complete the work – do it anyway
The Jewish tradition includes a book of learning called Pirkei Avot, translated as Ethics of the Ancestors. Compiled almost two thousand years ago, it’s filled with advice. Some of the principles feel archaic, while others remain strikingly relevant. As our country wrestles (yet again) with its history of white supremacy, I am … [Read more...]
Stronger together: Collaboration options for nonprofits
As you navigate this season of uncertainty, how are you behaving? Some folks become protective – of their families, their neighborhoods, their nonprofits. In moments like these, you might feel a strong urge to hunker down, preserve what you can, and ride out the storm. Others experience uncertainty as an opportunity for change. If … [Read more...]
Donor personas – the key to powerful fundraising appeals
Note: This guest post is from April Weppler, an organizational development consultant based in Ontario, Canada – and a graduate of the Training, Facilitation, and Consulting Certificate Program. Thanks April! Are you working on your spring donor appeal? Are you writing your next member renewal letter or “e-blast ask?” Perhaps … [Read more...]
Ask for the gift – then be quiet
Do you need to raise more money? For most nonprofits, the most efficient fundraising strategy involves seeking major gifts from individual donors. Don’t be intimidated by the phrase “major gifts.” As we discussed in a recent post, you decide what “major” means. For grassroots groups, that could be $500 per year or $40 per month. … [Read more...]
Succession planning: Leading by sharing power
In 1986, I killed my first nonprofit organization. That wasn’t my plan. In fact, there wasn't any plan. When our vibrant, all-volunteer nonprofit was ready to hire its first employee, the board chose me. With staff in place, our group took a big step forward: more programming, new audiences, bigger impact. While I was merrily … [Read more...]
Treasurer confidential
About a year ago, I became the treasurer of a well-established but tiny nonprofit. With an annual budget of less than $100,000 and limited staff, our organization is as grassroots and community-based as it gets. I’ve served on several boards. I train boards for a living. I write books about how to be an effective board member, … [Read more...]
Asking Styles: Boost Your Board’s Fundraising
Note: The following guest post from Brian Saber is adapted from his new book, Asking Styles: Revolutionize Your Fundraising. Thanks, Brian! At Asking Matters, we developed Asking Styles to directly address the myth of the ideal, stereotypical fundraiser. Our model is based on the concept that authenticity is central to building … [Read more...]
Five big meeting mistakes – and how to avoid them
Note: This guest post is from Heather Yandow at Third Space Studio. She helps organizations with strategic planning, board development, business model design, implementing fundraising strategies, and going from good to great. Thanks, Heather! How much time do you spend in meetings? If you’re like me, the answer is simple: a … [Read more...]
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