Note: This guest post is from Nora Ellertsen of The Funding Seed. Thanks, Nora! Every summer, Giving USA – a comprehensive, annual report on charitable giving in the United States – lands in the inboxes of fundraisers everywhere. I review the report and reference it frequently in workshops and coaching sessions. Although imperfect, to … [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...]
The facilitator’s secret superpower
Note: Thanks to Stephanie Lahar for helping to develop this post – and for modeling this skill so effectively. Imagine the following situation. You’re sitting through a long board meeting or planning retreat. Colleagues offer ideas and suggestions; others dispute those ideas and add more layers to the suggestions. Words are literally … [Read more...]
Power below radar: The innovation and influence of ad hoc groups
Note: My colleagues Christal M. Cherry, Renee Rubin Ross, and I have been exploring tweaks, hacks, and alternatives to the traditional 501(c)(3) nonprofit structure. This post is the first in an informal series. – Andy When I say “nonprofit,” what comes to mind? Perhaps you picture the entire sector: a $2 trillion dollar industry across … [Read more...]