In my role as a fundraising consultant, the question I’m asked most often is, “How do I get my board to raise money?” I bet you’ve asked it, too – perhaps dozens of times. The next question is also pretty predictable. “They offered to help, but they won’t follow through. What do we do now?” First, remember they’re volunteers Board … [Read more...]
When Board Members Really Need to Leave
As in professional sports and politics and any number of endeavors, some board members hang on way too long – long after their passion is gone, long after they have anything new to offer. Nonprofit organizations are growing, changing organisms, and they need leaders with the capacity to envision the future in different ways. If your … [Read more...]
Reaching Into the Facilitator’s Bag of Tricks
Once upon a time, there was a nonprofit board that operated without boundaries – or to put it more charitably, didn’t know what its boundaries should be. The organization was in transition, gradually moving from a collection of volunteers who did everything to a nonprofit with professional staff. Lacking term limits, some of the … [Read more...]
Want a grant? Pick up the phone
Here at Train Your Board, we tend to focus on donor fundraising because: Most philanthropic dollars are given by individual donors, not foundations There are fewer opportunities for your board members to help with grants However, grants are part of a diversified fundraising strategy, and the skills you learn – research, asking … [Read more...]
New Consultants and Trainers: Five MORE Tips for Success
A few months ago, we published a blog post about how to create and build a consulting and training business, with lots of practical, hands-on advice. The post was so popular – many comments, shares, and emails – that we’re jumping in again with five more tips to support your work. Even if you’re not a consultant, consider this an … [Read more...]
How to Avoid an Overstuffed Agenda
What follows is a confession. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s true. After 20-plus years of facilitation and training, my time management skills still need some work. Perhaps you have the same problem. Maybe you’re designing a workshop, planning a meeting, or putting together a webinar – and if you’re like me, you have a strong impulse … [Read more...]
Your Board Can Be Your “Thank You Crew”
On March 2, I received thank you letters for two charitable donations I contributed back in December. Yes, it took them two months to acknowledge my gift. Seriously? One letter arrived from a grassroots group that’s perpetually underfunded and understaffed, so I’m tempted to let it slide…almost, but not quite. The other letter … [Read more...]
What Every Board Member Should Know About Finances (and Probably Doesn’t)
With the possible exception of “How can I avoid fundraising?” the most common question trustees tend to ask themselves is, “What do all these numbers mean?” I bet you’ve experienced that dreaded board meeting moment. The financial statements are distributed, the treasurer offers a few remarks, and then asks, “Any questions?” A long, … [Read more...]
How to Build a Fundraising Democracy Within Your Organization
Once upon a time, there was an executive director with great fundraising skills. He cultivated grantmakers and individual donors with care – meeting often, honoring deadlines, keeping them updated on his nonprofit’s success. He explored mutual needs and interests, then crafted his requests accordingly. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t … [Read more...]
Ask Better Questions, Raise More Money – An Exercise
In my work with boards, I’m always amused (and occasionally annoyed) by the obsessive pursuit of the perfect elevator pitch. Many trustees – especially those who are new to fundraising or simply find it difficult – tend to indulge in magical thinking. The magic thought goes something like this: “If I can just master the elevator … [Read more...]
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