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...]
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...]
What are “major gifts” – and where do I find them?
When talking with potential clients, I often ask the following questions: "What do you consider a major gift? How many donors contribute at that level?" The phrase "major gift" perplexes some people. If needed, I might rephrase as follows: What do you consider a big gift from an individual donor? If you skimmed off the top 10% … [Read more...]
How to create a strategic plan – a facilitator’s guide
Regardless of where you land on the preparation continuum – some of us prefer improvisation to planning – you’ll be more successful with a thoughtful, well-designed plan. You can create a strategic plan yourself or hire a consultant to help. Note to consultants: If you’re building a business, the world is filled with potential … [Read more...]
No new nonprofits! A manifesto
As a consultant, I handle a lot of inquiries – by phone, via email, and in person. For example, Can you train our board to raise money? Do you do strategic planning? We’re dealing with “founder’s syndrome” – can you advise us? Can you help with our fundraising plan? We’re considering a merger with another organization and … [Read more...]
Your group isn’t unique – and that’s a good thing
From time to time, my phone rings. A nonprofit staff or board member begins to talk. “We’re in a unique situation,” this person says. Silently, I roll my eyes. Or maybe, “We have a unique problem.” Actually, you don’t. Apologies for the snark. During these conversations, I do my best to listen deeply, respond … [Read more...]
The big (bad) shift in fundraising
A year ago, I wrote The Big Shift in Fundraising, an upbeat post about changing trends in giving. To sum it up: After decades of gradual “wealthification” of U.S. philanthropy – a greater percentage of the philanthropic pie contributed by wealthy and uber-wealthy donors – donors flipped the script in 2016. Most of the growth in giving … [Read more...]
Crying in class
I recently facilitated a board retreat for a nonprofit client. As a warm-up exercise, I asked the participants to pair up for two minutes and discuss the following questions. As a board member, what do you need to be successful? What does the organization need from you to be successful? When I reconvened the full group, people … [Read more...]
The three most powerful words in fundraising
What gets in the way of you and your board raising more money? For a fundraising trainer like me, this is a key question. Any sort of fundraising education must address the barriers that make it difficult for people to participate. This list of common barriers won’t surprise you. Perhaps you’ve experienced them yourself. … [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...]
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