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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
How artificial intelligence can help you win the fundraising game
Note: This guest post is from consultant Shoshana Grossman-Crist. Thank you, Shoshana! I was recently leading a call with a nonprofit fundraiser in the U.S., an executive director in Kenya, and a foundation officer in Guatemala. We were staring at a jargon-heavy proposal for funding: the kind that makes your eyes glaze over before the … [Read more...]
If the nonprofit model is broken, who benefits?
Note: This guest post is from Jennifer Hutchins, executive director of the Maine Association of Nonprofits and board member of the National Council of Nonprofits. Thanks, Jennifer! Given what’s going on in Washington D.C., those of us working in charitable organizations have reason for concern. Recent and proposed policy changes and … [Read more...]
It took a swarm to build a museum
Note: This guest post from Glenn Marangelo of the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium. Thanks, Glenn! How long can you nurture a dream before it comes true? In our case, the answer is 14 years. After slowly building momentum and support, our dream was finally realized. In December 2023, we opened the Missoula Butterfly House and … [Read more...]
Smarter fundraising with machine learning
Note: This guest post is from Chris Riddell of Thrive Technology. Thanks, Chris! In a time of deep uncertainty and instability, fundraising remains rooted in one constant: relationships. You’ve built strong connections with your supporters. The data from those relationships is one of your greatest assets. By tapping into it, you can … [Read more...]
Federal grants at risk? Three steps to improve your odds for foundation funding
Note: This guest post is from Shavonn Richardson of Think and Ink Grant Consulting. Thanks, Shavonn! The slowdown of federal grants is real. Many organizations are starting to steer clear of federal grants due to the whiplash of executive orders and the fear these orders are inflicting on those who support the poor, the marginalized, the … [Read more...]
The rule of three: Parties and pitches
Note: This guest post is from Alyson Molloy Hussey. Thanks, Alyson! I had the great pleasure of attending a nonprofit house party over the winter. It was hosted by two of the most wonderful philanthropists on the planet. Given my work as a consultant, I’m invited to a lot of nonprofit events and can’t attend them all. However, whenever … [Read more...]
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