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...]
Steal these lines!
If you work with groups in any way – for example, if you train people to raise money, facilitate retreats, engage with nonprofit boards, etc. – this post is for you. After thirty years of consulting, facilitating, and training – and more than a decade of teaching others how to do these things – I’ve developed a library of insights, … [Read more...]
Who can I ask for a donation?
Note: This guest post is adapted from The Accidental Fundraiser: A Step -by-Step-Guide to Raising Money for Your Cause, Second Edition (2025) by Haley Bash and Stephanie Roth. Thanks Stephanie and Haley! A common belief among new fundraisers is that they don’t know anyone they can ask to support their cause. This is based on the … [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...]
Reflections from the largest gathering of fundraising professionals
Note: This post is from Train Your Board partner Laurel McCombs. Thanks, Laurel! My colleague Bob Osborne and I recently returned from the Association of Fundraising Professionals International Conference (AFP ICON) – my fifth time attending. While some of these responses echo my experience at previous AFP conferences, I’m happy to … [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...]
Consultant confidential: What to know about working with consultants
Over the years, we’ve offered behind-the-scenes perspectives in Board President Confidential and Treasurer Confidential. In Trainer Confidential, published at the start of the pandemic, we discussed how to move in-person programs online. In the same spirit, we invite you to eavesdrop as Laurel, Bob and Andy discuss the philosophy and … [Read more...]
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