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...]
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...]
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...]
Co-Directors: The right leadership model for your organization?
Note: This post is based on a webinar I co-facilitated with Erin De Vries and Kassia Randzio of Vermont River Conservancy. Thanks Erin and Kassia! A few months back, I was approached by the Nonprofit Association of Oregon to lead a session for their Co-Director Learning Cohort. The goal of the program is to gather organizations that are … [Read more...]
Hiring and retaining fundraisers: Why it’s hard and what do about it
Note: This post is adapted from an online conversation among Train Your Board partners Bob Osborne, Laurel McCombs, and Andy Robinson. Join the discussion! Andy I'm hearing from clients and colleagues that it's difficult to hire professional fundraisers – and when you do hire them, they tend to move on to other organizations. This is … [Read more...]
Beyond the 501(c)(3): Other models for social change
After 44 years of working with nonprofits, here’s my confession: I’m sort of done with the normal nonprofit structure. You know what I’m talking about, but just to be clear: These organizations … Are incorporated in their respective states and granted tax exempt status by the federal government. Are governed by a volunteer … [Read more...]
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