Note: This guest post is from Allison Grappone of AGG Consulting. Thanks, Allison! I dislike wasting anyone’s time. Everyone has important things to do. In general, people need more time to themselves, away from meetings, and away from Zoom. To make better use of everybody’s time, I use videos to prime the pump before complex … [Read more...]
My favorite fundraising story … ever
Once upon a time – this is a true story – there was a fearless fundraiser. Let’s call her Maria. Maria worked as the development director for a well-loved, mid-sized nonprofit serving a rural community. In addition to managing a variety of fundraising tasks – annual appeals, events, online fundraising, etc. – she was also the primary … [Read more...]
The Talmud of Zoom
In the Jewish tradition, the Talmud is one of the core books: a primary source of Jewish law. The Talmud is drawn from centuries of oral teachings and includes the opinions of many, many rabbis. It was compiled about fifteen hundred years ago, with more commentary added in subsequent centuries. I’m no scholar, but what I most … [Read more...]
Consulting and COVID, Part 2: What will you keep?
In a previous post, I shared how consulting colleagues have responded to the pandemic: rethinking priorities, pivoting to new styles of work, embracing emerging opportunities. I’ve been inspired by their thoughtfulness, creativity, resilience, and commitment to justice. I asked them to reflect on what they’ll carry forward into the … [Read more...]
Consulting and COVID, Part 1: What changed?
Hey consultants! How has your work life changed over the last year? As we pass the pandemic anniversary and gradually emerge into whatever comes next, I’ve been asking peers how they’ve adapted to this new reality. Today’s post outlines changes in the world of consulting, training, facilitation, and self-employment. In the next … [Read more...]
Statistics and storytelling: How to turn numbers into narrative
Note: This guest post is from Dana Sanders of Osage Hill Associates. Thanks, Dana! Does the word statistics stress you out? Do you have bad memories of math class? I’m here to help. The nonprofit world is filled with data. This post outlines the methods you can use to collect data for and about your organization, and how to use what … [Read more...]
Fundraising with H.E.A.R.T.
In my work as a fundraising consultant, I’ve noticed how clients tend to begin the conversation by asking about tactics and details. Typical questions: Who should sign our fundraising letters? (Board chair, executive director, development director…?) How often can we solicit our donors without annoying them? When we ask our … [Read more...]
How to semi-retire
In recent years, one of my great pleasures has been helping people start or strengthen their consulting, facilitation, and training businesses. If you’re a regular reader, you might recall multiple posts, including New Consultants and Trainers: Five Tips for Success, Five More Tips, and Five Even-More Tips. Lately I’ve been thinking … [Read more...]
Six ways to save money for your nonprofit
Note: This guest post is from Jodi Segal of Big Change Consulting. Thanks, Jodi! Yes, raising money is hard work. As all fundraisers know, retaining your current donors is easier and more profitable than recruiting new donors. At the same time, saving money is better than spending it unnecessarily. When you stretch your dollars … [Read more...]
The facilitator’s guide to politics and reconciliation
I’ve spent much of the last 25 years on the road, leading workshops and facilitating retreats in 47 U.S. states and across Canada. Not surprisingly, some of these gigs land during election season. This creates a variety of challenges: distractions, political tension, even the occasional argument among participants. If you’re the … [Read more...]