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...]
Welcoming new board members: Why a “Board Buddy” makes all the difference
Note: This post is from Train Your Board partner Bob Osborne. Thanks, Bob! Joining a nonprofit board can be exciting … and a little overwhelming. New trustees are stepping into a world of unfamiliar people, names, expectations, jargon, responsibilities, and organizational culture. Do you want to set them up for success? Give them a … [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...]
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...]
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...]
How to semi-retire: The sequel
More than four years ago, I shared How to Semi-Retire, which described my plan to gradually wind down my consulting, training, and facilitation business. To recap my semi-retirement strategy: avoid lengthy jobs (strategic plans, mergers, long-term consulting gigs) and focus on one-offs, such as workshops, webinars, retreats, and meeting … [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...]
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