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...]
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...]
Using Asking Styles to train your board
Note: This guest post is from Brian Saber of Asking Matters. It’s adapted from his new book, Boards and Asking Styles: A Roadmap to Success. Thanks, Brian! For most nonprofits, board training is a challenge. And no wonder! The team meets infrequently — and can’t meet in person during the pandemic. Resources may be scarce. Furthermore, … [Read more...]
“Why me?” (and other questions donors ask)
Note: This guest post is adapted from Harvey McKinnon’s book, The 11 Questions Every Donor Asks and the Answers All Donors Crave. Next month, I’m excited to be joining Harvey for a webinar on this topic… and you’re invited, too. “Me” is everyone’s favorite subject. It’s no surprise that a donor’s first question (whether spoken or … [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...]
What’s a philanthropic advisor? How do I work with one?
Note: This guest post is from Christine Zachai of Forward Philanthropy. Thanks, Christine! Remember when everything was going really well with your favorite major donor? You had a lunch date every year, you knew the names of the children and grandchildren, and you were strategizing together about your next request. Then … [Read more...]
Allies in the room: Showing up alpha and sharing power
Note: This guest post is from Karen Strong of Strong Outcomes, LLC. Thanks, Karen! As a white woman who has worked in conservation for more than two decades – and who longed, for years, to be taken seriously as a professional – I thought I could gain credibility by behaving like the people who had power. Through conversations with … [Read more...]
Identifying potential donors … virtually
When it comes to fundraising, nothing beats one person talking with another … preferably in person. As a general rule, people will pledge five to ten times more during a scheduled, face-to-face conversation than they will donate by mail or contribute online. Back in the pre-COVID era, we had these conversations in living rooms, coffee … [Read more...]
You won’t complete the work – do it anyway
The Jewish tradition includes a book of learning called Pirkei Avot, translated as Ethics of the Ancestors. Compiled almost two thousand years ago, it’s filled with advice. Some of the principles feel archaic, while others remain strikingly relevant. As our country wrestles (yet again) with its history of white supremacy, I am … [Read more...]
Racism, privilege, facilitation, training – and sharing the wealth
Are you paying attention? Two interlocking crises are playing out in real time, right in front of your eyes: The ongoing, unending murder of people of color – especially black people – by police. The COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affects communities of color, due to inequality in housing, employment, … [Read more...]
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