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...]
Three threats to nonprofits – and why advocacy matters
I belong to a grassroots nonprofit with an annual budget of $100,000 and one employee. When the Affordable Care Act tax credits recently ended, the organization sent an emergency fundraising appeal. The details were pretty gruesome. To cover one employee and their partner, monthly premiums had jumped – I am not making this up – from … [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...]
If the nonprofit model is broken, who benefits?
Note: This guest post is from Jennifer Hutchins, executive director of the Maine Association of Nonprofits and board member of the National Council of Nonprofits. Thanks, Jennifer! Given what’s going on in Washington D.C., those of us working in charitable organizations have reason for concern. Recent and proposed policy changes and … [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...]
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...]
Three survival strategies for 2025
As I write this in late January – at the somewhat surreal confluence of the MLK holiday and inauguration day – I’ve been reflecting on how my nonprofit peers are responding to this moment. Given the nature of my work, I’m connected to many organizations and the consultants who serve them, across a broad range of issues, constituencies, … [Read more...]
Asset mapping: Moving from scarcity to abundance
Note: This guest post is from Rhianna Simes and Brooke Nuckles of Growing Assets LLC. Thanks Brooke and Rhianna! January offers a fresh start. One powerful exercise to consider this month is asset mapping. This practice will help identify your organization’s strengths, opportunities, and hidden resources that can drive your mission … [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...]