Note: This is adapted from my first book, Grassroots Grants, published in 1996. It still feels timely. I once wrote on a job application, “I’ve learned to keep my sense of balance and my sense of humor under the usual constraints of not enough time and never enough money.” It’s a clever sentence, but in one sense it’s a lie. When I … [Read more...]
Seven ways to build community fundraising partnerships
Note: This post is from Train Your Board partner Bob Osborne of The Osborne Group. Thanks, Bob! As the nonprofit sector considers how to behave in a more holistic, community-centric way – in other words, deeply engaging and partnering with the communities we serve – I’ve been wondering: How do we implement this approach with … [Read more...]
What’s your board vision?
Note: This post is from Train Your Board partner Laurel McCombs. Thanks, Laurel! Are you planning for an incredible 2023? I hope you’re developing a board plan as well as a plan for your broader organization. More importantly, are you looking beyond the next year? Here are three reasons for clearly defining your multi-year board … [Read more...]
Boards and fundraising: Plan B (and C and D…)
Are you satisfied with your board’s fundraising performance? If the answer is an emphatic “No!,” don’t feel bad. You’re not alone. Based on all the inquiries, I could probably lead board fundraising workshops 365 days per year. The demand is endless. Perhaps you’ve tried the standard remedies: pep talks, board retreats, recruiting … [Read more...]
What I learned facilitating my first hybrid workshop
Note: This guest post is from Nora Ellertsen of The Funding Seed. Thanks, Nora! Before the pandemic, my company hosted monthly in-person fundraising workshops here in New Orleans. Over eight years, I developed content, activities, and presentation strategies for those trainings. Like many of us, I switched to Zoom during COVID, … [Read more...]
Recruiting BIPOC board members? Read this first
Note: This post is from Train Your Board partner Bob Osborne. Thanks, Bob! Over the twenty-five years I’ve worked in the not-for-profit space, I’ve served on several governing boards and advisory boards. During the summer of 2020, a strange thing happened. I was suddenly invited to join many more boards, including organizations I had … [Read more...]
Creating a climate-positive consulting business
As the summer winds down – a summer filled with drought, fires, floods, and other extreme weather – I’ve been thinking about the ways my consulting business engages with the topic of climate resilience. What am I doing to create positive change? Which of my behaviors add to the problem? How am I supporting my clients in taking … [Read more...]
Eight tips for building a great donor survey
Note: This guest post is from Laurel McCombs of The Osborne Group. Thanks, Laurel! My colleague Bob Osborne recently shared why now is the time to conduct your next donor survey. Ready to get started? Here are eight tips to consider. 1. Make sure you know WHY I often get asked about which questions should be included in a donor … [Read more...]
Getting the most out of your next board retreat
Note: This guest post is from Laurel McCombs of the Osborne Group. Thanks, Laurel! Spring cleaning, annual physicals, board retreats. What do these things have in common? Admit it, your first thought wasn’t completely positive. On one hand, they can all be viewed as obligatory tasks to be endured once a year. Some may view them as … [Read more...]
Eight ways to improve board fundraising
Note: This guest post is from Sabrina Walker Hernandez. Thanks, Sabrina! Here’s a question I hear repeatedly: How do I get my board members engaged in fundraising? (Cue the frustrated sighs from executive directors, CEOs, and development staff.) You’ve got options! Here are eight strategies you can use, right now, to improve board … [Read more...]
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