Board Ts and Ts
Within the nonprofit sector, three words – time, talent, and treasure (sometimes restated as work, wisdom, and wealth) – are used as a short-hand definition… Read More »Board Ts and Ts
Within the nonprofit sector, three words – time, talent, and treasure (sometimes restated as work, wisdom, and wealth) – are used as a short-hand definition… Read More »Board Ts and Ts
A commentary on the Gospel of Luke wasn’t where I expected to find affirmation of a key essential of fundraising as ministry, specifically the importance… Read More »Finding fundraising as ministry in Luke’s Gospel
“Here’s a development question for you,” wrote a pastor friend from Canada. “ It seems to me as if there has been an explosion of… Read More »How many fundraisers does it take to change a world?
Recent days have brought a flurry of articles through my in-box that praise the power of a simple thank you. An appreciative word is good for business, we’re told. “Thank you” leads to reciprocal generosity. It’s a tough cookie who’s immune to the motivating effects of acknowledgement and thanks, researchers report.
The take-away for fundraisers? Forget the plaques, the chotskis, and the doo-dads. Instead, double down on thank you and prepare to be amazed. Read More »Tips for perfecting your thank you
Similar to Leo Tolstoy’s families, healthy organizations are all alike. Or so I’ve noticed. Mission, scope, size, or sector don’t much matter. Nonprofits that are performing well share characteristics the ailing crowd lacks.Read More »10 indications your organization is healthy and doing well
Were T. S. Eliot a fundraiser and not a poet and assuming a June 30 fiscal year-end (the standard for North American charities), he’d likely name May and June, along with April, as the cruelest time of year. The last leg of the annual race for the gold is the most taxing, always. With the year-end deadline looming large, development staff are stretched to the limit — physically, emotionally, and spiritually — and soul care gets lost in the busyness.
Read More »4 strategies for turning year-end stress into fundraising success
When looking for proof texts in support of their craft, fundraisers of faith know they can depend on the Apostle Paul. The Old Testament prophets,… Read More »The very reason for fundraising as ministry
News flash. The morale of nonprofit fundraisers in America is rock-bottom low, and for good reason. The majority of development folks toil in settings where… Read More »A ministry response to the challenges of nonprofit fundraising
It’s been ten years and counting since the board of which I am the current chair opted for Policy Governance. And still the identity of… Read More »What if the board truly believed God owns the organization?
Just once, I’d love to pick up a report citing CEO support for boards doing what boards were created to do. That is, to govern… Read More »Nonprofit leader, fundraising isn’t your board’s problem.