Punching up your fundraising program
The description of a small but feisty nonprofit as “punching above its weight,” caught my attention. Not that I’m a fan of boxing metaphors (or boxing,… Read More »Punching up your fundraising program
fundraising
Every fundraiser needs a John the Baptist
The doorway by which I found my way into fundraising was marked “public relations.” More years ago than I like to admit, I was the… Read More »Every fundraiser needs a John the Baptist
When we fail to plan, we plan to fail.
In today’s mail, I received a frantic letter from a ministry where just a year ago, the board was patting itself on the back about… Read More »When we fail to plan, we plan to fail.
Making the most of your first 90 days on the job
‘Tis the time of year when development folk are on the move. If you’re among the thousands of fundraisers stepping into a new position (or… Read More »Making the most of your first 90 days on the job
Get governance or get off
I feel the pain of nonprofit CEOs and development staff who rail about board members’ reluctance to step up to the fundraising challenge.
I’ve served on the development staffs of three private colleges, including a short stint as a VP for Advancement. For the past 15 years, I’ve provided development counsel to faith-based nonprofits. I’ve authored dozens of articles about the board and fundraising and presented hundreds of workshops on the topic. And, as the member of one nonprofit board after another, I’ve sat through many fundraising pep talks delivered by other consultants.
In short, I’ve experienced this subject from every angle, first-hand. I’m familiar with every argument, every plea.Read More »Get governance or get off
The very reason for fundraising as ministry
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
A ministry response to the challenges of nonprofit fundraising
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
What part of thank you don’t you understand?
Maybe it was just me, but the just completed end-of-year “gold rush” seemed unusually vociferous, what with the addition of emails, texts, and tweets to… Read More »What part of thank you don’t you understand?
Nonprofit leader, fundraising isn’t your board’s problem.
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.
A better than crystal ball look at fundraising’s future
For visual learners, the infographic below is just the ticket — assuming you’re interested in what’s ahead in fundraising worldwide. It illustrates some of the… Read More »A better than crystal ball look at fundraising’s future