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Following the lead of Generations X, Y, and Z and “liking” it

Not long ago here at Generous Matters, I chided churches for being late to the technology revolution, citing my congregation as a case in point. That the article was one of my most viewed to date suggests I touched a nerve – as did the push back I received from some readers.

But truth be told, congregations aren’t the only luddites out there. Colleges, universities, and theological schools, and other assorted nonprofits have their own love-hate relationships with technology and social media. In fact, wherever Boomers (my generation) remain in control (e.g. just about everywhere), you’ll find foot-dragging, nay-saying, and excuse making.

I hear it all the time. You can’t teach violin, encourage spiritual formation, build community, etc. etc. etc. Fill in the blank with your pet “can’t do.” But while some folks throw up roadblocks, others are busy doing with technology what’s been said they can’t — if not today, then tomorrow.Read More »Following the lead of Generations X, Y, and Z and “liking” it

Data even donors can love

Previously I referenced research that claims donors aren’t much impressed by outcomes data. It’s heart-warming stories givers want, we’re told, not bone-dry facts.

But not all data points are tedious. Some are as interesting and as encouraging to the folks writing checks as the best told tale. Consider, for example, findings from a recent study of Compassion International’s child-sponsorship program.Read More »Data even donors can love

Two strategies for improving your board’s fiduciary behavior

Once upon a time, minding your board’s fiduciary P’s and Q’s consisted of dotting organizational I’s and crossing legal T’s and little more. But no longer. Or so say the members of an august panel of governance veterans featured in the March/April 2013 issue of Trusteeship magazine. As they tell it, fiduciary stewardship stretches well beyond the board’s attention to the bottom line.  Read More »Two strategies for improving your board’s fiduciary behavior

7 deadly sins of grant seekers

For the faith-based nonprofits with which I work – and in fact, for the majority of small to mid-size 501(c) 3s – foundation-funded grants are a tiny fraction of total gift income. Yet invariably, “write more proposals” is the first suggestion from organizational leaders when money is tight. I spend a lot of time talking board members and executive directors down from their high hopes of grants to the rescue.Read More »7 deadly sins of grant seekers

Move your fundraising beyond the insanity of the same-old, same-old

I gave up CNN or any other of the myriad news channels this past week. Not for Lent, but because the debacle unfolding in Washington, D.C. was simply too painful to watch. I’d like to think that the trauma of the last fiscal cliff experience would have knocked a little compromise (I stopped hoping for sense a long time ago) into our nation’s leaders.

But oh, no. There they went again, this time taking the nation with them over the edge. And here we are, all of us, clinging by our fingernails to the words of pundits who claim the fall won’t be so bad.Read More »Move your fundraising beyond the insanity of the same-old, same-old

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