3 Fundraising Lessons From Freddie Mercury & Queen
Far reach from rockstar superstardom to fundraising glory? Not really! Watching Bohemian Rhapsody, I couldn’t help but notice a few standout truths and values from their rise to fame. They apply as much to hardworking fundraisers, dedicated to making the world a better place, as to anyone else reaching for success. Lesson #1: Think big […]
Three Taboo Words for Fundraisers
All nonprofits believe—and rightly so—that our work is essential and worthy of support. But let me drop a truth bomb which may be tough to hear: Our mere existence doesn’t warrant philanthropic giving. Yet the ways we communicate with donors often suggest otherwise, and the language we use can hurt us. In my quest to […]
Just What Do We Do About The Lack of Trust in Charities? How to Regain Donor Confidence
In 2015, Giving USA announced that giving levels across the country had returned to record highs—finally restarting the philanthropic pause triggered by the 2008 recession. If donor confidence had been restored and all is right in the charitable world again, why is it that a poll conducted by the Chronicle of Philanthropy showed stalled levels […]
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do…How To “Break Up” With Your Board Members
Break ups are awkward, painful, and uncomfortable. Whether it’s a professional partnership or a personal or romantic relationship, it’s never easy to part ways. This is also true when it comes to “breaking up” with your board members. Have you been in this position before? Are you in it right now? Maybe you’re thinking, “My board member is giving his or her time (and in most cases, money). I couldn’t possibly ask him/her to leave. I’m just so thankful he or she is involved.” Yes, your board members are volunteers, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t hold them to certain expectations. So, what do you do when you have a board member who isn’t performing up to their fullest potential? Here’s a roadmap to help you navigate this complex situation: First, consider what a board member thinks his or her job is. Does the board have a clear job descriptions? Did you have conversations with each board member about their specific roles and responsibilities? If not, consider re-setting expectations as your next step….
Yes! Boards Can and Should Fundraise…Here’s How
In my experience, there isn’t a board that doesn’t groan when the topic of fundraising comes up. Board members often consider fundraising one piece of an organization’s fiscal health. When it comes to rolling up their sleeves and getting involved in it, they suddenly disappear. This happens for three reasons: 1. Board members may think […]
Major Gift Fundraising for the Small Shop
Just What Exactly Do We Do About the Workforce Crisis?
“Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” — Michael Corleone (Godfather III) As a young girl, I never thought “when I grow up, I want to be a fundraiser.” I distinctly remember wanting to be a teacher, then a doctor, an advertising professional (I had dreams of writing commercials!), and […]
Playlist for a Lost Donor
I’ve been thinking a lot about donor retention lately especially as we enter the busiest time of the fundraising year. Whether or not your fiscal year ends on December 31st, donors and nonprofits alike know this is prime giving season. Consider these stats from Network for Good’s Digital Giving Index: · 30% of all giving […]
How are Donors Like Orchids?
Several months back, a friend sent me an orchid for my birthday. It was a really lovely present and now has a special place on my desk. My friend told me that he chose the orchid because he was pretty sure I don’t have a green thumb (correct) and that it would be very low-maintenance […]