One thing we have learned in life – and in fundraising – is that no one can go it alone. We may think we can, but we are often wrong. Even when we can proclaim, “I did it all myself,” the toll is often too high. When it comes to fundraising, “going it alone” can initially seem efficient. But if “you” do all the fundraising, then “you” are the only person who people will associate your organization or institution. When you take time to recruit and engage staff and volunteers to help with you can multiply your impact. And, when…
Author: Mel and Pearl Shaw
As an 87-year-old person of color who has witnessed the long arc of America’s struggle with racial equality, I find myself compelled to respond to the growing number of pundits and corporate leaders who are praising Trump’s elimination of DEI programs. From the very beginning, I’ve observed with growing concern how the acronym “DEI” has often functioned more like “DIE” for meaningful progress in racial equity. The ending of long-standing programs, firing of DEI executives and staff, and the scrubbing of any reference to anything that hints of equality… fundamentally misses the deeper implications of this policy shift and ignores…
Yes, the world as we know it has turned upside down! Some may applaud changes at the federal government level and others may be distraught. In all cases, change is here. The question is this: how will nonprofit organizations weather these changes? The phrase “nonprofits” covers a group larger than most imagine. The National Council of Nonprofits estimates there are 1.3 million nonprofits in the U.S. alone. This includes hospitals, research centers, colleges and universities, community arts groups, think tanks, daycare centers, and more than you can imagine. They employ 12.3 million people, and more than 64 million people serve…
In a world that can seem driven by the search for perfection we offer a gift this holiday season: the gift of imperfection. We recently facilitated a workshop and tried out a new exercise. A team member pulled us aside afterwards and shared that we really got people interacting. She said this with a smile and a positive tilt in her voice. We listened to her comments, smiling at each other as this was one of the goals of the workshop. Then she mentioned that she saw that some participants were uncomfortable with the exercise. We stopped smiling and looked…
You’ve got a case for support that you, your leadership team, board members, staff, volunteers, and students, clients or program participants believe in. It is clear, concise, and compelling. Maybe you’ve even transformed it into a short video. It is beautifully printed. Now what? As the executive director or CEO of a nonprofit it is time for you to start talking with people, sharing the case, asking stakeholders for feedback, and most importantly learning how current and potential donors and funders see themselves as part of the life of your organization. The case for support is not a report on…
Nonprofit fundraising requires full engagement by the board of directors. If you are a board member or nonprofit leader – this column is for you. We offer serious suggestions for your consideration – things that have been shared with us over the years by those who can give and influence gifts at the highest levels. Let’s start with “who is on your board?” People who can influence major gifts and resources want to know if they know anyone on your board. This is part of their evaluation of an organization’s leadership and capabilities. They want to know that your board…
Are your board members engaged, active, and working in committees to advance the organization? Does the board chair check in with the president or CEO every week, and vice versa? Does the board make all the decisions and then tell the executive director what the staff should do? Or maybe your board focuses on reviewing reports prepared by staff, working from an agenda prepared by staff? Does your board and executive team work together, or does one or the other have the “upper hand?” The relationship between board members and nonprofit leadership can represent the best of what nonprofit staff…
When faced with a revenue shortfall should a nonprofit cut expenses across the board? Is there one way to “balance the budget?” We share insights from John Bazzanella, COO of Tennessee Nonprofit Network, as we end this six-part series on nonprofit budgeting. What should a nonprofit do when facing revenue shortfalls? One way to reduce the stress is to plan ahead in the budgeting process and create contingency plans based on revenue projections. This process allows you to consider scenarios related to your level of confidence in different revenue streams. Begin with the full budget, then reforecast revenue with however…
Fundraising is known for its abundance of disappointments and few successes. Don’t let that get you down. It’s just a fact of life. And you can overcome it. Let’s say you’re a kid and you want a specific gift. What do you do? We recommend talking to those who just might give you a gift. Tell them what you want. Tell them why you want it, and how your life will be so wonderfully different once you have it. We hope you can conjure up the feelings that come with knowing you just might get what you want. Feel the…
We hope you were well celebrated for Mothers’ Day and that you enjoyed celebrating the mothers in your life! We get one day to officially sing the praises of those who mother us and our families. But we believe there are 365 days to celebrate the mothering role that women (and men) play in the nonprofit sector. Not only are mothers served by nonprofits across our country and around the globe, but they also lead these organizations. Many times they are the ones who birth them as well, pushing them into this world with force and determination. Here’s to the…