Black history is made every day by those who lead and serve African American nonprofits. We salute the many unsung heroes who take on the day-to-day task of making an impact on our communities. They have been at it for generations. Most likely you are either one of these heroes or you have been impacted by one. We are talking about people who dedicate their lives to philanthropy, historically Black colleges and universities, churches, faith-based community organizations, and the community organizers and community developers who change policies and build neighborhoods. When it is time to receive an award or public…
Author: Mel and Pearl Shaw
By Mel and Pearl Shaw Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama announced the public phase of its $125 million fundraising campaign. They are in the process of raising the remaining $25 million and have invited all to participate in their unique campaign. It’s more than raising funds for an HBCU celebrating 125 years, it’s also a campaign to invest in Fairfield, the community they are a part of. Their slogan: Come Grow With Us. Miles College is inviting everyone to the table and working to ensure that as they grow their facilities and programs they work in concert with their neighbors.…
Let’s say you’re a nonprofit board member and you are asked to include the organization in your “estate plan.” How would you react? Would you think – or maybe say out loud – “Are you crazy?” Would you stutter, “Estate plan? I’m still paying off my student loans!!” At face value the above proposition sounds crazy. You’re making a commitment to give your time, expertise, and focus to a nonprofit. You’ve agreed to give a gift on an annual basis and to purchase tickets and attend events. Now they want you to give part of all that you will ever…
Nashville, Tenn.–February is Black history month and August is Black Philanthropy Month. We now have two months where the spotlight is – ideally – on the Black experience. February celebrates the rich diversity of who we are and our visions for the future. August is about how we give and contribute. There was – and still is – a way of looking at Black people and the Black community as being in need of investments by others. We are seen as the recipients of philanthropy, but until recently we weren’t widely celebrated as donors, let alone as philanthropists. But that’s…
By Mel and Pearl Shaw Do you use a case for support (“case”) in your fundraising? Do you use your case to recruit board members, fundraising volunteers, and new staff? Do all members of your nonprofit know where the organization or institution is headed? Yes, you can fundraise, recruit leadership and staff, and manage an organization without a case, but it is so much easier when you work with a case. Most organizations work from the premise that the only time they need a case is when they are preparing to engage in a major fundraising campaign. During such a…
Newly promoted fundraising professionals and volunteer leaders can feel as if they should have all the answers to everything. The pressure can feel overwhelming and trying to hide the feelings of overwhelm only adds to the dizzying experience. Here’s a secret: all of that is unnecessary. The cure lies in not knowing it all. Instead, surround yourself with people who can help you reach your goals. Melvin’s mom would say, “just remember, there’s always someone just a little bit smarter than you.” She was trying to tell him that he wouldn’t always have the answer. She was suggesting that he…
By Mel and Pearl Shaw of Saad & Shaw With June 30 knocking on the calendar door now is the time for reflection on how and whether to move ahead. Your nonprofit may have a calendar year that ends on June 30th – or this could be a mid-year point. In all cases, we recommend taking a moment to reflect on the work and value of your organization. Take time to look down the road at what lies ahead – and to look back on from whence you came. There may be a fork in the road, and you could…
What would you do if suddenly you found yourself surrounded by enthusiastic, talented, well-connected individuals ready to volunteer with your nonprofit and help you reach all your goals? Can you hear their voices clamoring, “just tell me what you need, and I’ll make it happen!” Could you respond, or would you find yourself saying, “let me get back to you.” We have the proactive answer that can put you in the driver’s seat when it comes to engaging and managing volunteers. It’s the volunteer handbook. When you have a volunteer handbook everyone in your organization has access to one source…
Fundraising is 90% preparation. Roles and responsibilities are a part of that preparation. In fact, defined roles and responsibilities for staff, consultants, board members, and volunteers help ensure that your fundraising activities run smoothly. When team members know their roles and responsibilities, they are more inclined to take action. No one person is being asked to do it all; each has a specific role to play. Roles and responsibilities should be documented and presented to prospective volunteers when they are invited to join your fundraising. This takes time. Ideally, roles and responsibilities should be documented in your fundraising plan. If…
By Mel and Pearl Shaw of Saad&Shaw Nonprofits love to hear the phrase “you got the grant!” With this column we share suggestions for things to consider once you receive a grant. Some may appear self-evident, and others may not. What’s most important is that your good news doesn’t turn into a bad situation. In most cases a grant notification includes a letter or document that you need to sign. This will typically lay out the terms and conditions of the grant. Read this carefully, as these are your obligations. Typically, the document will define what you can use the…