One way to help sustain your organization is to build and nurture relationships with decision makers who can provide finances and resources. Be intentional as you expand the number of decision makers who know your organization. It takes time for an executive within a corporation – or a board within a foundation – to decide
Fundraising is a community endeavor, and our communities include the politicians who are elected to represent us at all levels. Current, former and prospective elected leaders are often involved in fundraising, providing great value. At the same time there are challenges related to engaging politicians as fundraising volunteers. With this column we discuss the pros
A well-run volunteer management program can change the life of your nonprofit. Most leaders know this and yearn for a team they can depend on. At the same time most delay engaging volunteers because “it’s a lot of work.” That’s the truth. But, it’s also true that an investment in volunteers will leverage the work
As a donor, what do you want in return for your gift? A letter? Public recognition? Opportunities to meet with like-minded people? Access to the organization’s leadership? A plaque? A pen? Your family’s name on a building? As an organization, what do you offer to your donors as a way of thanking them for supporting
Leadership is more than a job. It’s an expression of your commitment to an organization, a cause, or an institution. People know when they meet you whether you are going through the motions, or living the mission and vision of the nonprofit you represent. Some leaders have charisma, that ability to engage others. They reach
Knowing your mission, vision and proposed impact is critical to your success as an organization. Equally important is the process of building your fundraising capacity and infrastructure. But what exactly are these things? Here are three things you need to know. These refer to tangible and intangibles such as people, skills, relationships, technology, processes, and
Listen in on an engaging conversation about Dr. Bethune and how what she did still resonates today. Anthony Ray of HBCU Nation interviews Melvin Shaw. In the early 1950’s I had the honor to hear Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune speak in a packed, hot and humid Clayborn Temple in downtown Memphis. She was a powerful
Will a fundraising plan solve your fundraising challenges? Will your organizational culture change? Will your board suddenly become more involved? What about funding: will the money and resources you need miraculously appear? Creating fundraising plans for our clients is one of our core services. We invest time learning each organization, its culture, assets, position in the
How will you meet your fundraising goal in 2017? This question typically elicits one of three responses. Some are confident they will be able to secure the funds their organization needs. Others have a general feeling about where the money and resources will come from. Still others are used to making do and believe they
Each day we are creating the legacy that one day we will leave to our family and the world. We do it with our words and daily actions. We do it with our giving. What is most important to you and your family? How do you want to be remembered? When an organization captures your
