Many nonprofit organizations and institutions rely on revenue from special events. If you check any calendar of events you will find many to choose from: 5k and 10k runs and walks; galas with dinner, dancing and awards; concerts; luncheons with nationally recognized speakers. With strong competition for the philanthropic dollar we want to help you
Part Two of a two-part series Left to Right: Byron Glore, Wayman Smith, and Victor Julian What contributed to the success of the history-making UNCF Lou Rawls telethon? Leadership, collaboration, team work, and a respect for the individual goals of participating partners. In part one of this series, we provided a look at what went
Part one of a two-part series Left to Right: Mel Shaw, Lou Rawls, and James Alston During its heyday (1980 – 1993), the United Negro College Fund’s Lou Rawls Parade of Stars was the largest African American special event in the United States held on one day. It forever changed African American philanthropy and how
Here’s a stereotype to bust: Philanthropy is about large gifts from the rich and the powerful who give to organizations and institutions that serve those in need. Here’s an expanded definition: philanthropy includes everyday African Americans who give freely of their treasure. So much of African American philanthropy is impactful, but unrecorded. We have a
We recently received a request from a reader wanting to know how to get the most impact from meetings with her supervisor. “Each week, I am given full responsibility for what is discussed. It is the one opportunity where I have my supervisor’s undivided attention and think I should be more strategic in our discussion.”
This is the fifth in a series focused on the prerequisites for fundraising success. Last week’s column focused on building a fundraising team. This week we provide suggestions for creating an empowered fundraising team. The key word is empowered. Here’s the best definition of an empowered fundraising team that we have heard “allowing good people
This is the fourth in a series focused on the prerequisites for fundraising success. We can do so much more together than we can alone. A fundraising team – that includes board members, staff and volunteers – can transform your nonprofit. It will take time, energy and talent to build and manage such a team,
This is the third in a series focused on the prerequisites for fundraising success. Commitment is critical to successful fundraising. Without commitment, ideas and plans remain just that. Our experience has shown that the full commitment of the board of directors, CEO, staff, and volunteer leadership is key to fundraising success. People who are committed
This is the second in a series focused on the prerequisites for fundraising success. Agreement is the cornerstone upon which a healthy nonprofit is built. Without agreement amongst an organization’s leadership it is almost impossible to sustain successful fundraising. You may be in a situation where there was agreement in the past, but changes in
Big money attracts big dreams. Imagine what your organization could do with a large sum of money. Large could be $25,000 or it could be $25 million. It all depends on your operating budget. Whether you say “yes” to big money, or turn down an opportunity can impact your organization – and community – for
