The development committee of your board is like the fire department. They should always be ready to fundraise. They should be planning for the next campaign, cultivating new donors, and understanding the philanthropic landscape. When the time to actively fundraise arrives they “spring into action.” It is always the right time for a campaign if
“What can we do to help?” That was the question asked by a corporate representative at a conference we attended last week. The already lively discussion quickly blossomed and increased in focus. Here are the details. We were in Winston Salem participating in the State of Black North Carolina conference. We fell in love with
Wonder why it’s easy for some nonprofits to raise money and not so much for others? Here’s what we have learned: sustained successful fundraising requires consistent attention, action, funding and leadership. It is proactive and donor-focused. The success of an organization’s fundraising depends upon the involvement of a cross-section of influencers and their ability and
As you begin your board service, define what you want to achieve by the time you leave. Whether you are a new or established board member we suggest you take the time to define for yourself what you want to accomplish through your service. Time will pass; crises will arise; there will be leadership changes,
“Fundraising is known for its abundance of failures and few successes.” We can’t recall who said this, but we know it is true. Yet many people think otherwise. Plans are created; goals are set. Most are focused on “incremental growth.” Maybe it’s a little more direct mail. Or maybe a change in sponsorship levels for
If you have worked with a nonprofit you may have experience getting lost in what we call the “fundraising priority maze.” Here’s what it looks like. You know you need to raise money for your organization. Everybody else has a different idea about how much money is needed and how the funds will be used.
Fundraising successes don’t come overnight. They are built over time. It is the many “small” actions that build on each other and yield funding and resources. With this column we share with you the story of Lane College and its recent fundraising successes. Located in Jackson, Tennessee, Lane is a historically black college that
Part two of a two part series Should board members give? Our answer is “yes.” And, they should fundraise. That doesn’t mean you don’t need fundraising professionals. You do. But don’t think for a minute that they can be successful without a partnership with an engaged board. In part one of this series we shared
Part one of a two part series “My board doesn’t give.” That’s a common lament we hear from executive directors and college presidents. Here’s one from board members: “They only want me for my money.” Both statements may be true. If these sentiments are active within your organization or institution you might want to take
Happy New Year! We hope you will find within you a way to embrace the new year with thoughtfulness, optimism and calm. Before the promise of 2018 transforms into to-do lists and meetings we suggest taking a few moments to identify what’s most important and what you do well. Center yourself and your organization, and
