“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
A special column for emerging nonprofits and those who are “struggling” What do you do if you are a nonprofit board chair or executive director, and you know in your heart-of-hearts that your current board can’t do what needs to be done? We have observed a tendency towards several responses. One is to bury your
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
Part three of a three part series What if you could get eight more hours out of the day? What if you could “clone” yourself five times over? These are unspoken dreams of many a nonprofit executive or college president. While they are unlikely to come true exactly as wished for, it is possible to
What’s under the tree for your nonprofit? Gifts of appreciated stock? Retirement savings? Volunteer service? What will it be?
As we enter the last month of the year there is a lot for nonprofits to consider, plan for, and take action on. With this column we share news updates on #GivingTuesday and sexual harassment. First up: #GivingTuesday. This new “holiday” is celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and is all about making financial gifts
A look beyond tragedy: how to support University of the Virgin Islands students, faculty and staff suffering from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Many of us think of the Virgin Islands as a favorite vacation paradise. In addition to the beautiful beaches and lush vegetation, the U.S. Virgin Islands are also home to a hidden gem:
Soon we will be lifting a glass to the New Year and bringing in 2018. That sounds far-fetched, but alas it is true – the end of 2017 will soon be upon us and the new year will begin. For nonprofits that means a concerted effort on what is referred to as “year end fundraising.”
A special column for nonprofit leaders The most valuable gift may be the gift of time. While we give the gift of our time through our actions, we cannot actually give anyone an extra hour. We all get 24 hours a day. No more. Yet many of us are so busy it feels as if
“That was a great awareness event.” “We really reached a lot of people.” “We broke even on expenses.” Are these the outcomes of your most recent special event? What about “We exceeded our fundraising goal!” Creating an engaging and exciting event is hard enough for professional event producers. For nonprofits the challenge is even greater.
