As Memphis and the world marks the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. there is much to reflect on and much to look forward to. Our reflections can be a source of inspiration for what we can accomplish together moving forward into the future. We can embrace the “fierce urgency of
2018 Ocean City Jazz Festival Sat. July 7 – Sun. July 8 Historic Ocean City Community at North Topsail Beach, NC. About Ocean City Ocean City was established in 1949, as the first North Carolina coastal community in which Blacks could purchase land, 15 years before the Civil Rights Act. The first Festival was held on
Black Issues Summit More than 30 speakers and panelists May 9 – 11 The Benton Convention Center 301 W. 5th Street Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101 Learn more. Purchase your tickets
“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
This week we had the opportunity to participate in a workshop called A Framework for Understanding Socio-Economic Differences facilitated by Ruby K. Payne, Ph.D. The event was hosted by The Assisi Foundation of Memphis, Inc. and it was a sell-out. No fees were charged – this was offered to the community as a collective learning
Technology is changing all aspects of our lives. Yes, we know that’s not “breaking news.” But, when technology facilitates volunteering – removing barriers to engagement – that is news we need to share. Here’s the headline: check out Volunteer Odyssey, a local nonprofit that uses technology to connect volunteers with opportunities offered by nonprofits. More
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.
Growth. Transformation. Change. Innovation. Continuous improvements. Accountability. Transparency. Leadership. We know the words. We try to live them. We may think we are living them. But are we? What does it really take to live into individual and organizational aspirations? And what is the timeframe? Change is at the core of life. It is who
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
