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
Part Two of a Two Part Series Are you ready for a successful fundraising year? Are you already involved? Before you go full force in the marketplace – whether with cultivation or solicitation – stop and review your fundraising readiness status. Here are 10 business processes we have found impact fundraising. Take a moment to
This special column was written by Robert Krouskoff – father of Pearl Shaw and father-in-law of Melvin Shaw. We share his words in hopes that they will inspire you. Learn more about Mr. Krouskoff. We live in a culture of racism (and disregard for the poor) without knowing or thinking about it. This cultural conditioning
Part One of a Two Part Series As 2016 came to a close there was an avalanche of well crafted requests to give to nonprofits. These came in the US mail and via email. They were on TV, radio, Facebook, Twitter… everywhere! So many were compelling. They combined emotion with facts. They communicated impact. They
Part Two of a Two Part Series The financial health of an organization is often attributed to the board of directors. The composition of the board, its actions, the level of giving, and the recognition of individual members all impact financial health. Part one of this series provided information on nine symptoms of board health.
