Part One of a Two Part Series The board of directors of an organization is responsible for its financial health. What does this mean? How do you measure the fundraising health of the board? We at Saad&Shaw suggest a visit to the FUNdraising doctor. A check-up may be in order. Below you will find symptoms
As the year comes to an end many of us are fortunate to receive invitations to events large and small. With Hanukkah falling on December 24th there will be simultaneous celebrating by Jews and Christians this year. And even more will celebrate the New Year. Some events are family parties, work gatherings, or faith celebrations.
The new year is soon upon us complete with new year resolutions. Some are personal: lose weight, exercise more, be a more loving person, spend more time with family, quit smoking…. Others relate to the nonprofit organizations we work with. Three things you can do to launch fundraising in the new year 1 – Create
Nonprofits are ahead of the game when it comes to diversity. Is that true? We may tell ourselves that, but diversity – and most importantly inclusion – requires we take an honest look at our organizations. We recently participated in a Strategic Diversity Course offered by the National Organization for Workforce Diversity. We were part
Creating a culture of fundraising Part three of a three-part series Everyone has to have a responsibility for fundraising. We call this a culture of fundraising. Others refer to it as a culture of philanthropy. Either way, this shared responsibility is at the core of nonprofit fundraising and sustainable organizations. But what exactly is culture?
Creating a culture of fundraising Part two of a three-part series Fundraising is the process of attracting people and resources. Yes, it’s about raising money. But it’s also about “how” you raise money. We believe that fundraising should be infused into all aspects of an organization’s culture. It needs to be a shared responsibility that
Part one of a three-part series “How can we raise money before the end of the year?!?” We have received several calls like these. Established and emerging organizations want to make sure they communicate with and solicit donors before the end of the year. It’s too late. Fundraising is something that goes on year-round. If you’ve
“Nobody taught us how to go out and fundraise.” – Former board member. “After my experience at this organization, I am no longer interested in working in fundraising.” – former fundraising professional. We heard each of these statements during the past week. These are not uncommon sentiments. However, they are not frequently voiced before people
November and December are times of increased giving. So many of us are relationship and philanthropy focused. We open our homes to friends and family, and we open our wallets to nonprofits. Knowing that many choose to make financial gifts during this time, nonprofits focus on reaching out to donors through direct mail, online campaigns,
Are you brave enough to have an open and honest conversation about your organization’s fundraising? Are you willing to step out from behind your role as executive director and have an honest talk with your board chair? Are you willing to talk with him – or her – about what’s working and not working? Can
