A private/public partnership benefits all parties working together for a common purpose that ultimately benefits the intended clients,” Cathy extols. “Each party has their own interest that has to be served in order to move forward. Collectively you have to be able to work as a team.
A few examples of business decisions that contribute to a lack of investment in nonprofits: fail to articulate your niche, accept a gift for a specific purpose and use it for another, be slow in sending out thank you letters
Do you really need to issue an RFP? Isn’t it just a lot of extra work? Learn the benefits of issuing an RFP.
When you have an effective and supportive partner fundraising can transform from an obligation into a fun challenge. You set a financial goal and work together to figure out how to reach it.
Does anyone even read the fundraising reports you produce? Producing fundraising reports can consume valuable time for a small, emerging or under-resourced nonprofit. Yet these reports are vital to the fundraising and oversight responsibilities of a board. The challenges and frustrations that arise when producing or reviewing reports can reflect an organization’s fundraising capacity and infrastructure.
We made goal, but all gifts are restricted” and other things development professionals say that drive executive directors and college presidents crazy.
Do you wonder why you can’t keep development staff? Maybe it is “their fault.” Or maybe your expectations have people running for the door. “Have you asked the board members for their gifts?” Statements like these drive development professionals crazy, contributing to high turnover.
Two truths about business cards and fundraising: a card can’t open a door if its sitting in a pile on your desk. Your development person can’t turn a pile of cards into relationships. The two of you need to work together, be creative, and follow up.
Fundraising is far from begging and yet that is the message too many of us have internalized. We hesitate to ask others to give to nonprofits we believe in. We think of ourselves as “beggars” and unconsciously teach our children that fundraising is begging.
Six things you can do between now and the next board meeting to energize yourself and your fellow board members. Choose one or more that sounds like fun to you. Each can help engage new supporters, increase awareness and raise money. These tips work if you are involved with university, a grassroots organization, or any size nonprofit in-between.
