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How to Prepare for a Board Meeting
An Interview with Kim Moss Part two of a two-part series The board of directors plays a critical role in the life of a nonprofit. While each board is unique, best practices can increase a board’s...
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Donor Retention and Attrition: How effective is your fundraising?
We know you want to meet your fundraising goals. We also know some readers may be anxious wondering, “How will the calendar year end? Will we be in the red or in the black come December 31st?” While we...
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I didn’t give because you didn’t ask
Fear, ego, time and misinformation can keep you from asking for the gifts your organization needs. Don’t make these four mistakes. We are entering the giving season. Many readers will focus on...
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Tools for addressing generational poverty
Are you effectively using the resources available to you? Are your programs making an impact? Do you try new ideas? Have you explored the “two-generation” to addressing poverty? Do you understand...
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Yearend Solicitation – You want me to ask someone for a gift?!?
Fall is in the air. Time for football, warm sweaters, and the approach of the holidays. For those involved in fundraising, it is also time to focus on the year-end campaign. There are direct mail...
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Storytelling and fundraising… make sure your story isn’t a fantasy
If your story isn’t real, how can the funds you raise make a difference? Success is what nonprofits are supposed to project. Increased impact. New audiences, more people served, policies changed…...
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Two leadership requirements: honesty and trust
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...
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Don’t wait until everyone resigns: three ways to retain staff and board members
“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...
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Creating a culture of fundraising – part one
“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...
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Creating a culture of fundraising
– part two How to integrate and align fundraising with your mission. Fundraising is the process of attracting people and resources. Yes, it’s about raising money. But it’s also about “how” you raise...
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What is 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...
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Diversity and Inclusion
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...
View ArticleThree things you can do to launch fundraising in the new year
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...
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The FUNdraising Doctor is in!
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, discount its actions, the level of giving, and the...
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Defining Your Legacy
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...
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More than a plan: Three things you need to implement your fundraising plan
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...
View ArticleMary McLeod Bethune – World Class Fundraiser
Don’t forget to pass the hat Reliving history with 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...
View ArticleWhat is capacity and infrastructure?
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...
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Secrets to passionate leadership
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...
View ArticleGifts for Gifts? What is your practice?
As a donor, what do you want in return for your gift? A letter? Public recognition? Opportunities to meet with like-minded people? Access to the organization’s leadership? A plaque? A pen? Your...
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