The Coronavirus has presented us all with some very life-threatening challenges. For once, the entire globe is under siege by a crisis impacting us all. It is simply, one word, unprecedented. However, that does not mean that we cannot look back at past crises and begin to see patterns and similarities that correspond to what […]
Yes, there will be life after COVID 19. Of that, I can guarantee it. What I can’t guarantee is what life will look like. But, what I can guarantee is that life will look and feel different than it does today. Change is almost a constant guarantee. And, admittedly, this is a moment of global […]
I tend to fly a lot these days. And, sometimes, I pay attention to those safety announcements. Qantas Airlines has done a great job of making them both fun and informative, which helps. The one safety tip that I, and probably you, remember the most is the one about “Fit Your Oxygen Mask first.” You […]
It was early December when I arrived at my location in Australia. The fires had been burning for several weeks and had been slowly chewing more and more bushland. As the days rolled on, dark clouds of smoke became even more ominous, and some days, depending on the wind, had “raining” burnt leaves, ash, and […]
During coaching sessions, I often get asked from professionals in their fundraising positions, “How do I run a capital campaign?” My easy answer, “It’s just like a big fundraising campaign on steroids.” What do you mean? I learned a valuable lesson very on in my career about how to run an Annual Fundraising Campaign that […]
There are specific points in all our nonprofit careers, where we stop and wonder, “Am I cut out for this work?” Whether or not you are an executive director or a fundraiser, it happens. Whether through a “bad job fit,” “unrealistic expectations,” or just a “bad day,” there are times that we stop and have […]
Just this week, I have spoken to two coaching clients about the stages of grieving after losing a job. Yes, there are actual stages of grieving that one must go through that follow Elizabeth Kubler Ross identified stages of grieving a death. To lose a job can be extremely traumatic and emotional, more so than […]
What should I say on my major donor visit? It’s not a matter of what you should say; it is more of a question of what you should do. To me, an initial major donor prospect meeting is more of an “archeological dig” or an “excavation.” So what are the steps for an “archeological dig?” […]
Hiring can be just plain tough. Sometimes you think you have it nailed, and the prospective new employee lasts a month. Or maybe, you can’t find the right candidate to start. And, then, when you find one, they always seem to operate at less than optimally. It feels like the search process goes on and […]
When meeting with new clients, I often hear this exact same question, “But, our organization receives state and federal funds…how can we realistically make the case for our fundraising?” And, my answer is, “Even more so you can! It is these organizations that unfortunately, truly need to diversify their fundraising and become even less reliant on […]
A new year and a new decade are quickly moving upon us. Is your organization ready to hit the ground running when the clock hits midnight on December 31? After what seems like months of preparation, and a rush headlong in the “Giving Season,” we wonder, “What is next?” I recommend several steps that you […]
Recently, I have received several inquiries from organizations who, for the first time, are seeking to start fundraising efforts. Many have subsisted on federal and state funds, finding ways to “cover” the expenses that the federal and state monies do not. Many of these groups are unsure if a development program is worth the investment, […]
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