Holy cow, fifty shades of fundraising consulting, which do you prefer?
Lately, I have been doing a lot of driving. And, as a result, a lot of thinking. I have clients all throughout the Northeast. And, sometimes, yes, the driving does get "old." But, then I sit back and reflect.You see, there are many…
Culture of place and how it impacts fundraising campaigns
There is so much science behind fund development. You can study it, take courses in it, and read books on it. Campaigns have become honed regarding best practices; there are easy steps to put into place, materials to be created, and people to…
The “too busy” fundraiser!
"I don't have the time!"Development professionals probably have one of the most demanding jobs in an organization. There are so many expectations, and the work is full of deadlines that need we need to meet.We work long hours on grant proposals,…
The intersection between mission and mergers
There always comes the point in an organization when the natural order of things is change. Whether that change is an executive transition, upheaval in the Board of Directors, or even things greater than that. Things such as what should…
Are all your fundraising systems in line?
Interestingly enough, I met with a wonderful and highly intelligent gentleman this past week. As we were eating lunch, we started talking about systems thinking. It reminded me of a mentor who once said that we needed to be reading people like…
The importance of the agenda to good governance
Good governance doesn't end at creating a Governance Committee of the board or even of establishing processes for governance such as policies and procedures, or even developing new committee structures.Governance has only begun. It continues…
Governance, follow the leader?
So, who leads the governance process? Is it the Board? Is it the staff?I wondered to what role does the staff or Board play in shifting a culture that is not longer useful? In fact, sometimes a management culture can be downright disruptive…
How well are you meeting your nonprofit’s mission?
How big is your need?Interestingly enough, a group that I am currently working with is in the process of conducting an outside needs assessment. I think this is such a wise move. Over the years, I have led strategic planning and board…
Is Your Board Looking Through the Lens of Mission?
The lens of mission must guide everything that a Board of Directors decides in an organization. Everything.Board members are the vanguard of the mission. They develop it; they refine it, and they ensure it. They ensure that the organization…
What running Mt. Washington taught me about fundraising
This past weekend, I embarked on an event that frightened me. Literally and figuratively.You see, several months ago, I entered a lottery. And, the drawing was for a chance to run up Mt. Washington in the Mt. Washington Auto Road Race.…
Reflecting on a career in fundraising; simpler times
Twenty-two years is an awfully long time. I can't believe it has gone by that quickly. And, it all happened by pure chance or maybe little small choices all along the way. Now, I find myself a CFRE and have my Masters in Fund Development…
Fundraising in the trenches, getting out of your funk!
Feeling listless, stressed, in a funk? Snap out of it!
I have been in the field of fundraising for a long time. And, I know that sometimes (maybe a lot of occasions), development work can be hard and draining, and sometimes you end up in…
