It was only a handful of months ago that my weekly column directed Nonprofit Leaders to "throw it all at the wall". In the nonprofit sector, 2021 and 2022 could be called The Great Experiment. Post pandemic, it was the perfect time to take risks....
Welcome back from what was hopefully a refreshing and restorative break from the usual grind. As we head into September, I'm reminded of how much I love Fall every year. It's a season filled with renewed energy and purpose, especially in the nonprofit sector. What's on...
Flashback...
Rarely does a year go by when the nonprofit sector doesn't see 5-10 articles published by major news outlets about the "looming generosity crisis". It's a collective fear of wealthy, older donors passing on and reducing the size of the giving pool. The most recent article...
Here we are in the thick of summer. For most nonprofits, it's a perfect occasion to be idle - much like the rest of society when the holidays come around every year. I always get an eye roll when I urge nonprofit leaders to dial...
What would it take for you to see your fundraising efforts through the eyes of your supporters? It's a big question for a sector that focuses almost solely on affordability, velocity and convenience. Given this common approach, I wonder if shops ever consider the number...
It's Day 98 of a 100-day fundraising campaign. The target is $80,000. On Friday at 5 pm, staff member Linda tidies up her desk, switches her phone to voicemail, and waves goodbye to her colleagues as she heads toward the exit door. The 6 staff who remain...
Lately I'm being approached to do things. My recent visibility is definitely the catalyst. I began a quest to amplify my voice in writing this year. The result has been invitations to speak, to write, to moderate a few panels, and to participate as a...
I was asked recently, "If you could go back and change one thing during your time as a full time Executive Director, what would it be?" I knew the answer immediately. While I can say with certainty that I fully supported my staff, what I...
In all the years I've consulted with and coached Executive Directors, there is one issue I see universally. Nearly every one of them is stepping over the most egregious behavior where the Board is concerned.If you are an Executive Director, I can take one look...