This year has taught many of us that we can work from anywhere (including our homes). But that doesn’t mean -- and shouldn’t mean -- we always have to work. COVID Changed Everything Pre-pandemic, many development directors felt they were always working. But since they didn’t “work from home” (as much) there was likely more of a separation … [Read more...]
Are You Growing or Dying? Continuing Education Can Save Your Life
You’ve likely heard the popular expression, if you’re not growing, you’re dying. That being said, it has been a hard year. It can be tempting to veg out in front of the TV for hours on end. (I’ve done it myself.) In fact, I’ve watched so much TV over the past year, I often feel there’s nothing left to watch. I’m sure you don’t need … [Read more...]
6 Ways Fundraisers are Like Marvel Studio’s “The Avengers”
Ok, I know I don’t exactly fit the demographic of a typical Avengers fan. And yet, over the last few months, I’ve been watching Marvel Studio’s Avengers movies with my 16-year-old son. There aren’t too many things he likes to do with me these days, so when he says, “Come on, Mom, let’s watch a movie,” I do my best to put down whatever I’m … [Read more...]
Nonprofit Board Retreat on Zoom? 3 Must-Have Agenda Items
If you haven’t had a board retreat yet this year, this post is for you! That’s because every nonprofit board should have an annual retreat. And this year is no exception. If anything, a board retreat is more critical than ever as we begin to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Board Retreat Agenda Items for Zoom There are three … [Read more...]
Development Directors Who Stay Longer Raise More Money
A good development director is worth their weight in gold. Fundraising, especially major gift fundraising, is based on relationships. It takes time to build trust and confidence. The longer a development director stays at an organization, the more likely it is they really get to know the donors and volunteers and that the donors know them! … [Read more...]
Back to Basics: 8 Fundraising Essentials to Live By During a Pandemic
We're coming up on one year since the WHO declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic. This past year has shown us, in an outsized way, that the basics of fundraising are still essential for success. Therefore, below is a list of my best “essential” reminders of what you should be doing to raise money right now -- pandemic or not. Back to … [Read more...]
Virtual Solicitation Done Right: How to Ask for Donations via Zoom
For the first few months of the Covid-19 crisis, I felt like my primary responsibility was getting on the phone with hesitant CEO’s and Board Members and trying to convince them that asking during Covid wasn’t a bad idea. In other words, I was shouting for anyone who would listen that this was actually a good, and appropriate, time to be … [Read more...]
Top 5 Fundraising No-Brainers for Nonprofit Professionals in 2021
According to the Urban Dictionary, here's the definition for a "no-brainer": no-brainer -- noun -- something so obvious to be correct / appropriate, that it requires no contemplation to decide on. General No-Brainers for 2021 I put out a call on social media for 2021 no-brainers. Here are just a few of the responses I got: Wearing a … [Read more...]
A Letter to Your Boss: 7 Ways to Thank Your Development Director
All years are stressful when working at a nonprofit, but I think we can all agree, 2020 takes the cake. With that in mind, I've composed a letter for nonprofit Executive Directors to remind them how crucial it is to recognize the tireless work of their Development Directors and fundraising staff. As a Development Director, you've had to … [Read more...]
Are You Ready for a Capital Campaign? 11 Telltale Signs
If you're like many nonprofit leaders, you might be wondering when it's a good time to consider a capital campaign. With a pandemic raging, is it even possible that NOW is a good time for a campaign? Should Your Nonprofit Consider a Capital Campaign... Now? The answer is that it's a good time to take on a campaign in the coming months, … [Read more...]
