Every once in a while I invite a guest blogger to contribute to my blog because they have something interesting or different to say. My friend and colleague, Susan Schaefer, recently published a new book about Nonprofit Boards. Since it fits in nicely with my "board" theme this year, I invited her to write about governance … [Read more...]
3 Simple Tips to Reconnect with Your Board Members
Is summer a slower time in your office? It might be the perfect time to reconnect with your board members. This post is a short, quick read to help you do just that. Think about how often you meet with each board member individually. It’s important to do so at least once a year, and if you haven’t done so in a while, now’s the time. Meet … [Read more...]
The Easy Way to Set Up a ‘Give and Get’ Policy for Your Board
Today’s question comes from Lisa who asks: What is the most successful model for the board give or get policy? How do you set the amount? Is it: 'Give until it hurts?' And how do you reinforce the policy you set? Share it with others -- Today’s Tweetable: Forcing #nonprofit board members to "give until it hurts" is bad … [Read more...]
Does Your Board Approach Fundraising Like the Underpants Gnomes?
Although I’m not a South Park watcher, a colleague sent me this 35 second video and I immediately thought of the way some nonprofit boards function. Check it out and see how working at a nonprofit can feel a bit like dealing with the Underpants Gnomes. Hey... What's "Phase 2?" These enterprising little guys have a business plan … [Read more...]
Let Board Members Tell Your Story in THEIR Words: The Un-Elevator Pitch
When facilitating a board retreat, there's one question I ask board members more than any other: Why do you give your time, expertise, and finances, (time, talent, treasure) to this organization, when there are so many other worthy organizations out there? Share it with others -- Today’s Tweetable: Have your #nonprofit board … [Read more...]
Getting Donors to Help with “Chores”: Donor Advice Visits
Now that spring is here, I wanted to clean out my garage. At the same time, I've been working on teaching my ten-year-old son the importance of helping out around the house. Fortunately, I was able to use a tactic I've learned from teaching board members to conduct donor visits and accomplished both at the same time! If you've ever … [Read more...]
How Do You Create Volunteer “Evangelists” for Your Cause?
How do you create a team of volunteer “evangelists,” people who will always come through for you? I was asked this question by a staff member the other day when we were discussing her upcoming board retreat, and I thought it was a great question. Instilling Volunteer Loyalty I recently saw a quick clip of Tom Ahern and Jeff Brooks at a … [Read more...]
Use Board Member Bingo to Make Board Retreats Fun!
Today’s question comes from Margaret, who asks: Amy, I want to hire you as our board retreat facilitator, but I want to make sure you make our retreat is fun and engaging. How can we ensure it’s not boring? Share it with others -- Today’s Tweetable: Use Board Member Bingo to have fun and start discussions at #nonprofit board … [Read more...]
Turn First-Time Donors into Repeat Donors with Board Gratitude
It can be hard to be grateful, especially when you're not raising as much as you wish you were, and when a donor gives less than you think they "should". Frustrations can run high around fundraising. Last week at my AFP Chapter, Jay Love, the Founder and CEO of Bloomerang, spoke about the importance of donor retention. Getting a Second … [Read more...]
Do You Really, Seriously Need a Board Retreat?
This fundraising question comes from Tom, who writes: I can’t convince my ED that we should have a board retreat. Can you help? Share it with others -- Today’s Tweetable: Schedule a #nonprofit board retreat today to focus on team building, planning, and #fundraising! @amyeisenstein Video Transcript Yes, Tom! I can … [Read more...]
