How are you going to pursue your vision and work toward accomplishing your mission? What is your strategy? Your strategy is a collection of your answers to these three questions: *What programs/services do we want to provide to make a Mission Impact? *How will we staff our organization? *How will we fund our organization? The collective answers to these questions describe … [Read more...] about Give Your Strategy a Tune-up
The Basic Fundraising “Ask”
It is a simplistic fundraising formula. But I am a simple-minded guy. The three words I always make sure to keep in mind when I discuss a possible gift with a prospective donor are Problem, Opportunity, and Challenge. Though it is indeed a simplistic approach, I have found it to be very helpful. It keeps me on track during a fund-raising conversation. I have used it … [Read more...] about The Basic Fundraising “Ask”
Drucker’s Five Important Questions
The Nonprofit Strategy class I am teaching at Maryland was due to discuss SWOT analysis last night, so it has had me thinking about various assessment tools available for nonprofits. Peter Drucker spent a great deal of time in his later years working on applications of his management ideas for nonprofits – or, as he called them – social sector organizations. One of the … [Read more...] about Drucker’s Five Important Questions
Improve Your “Tribe’s” Performance
Interestingly enough, focusing your organization’s “tribe” on your values can actually lead to higher levels of performance. It makes sense when you think about it. Imagine that an organization has clearly answered the questions “Why are we here? & What do we stand for?” – and that this is widely understood among the staff and key volunteers; your “tribe.” Establishing … [Read more...] about Improve Your “Tribe’s” Performance
Ritz & Disney at Grandma’s House
You need to take your seriously ill child out of town to a doctor that will give them the best care possible. Where do you stay? If Grandma lived nearby it would be nice to stay with her, where you know you would have a loving and caring environment. But she doesn’t live there. It would be great to stay at a Ritz where you know you would have a high quality hotel room and … [Read more...] about Ritz & Disney at Grandma’s House