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”
Fundraising
Mission, Vision, Money
Last week I was asked to serve as the opening speaker for the Major Gifts track at a nonprofit fundraising conference. In summary, I said that an aspirational Mission & Vision are the pathways to Money. In fact, this is the most important path to take if you want to raise BIG money for your nonprofit. Mission. The aspect of Mission I encourage nonprofits to focus on … [Read more...] about Mission, Vision, Money
The 3rd Deadly Sin of Nonprofit Strategy: Over-Emphasis on Fundraising
Like so many sins, this one starts out innocently enough. An organization has financial challenges and decides it needs a big new fundraising campaign – maybe even a capital campaign. Then someone remembers that a big fundraising effort will need to be explained as being part of a strategic plan. So they hasten to throw together a strategic plan that justifies the … [Read more...] about The 3rd Deadly Sin of Nonprofit Strategy: Over-Emphasis on Fundraising
Analysis Cannot Answer the Question “Why?”
In my last blog, I made the case for the value of organizations setting their visions and goals without cluttering their minds with the constraints of the current reality – which are usually identified in a SWOT analysis. Today I offer a different perspective on the same theme. Systems Thinking pioneer, Dr. Russell Ackoff, was a Senior Fellow at Maryland’s Robert H, Smith … [Read more...] about Analysis Cannot Answer the Question “Why?”