In her excellent book, Engaging Your Board in Fundraising, Kathy Hedge first points out six significant mistakes nonprofits make when they attempt to get volunteers engaged in fundraising. She developed this list through interviews with nearly 50 nonprofit leaders from across the country: *We forget that board members are volunteers. They are busy and don’t live the … [Read more...] about How to Get Your Board to Fundraise
fundraising
Who Will Pay For It?
Entrepreneurs – whether they are for-profit or not-for-profit focused – have this question as one of their main challenges. Many for-profit entrepreneurs come up with a new, cool product or service – but there is no market. There is no one who will actually pay for it. The not-for-profit entrepreneurs are fantastic at coming up with new, innovative programs that will make … [Read more...] about Who Will Pay For It?
Pallotta & The Overhead Myth
You are probably one of more than 2 million people who have viewed Dan Pallotta’s TED Talk “The Way We Think About Charity is Dead Wrong.” If not, you better get with it! Tons has been written about this talk. Pallotta turns some people off, but one thing is for certain – he has gotten people’s attention! Tomorrow, my friend John Thomas and I are presenting a session on … [Read more...] about Pallotta & The Overhead Myth
SMART v. 2.0, Aggressive Goals
This blog looks at another “A-word” to fill out the SMART recipe in which the other letters are Specific, Measurable, Relevant, Time-Bound. Last time we looked at “Attainable" goals as an “A” option. While there are some good reasons to use “Attainable” goals, I pointed out that one important finding from the goal research is: The more difficult the goal, the higher the … [Read more...] about SMART v. 2.0, Aggressive Goals
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”