Sandy Rees

Sandy Rees
A Blast From the Past: It's OK to Be a Small Shop (December 2012)
December 26, 2013

Way too many folks who work in the nonprofit world limit themselves with how they look at their organizations. They see them as little. Stop for a minute and think about what that means. If I believe my organization is little, I see it as not having the resources it needs or the opportunities it deserves. Subsequently, I may believe that everything is hard because of that. I may start evaluating things from the standpoint of what's appropriate for a little nonprofit, and I may miss opportunities that could propel the organization forward.

The Difference Between Fundraising and Development
July 12, 2013

Many people use these terms interchangeably, but I think there's a significant difference, especially for folks working in a small shop. When you're overworked and maybe overwhelmed, it's easy to get caught up in the frenzy of raising money. You need the dollars, right? Gotta make budget, right? Programs can't be delivered without funds, right?

It's OK to Be a Small Shop
December 1, 2012

When you engage in small thinking, your nonprofit is doomed to remain small. But if you want to raise a lot more money and help more people or make a bigger impact in the world, you have to start thinking bigger.

Keeping It Special
August 1, 2012

Special events have an important place in a good overall fundraising program. One or maybe two well-done events can generate publicity for your organization in addition to raising money. Events can also give you a way to cultivate relationships.

7 Tips for a Great Volunteer Experience
April 11, 2012

Done right, recruiting and using volunteers can be a huge blessing. Done poorly, they're headaches. So how do you manage volunteers right? Here are seven tips to make sure that both your volunteers and you have a mutually beneficial experience.

7 Tips for a Great Volunteer Experience
April 1, 2012

Done right, recruiting and using volunteers can be a huge blessing. Done poorly, they're headaches. So how do you manage volunteers right? Here are seven tips to make sure that both your volunteers and you have a mutually beneficial experience.

Boo! Don’t Scare Away Your Donors
November 1, 2011

Since Halloween is approaching as I write this (and probably just passed as you read it) — and since I can't get the "Little Shop of Horrors" song out of my head — I thought I'd share some of the scariest mistakes I've seen from small 
nonprofits. My hope is that you take heed and learn from these so you can avoid them.

Hey You! Get Off Facebook!
July 1, 2011

Successful fundraisers know how to manage their priorities and protect their time so they can focus on the things that need to get done.