Board

Creating Successful Nonprofit Boards, Staff and Programs: Take a Cue From Successful For-Profit Businesses
January 29, 2014

While nonprofits may be structured differently than for-profit businesses, there are some elements they have in common such as business needs for operational efficiencies, processes and sustained results. Like any business, in order for a nonprofit to be effective in its operation it must have the necessary funds and the staff in place who believes in the organization, its mission and its vision.

The Best Fundraising Ideas I Ever Stole, Part 1
January 22, 2014

A colleague once told me there aren’t any great new ideas — just people who know how to borrow well. I believe he was right! These are the best fundraising ideas I ever stole and put to work over and over again: Pair your board members' influence with direct mail. First, have your board review your donor lists. Next write a great letter. Finally, report back often to your board members.

Exactly What to Say to Get 100 Percent Participation From Your Board
January 15, 2014

It’s frequently the case that even experienced fundraising staff members feel a bit intimidated when it comes to talking to their board about “giving and getting.” For one thing, it can feel as though you’re asking board members to pay your salary — after all, your income does depend on contributions. And for another, in a sense your board is collectively your employer. I have yet to meet someone who’s comfortable telling his or her boss what to do.

4 Board Principles for a Fast-Growing Nonprofit
December 31, 2013

During the past several years, I have had the privilege of working with a number of nonprofit boards that are leading and supporting fast-growing nonprofit organizations. In some cases the fast growth had created tension. It is typical that the board feels like its established operating agreements are not responsive enough to accommodate the rapid decision-making required by the growth.

How to Sell a Nonprofit Marketing Plan to Your Board
December 30, 2013

You have spent countless hours creating a marketing and communications strategy and budget for your nonprofit, and there is just one thing standing in your way from executing it: board approval.

For many, getting board approval can be a stress-inducing exercise, but it does not have to be that way. If you keep in mind that your board is ultimately accountable for the activities of your organization, its need to scrutinize your marketing plan is understandable.

How to Create a Fundraising Action Plan for Your Board
November 18, 2013

Board members are naturally nervous about fundraising. But there are ways to calm them down and make fundraising fun for them. No kidding! Here’s how: Set them up to do fundraising jobs that don't involve soliciting.

Tell them they don't have to ask if they don’t want to. They can open doors and help you find new friends and donors — without having to solicit. And these actions will directly impact your bottom line.

If you want to set up a fundraising action plan for your board, try this plan …

Myths and Realities of Board Members and Fundraising
November 11, 2013

How do your board members feel about fundraising? Not enthusiastic, I’ll bet! One of the biggest myths around is that board members should be willing and able to raise money. We wish!

But here’s the reality: Most board members have some very real challenges when they are confronted with fundraising. Let’s look at the myths — and the realities — of board members and fundraising.

Financing Not Fundraising: 5 Taboos Nonprofits Must Get Over
October 31, 2013

Nonprofit taboos are so insidious because they are unwritten and unquestioned. But that has to stop. If we want to move the nonprofit sector forward, we must uncover certain taboos and determine whether they are really unacceptable anymore. Here are the five most egregious taboos in the nonprofit sector: Nonprofits shouldn't … raise a surplus, pay market-rate salaries, demand board members fundraise, question donors and invest in fundraising.

5 Things Your Board and CEO Don’t Get About Fundraising and Donors
October 25, 2013

There are some things your board and CEO just don't get about fundraising and donors, so it's your job to tell them. Here are five of them: 1. Donors feel good when they give. 2. Donors respond to sizzle, not steak. 3. Donors fund outcomes they can visualize, not strategic plans. 4. Donors don't like the same things you like. 5. Donors don't care about bells and whistles.