Fundraiser Education

Cathy is the executive director of a small, worthy nonprofit focused on the elderly. In the midst of her planning for 2016, she reached out to me with a familiar concern. How do I persuade prospective donors to actually invest in my organization? In fundraising lingo, “How do I convert more prospects into donors?”...

We’ve been hearing about “El Niño” for months, and sandbags, K-rail and umbrellas have been in great demand. For fundraisers, there are possible El Niño “seasons” (deviations from the normal or expected patterns) year-round. We can’t predict them all, so always being ready for the unexpected has to be more than a cliché; it must be our typical operating mode...

When I started my company 27 years ago, I had the idea that giving someone a gift would make that person do what I asked. If I dangled that carrot, the horse would go for it. Now I know that idea, when applied to humans, is just as insulting and wrong-minded as it sounds...

The new year is upon us, and many of us have made a list of resolutions in an attempt to better ourselves in 2016. Some of these resolutions are personal, some are professional. Unfortunately, most of us are going to fail in our resolution attempts. An impressive 45 percent of Americans typically make a New…

Philanthropy isn’t what it was 50 years ago. In fact, the sector isn’t even what it was last year. From the emergence of Silicon Valley philanthropy, to the growing influence of Millennials as social entrepreneurs, to new adventures in virtual reality—2015 took philanthropy on a ride that captured headlines and our imaginations. But this new…

While I am not much for making resolutions, this is a natural time to think about how I would like to be different one year from today. Whether you view New Year’s resolutions as necessary or overhyped, here are a few things you can pick and choose from as you think about the impact 2016 will have on your career as a fundraiser...

I cannot believe it, but another year has come and gone. They say the older you get, the faster time flies, and I agree. We cannot do anything about the past, but we can prepare for the future and hope for the best. In preparation for 2016, I will suggest 16 ideas to get you…

Kyle Kosior thought his job as the Red River Valley Habitat for Humanity's executive director would be mostly made up of administrative duties and helping construct homes. "After three years here, I found out I spend most of my time on the funding just to keep the lights on," he said. "In order for us…

And just like that, 2015 is coming to a close. Whether your nonprofit saw major success or the past 12 months have been a steady stream of trials and learning experiences, you’ve got another year in the books. Congratulations! But, before you can charge full force into the next one, you’ll want to take a…

“Sometimes opportunity knocks, but most of the time it sneaks up and then quietly steals away,” wrote columnist Doug Larson. I’ve found this to be true in my life and in my career as a nonprofit leader. Thinking back on my mentors, I realize I have a confession: Each one quietly offered me more than I took advantage of...