A dependable revenue stream that grows — ah, paradise!
Have a fundraising challenge you want to crack? Weary of doing the same old, same old yet hoping for different outcomes? Do you want the over-the-top results that come from superior strategy?
Email me with your particular problem, and I'll arrange a quick consultation offering you a practical solution you can implement. I may even use your situation to share with my readers. Names are changed, of course!
I had the privilege of speaking with the board chair of a children's food charity last week who is, in his words, "almost at the end of my rope." His frustration was palpable as he relayed the events that have played out over the past several months at the worthy organization to which he devotes so much of his time.
Bill, who has chaired the board of this organization for over six years — and who is a substantial donor — is strongly considering opting out of both.
As I listened, I couldn't help but replay in my own mind similar situations we've all been a part of from time to time.
With a track record of reasonable success, the organization's staff leadership and even some board members have lately developed an obsessive desire to avoid looking foolish by ever making a mistake as they reach out to prospective donors. After all, their "reputation" is now at stake with every step going forward. This overarching anxiety has brought the fundraising outreach to a virtual standstill.
It began several months ago with the updating of their website. Getting the design, the message and the feel just perfect to represent their uniqueness quickly became the goals. Nine months, several thousand dollars and numerous change-orders later, there is yet a new website in place nor have any new mailings been approved. There has actually been discussion of taking the current one down until the "perfect" one is up. Mailings are still going out but almost reluctantly.
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Larry believes in the power of relationships and the power of philanthropy to create a better place and transform lives.
Larry is the founder of The Eight Principles. His mission is to give nonprofits and philanthropists alike the opportunity to achieve their shared visions. With more than 25 years of experience in charitable fundraising and philanthropy, Larry knows that financial sustainability and scalability is possible for any nonprofit organization or charitable cause and is dependent on neither size nor resources but instead with the commitment to create a shared vision.
Larry is the author of the award-wining book, "The Eight Principles of Sustainable Fundraising." He is the Association of Fundraising Professionals' 2010 Outstanding Development Executive and has ranked in the Top 15 Fundraising Consultants in the United States by the Wall Street Business Network.
Larry is the creator of the revolutionary online fundraising training platform, The Oracle League.
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