After a decade of embracing new social networks as they rise in popularity, in recent weeks it became clear that it was time to reassess the value of being active on so many social networks and to prioritize the social networks that most benefit Nonprofit Tech for Good. Each social network has its own unique…
Beyond the Christmas decorations, gift-giving and parties, this is the time of year to sift through the mountain of requests for charitable donations, from groups that fight hunger and cancer to our alma mater and places of worship. So how can we gauge which groups are most deserving of our money? Princeton University philosophy professor…
Did you know that development directors who stay in jobs longer are able to raise significantly more money than if they were to hop from one organization to the next? It should come as no surprise. If fundraising truly is about relationships, development directors need to be at their organizations for enough years to develop…
The crux of Russell Conway's famous essay, “Acres of Diamonds,” actually translates to one of the greatest secrets of fundraising ever revealed. It’s been my experience that virtually every organization fails to fully mine the innumerable diamonds hidden within its own database. So how can you find “Acres of Diamonds” within your own organization? Focus on developing a positive, forward-thinking attitude...
When fundraising isn’t going well, the budget is in jeopardy and a nonprofit needs a miracle, the conversations seem to start the same way. “Our organization needs to raise a lot of money, more than we’ve ever raised before, and as soon as possible. Can you help?” Over the years I’ve received far too many…
It’s an overcast Sunday morning and most of Seattle is glued to the Seahawks game, but John Salvatier and Elizabeth Van Nostrand are waiting for members of the group they help run, Seattle Effective Altruists, to arrive at Salvatier’s house in the Central District. Van Nostrand explained that effective altruism “is extremely quantitative. ‘How much money…
“I don’t want to go to my board meeting.” Come on. You’ve said it, right? Oh please, be honest. You believe in your organization. You love the work. But preparing for a board meeting? Ugh. Board members–you hate them, too. Do you even bother to read the reports? You wanted to but (a) had no…
Branding is never easy, but nonprofit branding poses special challenges. Potential partners, team members, donors and advocates can have wildly varying expectations when it comes to defining a nonprofit organization's profile. On the one hand, thriftiness and efficiency are held in high-esteem; on the other, there is a natural hesitation for stakeholders to engage with…
What would you do if your organization received a sizable donation from an individual who, months later, was charged with a federal crime? Would you keep the donation or give it back? That’s the question facing Hunter College High School in the wake of Thursday’s arrest of Martin Shkreli, a 32-year-old multimillionaire pharmaceuticals executive who once attended the school...
People talk about being in the moment. It is a very important lesson for fundraising professionals. Be alert. Be where you are. Be engaged with the people around you. It is essential in our business to do the same with prospective donors...
