As many have recently begun a new fiscal year, now is a great time to begin to reflect not only on what has been accomplished over the past year, but also, what we hope to achieve over the next 12 months. Typically, this exercise will inspire organizations and individuals to sit down and document their goals.
Read MoreYour Funding is Drying Up. Time to Diversify!
In the nonprofit sector, we face a constantly shifting landscape of funding. Government funding waxes and wanes with every change of political office. Private funders change priorities in response to current events. Individual contributions rise and fall with the stock market.
So, how can organizations maintain financial stability in the midst of change? Diversifying revenue is the key. When your organization has support from multiple sources, it can weather uncertain times.
Read MoreApril Showers Bring May…Funder Visits!
Aah, May! Flowers are blooming. Birds are singing. The sky is bluer and the grass greener. And hopefully, your organization is slowing down a bit to celebrate a few award notifications at the close of a busy spring grants cycle. During the late spring or early summer months, because schedules are calmer, you might consider inviting existing or prospective funders to visit for an agency tour or coffee date. These “just because” visit invitations are great ways to try and nurture relationships outside of presenting an ask (don’t forget to add your major donors to the mix!).
Read MoreAdvancing Your Nonprofit Through a Comprehensive Campaign
Embarking on a comprehensive campaign is an exciting opportunity for any nonprofit and the catalyst for significant growth into the future. This is an opportunity to maximize the goodwill of your nonprofit in the community.
Read MoreWhere are the Elusive New Donors?
I recently had a Board member ask how their organization can find new donors – if Let’s Build Hope had a list of people at our office who tend to give money. Um, no, we do not.
Read MoreDoes Style Matter in Grant-Writing? (Hint: YES!)
At my first development job after leaving a career in teaching literature, I developed a personal motto for my grant writing: There’s always a place for rhythm and grace.
Read MoreNew Year, New (Fill in the Blank)
We hear so many clichés when a new year rolls around. New year, new me! New year, new job! New year, new (fill in the blank)!
A new year will always come. Sometimes it’s the (fill in the blank) that offers the most opportunities. Sometimes it brings up uncertainty. Sometimes it reflects a thousand-mile stare into the universe. Sometimes…it even transforms people.
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