It’s the name that strikes terror and consternation into the hearts of many. Logic model. The name is mysterious. The concept is intimidating. But what is a logic model? And does your organization need one?
Read MoreYear-end Appeal – It’s not for Everyone!
Meaning…not for everyone in your database.
Many organizations mail their year-end appeals to everyone on their mailing list. Let’s consider a different approach.
Read MoreFeeling the Fear and Doing it Anyway!
Fear, we all experience it. Large major gift campaigns instill fear into every one of us. We can accomplish all the tasks we assign ourselves — forming a compelling and urgent case, identifying the prospective donors, recruiting the leadership, developing a solid plan…but success boils down to asking donors for financial investment.
Read MoreDo You Know Your Organization’s “Why?”
Do you know your organization’s “why?” I’m sure you know what your nonprofit does, and even how it does it, but could you describe why? More importantly, could you articulate it to a potential major donor? What about a new board member? A fellow fundraiser?
If the answer is yes, let’s go further: do you think if that same major donor asked the same question to three different people in your organization, they would give the same answer?
Read MoreThe Color of Philanthropy: A New Dawn for Development Professionals of Color
I firmly believe that a new era has dawned for emerging fundraising professionals of color.
Reflecting on the early days of my career, I stumbled into this field with little understanding that a non-profit fundraising career even existed. In 1990, fresh out of undergrad, I took on the role of a departmental secretary in alumni relations at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. I was not only the sole Black individual in alumni relations but also on the fundraising side of the massive alumni and development shop.
Read MoreSpooky Situations with Grants…and How to Escape!
It’s October, and….
OOooooooooo…..
Do you hear that?
OOOoooooooo….
Oh no! It’s the sound of an approaching deadline for a grant you haven’t written! Run for the hills!
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