Is your organization’s lead fundraising position a revolving door? Here's what you can do about development officer turnover. You’re not alone.  Our field is marked by some of the highest turnover of any profession.  That’s true for organizations of every size and sector. A few facts: Good fundraisers are ambitious, outgoing people; they naturally attract [...]

If this headline grabbed you then you are in good company with the many non-profit leaders who want something different or more from their board. Board culture: it’s one of our sector’s great challenges. Strong non-profit boards are vital, but remarkably hard to develop. The good news is that the problem doesn’t lie in a [...]

It wasn’t until I became a consultant that I realized the parallels between great fundraisers and great journalists.  Over the years, as I have interviewed board members, staff and donor prospects I always think about how the very best journalists conduct their interviews; instilling confidence and openness that allows the person being interviewed to engage [...]

Strategies for boards and staff to keep your donors from slipping away. Why do organizations let donor relationships lapse when it costs so much to secure new ones?   Consider these real-life scenarios: Your campaign committee is reviewing a list of generous past donors: “Whatever happened to (pick a name)? He was so committed to [...]

Could nonprofits suffer a loss of image – and charitable giving — by being confused with the “social welfare organizations” designed to funnel contributions into electing politicians and affecting legislation? I am concerned. If you are like me, you have been turned down for a charitable gift by a donor prospect who is “tapped out” [...]

“I don’t wanna die. I’d rather dance my life away.” Prince died without a will. It’s hard to believe for a man with such business savvy, surrounded by teams of lawyers and business managers. It’s more regrettable for a man with compassion who understood some of the grimmest realities of life. Had he given thought [...]