Focus On … Annual Giving
"In order to change something, don't struggle to change the model, create a new model, and make the old one obsolete." - Buckminister Fuller A commonality amongst high performing NPOs is a strong and well oiled annual giving program. Generally recognized as the foundation of advancement success, these essential efforts typically have two main objectives: raising net revenue and growing ...
Magical Thinking… Be On Guard
Give me a show of hands…how many of you have been in a meeting when a board member, boss, or colleague proposed a fundraising idea so outrageous or nonactionable that it appears to come from a galaxy far, far away? As consultants, we frequently find ourselves protecting our clients from falling into the trap of “magical thinking.” And ...
Occupy Advancement
These are wild and wooly times we are living in right now. The polarization of wealth over the past 40 years has become apparent to the masses, who are expressing extreme discontent clear across the country from New England to Hawaii. Political pressure is mounting to address this growing inequality. This economic and financial situation presents an unusual balancing act ...
Focus…Your Greatest Tool For Success
Collecting your thoughts and focusing on the job at hand are essential when preparing to compose a blog post or any thoughtful or meaningful message. Without focus - the ability to draw a circle around a “to-do” and concentrate like a laser beam on it - the task is not accomplished, or the results are sub-par. Focus and successful advancement ...
What Comes Around Goes Around
Funding for your organization can – and should - come from many sources. As advancement officers, it is incumbent upon us to be aware of traditional as well as newer forms of financial support. One relatively low profile, yet extremely impactful source of funds can come from local, regional, or national “giving circles.” For those not familiar with the concept, ...
Leadership… Be Careful
Leadership is the essential ingredient to successful fundraising and advancement, and must come from both staff and volunteers. Much has been documented and validated about the qualities and character traits of great leaders as well as the fabric of leadership. Far less has been written about the art and science concerning the process of choosing the right leader to raise ...
