This afternoon I read an article about The Pittsburgh Foundation's efforts to pressure Kimbia into making restitution for the disastrous crash of their system on the national Day of Giving...
Cultivating trust-based relationships with major donors
How exactly DO you build trust with donors? What are some of the most effective tools and and strategies you can use to develop authentic, trusting relationships with donors? If...
10 bad decisions nonprofits make
I'm going to rant for a minute here. Over the last six months I've explored more than five dozen nonprofit development operations, and in many ways I've been disappointed at...
Building your leadership cabinet
Every leader needs a leadership cabinet. A small group of advisers who help you be the best you possible. And who help keep you grounded, focused, and honest. In most cases...
8 ideas to raise more money from middle and major donors
I've shared these 8 key ideas with over 50 nonprofits in the last two months. Over the next two months I'll be with 30-50 more nonprofits sharing the same thoughts and tips. Chances...
Leadership lessons from 2015
2015 was quite a year. Truth be told, it was the most challenging, most frustrating, and most energizing year of my career (so far). It was a year of significant...
Raising major gifts
Today's guest post is from my good friend and colleague, Karen Erren. As a career nonprofit executive and fundraising leader, Karen has spent more than 20 years building, growing, and leading...
7 #Nonprofit Blog Posts You Shouldn’t Miss
If you’re like the dozens of other fundraisers I know, chances are you’re pretty busy these days. But you still want to be learning and sharpening your skills too. Here’s...
Is it ever ok NOT to retain donors?
Maybe you saw this headline in The Chronicle of Philanthropy last Friday: Charities Lost 103 Donors For Every 100 Donors They Gained in 2014, Says Study. Nonprofits are right to...
Increasing nonprofit employee engagement
Great organizations – for profit and community benefit, alike – have figured out that the key to success boils down to one thing…highly engaged employees. If you want to fuel...