As 2016 comes to a close and I look to 2017, I took some time to reflect on this blog. I love helping nonprofit leaders and fundraisers more effectively lead their...
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...
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...
This #fundraising mistake could cost you 7-figures
I’ve seen something interesting lately. It’s come up five times in the last three months in discussions with nonprofits about their major gift programs. What I’m seeing is a change...
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...
The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do
Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter coined the phrase, The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do. I was reminded of this recently when a friend who is a Chief...