Close your eyes. Think about some of the most successful and iconic nonprofit programs and fundraising events of our time. Nationally televised telethons, global charity walks, giving phenomenons spurred by a single bucket of ice. Now open your eyes and come back to reality. Many of the strategies that have worked in the past are no longer relevant or sustainable. …
Nonprofit Sector Trends That Affect Your Organization
In our ever-changing world, shifts in charitable giving and donor engagement require our nonprofit sector to think differently to survive and thrive. Two recent studies highlight nonprofit sector trends that every leader should be considering as they plan and prepare for the future. Here’s what the latest data suggests and what your nonprofit should be thinking about to increase organizational …
3 Ways to Learn from Your Fundraising Mistakes
Inspiring donors to invest in your mission is an art and a science. Our work as fundraisers requires us to cultivate relationships and demonstrate our impact while staying ahead of giving trends and providing an exceptional year-round experience. With all the responsibilities fundraisers have in a changing donor landscape, you’re bound to make a mistake or two along the way. …
How to Apply for a Grant: Your Guide to Winning Proposals
Grant writing that leads to grant winning requires more than a technically correct and polished proposal. In today’s increasingly competitive and ever-evolving nonprofit sector, organizations must connect emotionally with potential funders to open their hearts and wallets. Are you wondering how to apply for a grant that will stand out from other applicants? How to Apply for a Grant and …
Mind Your Manners (and Other Practical Tips for Calling a Prospective Funder)
Calling a prospective funder shouldn’t just be another phone call to quickly check off your to-do list. At the point of actually picking up the phone, you should be confident the funder is open to your communication (Call Me… Maybe: Determining If You Should Call a Foundation Prospect) and have spent time researching and preparing to make the call (Wait, …
A Lesson About The Ask
My ten year-old daughter asked to go to Barnes and Noble on a school night after we had gone out to eat. Her younger brother’s baseball game was the impetus for the dinner out so we were already behind schedule for homework, baths and bedtime. My answer was “no.” When I asked if she thought I’d say yes, she admitted …
Do Your Own Fundraising Research? You Bet!
One of the hot topics in the prospect research field is whether we researchers are going to be replaced by all of the great software products out there. With the click of your mouse you can search multiple public records databases and spit a profile out of your printer. Even data analytics has become more accessible with easy software interfaces. …
Don’t Bury the Lead
I watched as several nonprofits were interviewed on TV recently. As I often do, I passionately expressed my frustration. This is also known as yelling at a TV that can’t hear me (at least that’s what my husband calls it). Why, you ask? I’ll explain. A reporter started with the question, “what does your organization do?” There it is: the …
Taking a Deep Dive into Board Excellence at the 2018 Board & Senior Leadership Conference
Presented by Registration for our 2018 Board & Senior Leadership Conference on November 8th is steaming along. And we’re thrilled to announce that J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. has joined us as the Presenting Sponsor! Do you have your seats yet? Tampa Bay nonprofit leaders–and their board members–keep telling us how excited they are that NLC has tapped not …
Using For-Profit Language to Think Differently About Nonprofits
Republished with the permission of BoardSource, the recognized leader in nonprofit board leadership. Nonprofits face many challenges today that are unique to the sector, with fundraising being one that immediately comes to mind. But nonprofit organizations are not necessarily as different from their for-profit counterparts as one might think; both require strong governance and oversight to accomplish their goals. They also …