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You're Doing Nonprofit Fundraising Wrong
I was in a meeting with the Executive Board of one of my clients. And there was a phrase used that showed me they really don’t understand what fundraising even is.
The phrase that took me aback?
When Your Nonprofit Board Says No
A moment of honesty. Can I tell you one of the most frustrating things I hear as someone who serves nonprofit CEOs and their teams?
The phrase: “I talked to the Board and they said no.”
The most common concern nonprofit boards have when THINKING of hiring me . . .
One of the most common concerns I get from leaders and boards THINKING about hiring me to increase their mid- and major-left gifts is this . . .
Who is your nonprofit board taking their cue from?
There’s a phrase I hear a lot when leaders describing their team's approach to individual fundraising. It goes something like this:
“They just need to move from transactional to relational fundraising.”
Well, that’s kinda the problem.
Nonprofit CEOs: What is the amount of money you can spend without asking your board?
Nonprofit CEOs - Do you know ‘the number’?
You know…the amount of money you can spend without having to ask your board…
GUEST POST // The 3 Sources of Board Member Disengagement
Could Your Board Members Be More Engaged?
If your answer is yes, what’s it costing you because they’re not? Read on to learn about a FREE learning opportunity that will help.
The biggest thing a nonprofit board member can do to raise more money . . .
You might want to sit down.
What if I told you the biggest thing a nonprofit board member can do to raise more money isn’t fundraising?
Would you believe me?
In order to grow by millions of dollars. 2X, 3X, even 5X . . . first we must make sure you’re board is on board with these concepts . . .
Are your nonprofit board members more visionary? Or more nit-picky?
I had a great introductory call with a prospective client the other day. They are a $5M organization who wants to grow their budget by millions! They even have a Strategic Planning process on the calendar for this Fall.
She asked me a great question…Does it make more sense to start our work with you before or after the Strategic Planning process. My answer . . .
Do you HAVE to ask your nonprofit board?
I was listening to a personal finance podcast the other day. My favorite one right now is Ramit Sethi's podcast here. He interviews couples about how they manage (and fight about, disagree about, stress over) their finances. The other day he was talking about ‘the number’. You know, the highest dollar amount you each can spend without asking your partner…so interesting!
I love his podcast because it’s all about money mindset and money rules….and that’s where there’s TONS of overlap with my work.
These episodes totally resonate with me because I see multi-million dollar organizations who don’t have ‘the number’.
You know, the number you can spend without asking your board.
GUEST POST // Hybrid Board Meetings: The Future of Board Operations
The past two years have certainly been a whirlwind. Like many others, I’ve found remote work to be a double-edged sword. As much as I’ve enjoyed the freedom it offers to work from wherever, I also really missed the energy of being in the same room as others who are passionate about their work. Leading a nonprofit remotely can be a very similar experience.
Board service is a commitment. That means doing what you can to come together despite the challenges you face — global pandemic or not. Growing a nonprofit during a crisis takes extra energy and motivation. That being said, you don’t want to put anyone in an uncomfortable position by running a fully in-person meeting. People will either not show up or be resentful that your organization is making them come together during a pandemic. Many people are still uncomfortable being around others — vaccinated or not. And that’s alright!
On the other hand, some people really thrive in an environment where they’re working face-to-face. Working remotely inhibits their creativity and stifles their energy. Why not offer the best of both worlds? Hybrid board meetings are a catch-all solution that makes working together enjoyable for everyone!
Fundraising PLAYBOOK: How Anthony Got His Nonprofit Board to Raise Money
“My board doesn’t understand they are supposed to fundraise.”
It’s one of the most common phrases I hear from Executive Directors, typically followed by:
“Our board is too small.”
“We don’t have the right people on our board.”
“We’re a working-board, not a fundraising-board.”
The Executive Director then sighs, as if the discussion is over, they’re just cursed, and there’s nothing to do about it.
There’s a lot to do about it.
I’ve seen small boards, boards with challenging people on them, and working-boards be amazing at fundraising.
What’s the secret? A different, and better approach to board fundraising.