Blog
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Holding up the wall
As a nonprofit Executive Director, do you ever feel like if you walk away, things will crumble? I felt this occasionally as an Executive Director, particularly in my first few…
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Overcoming fear
For many of those responsible for securing major gifts for their organization, it’s one thing to know in theory what should take place when meeting with a donor. It’s another…
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The board and nonprofit branding
A friend serving on the board of a local nonprofit recently asked me: ” I have a question about the process of rebranding for a nonprofit. Is it your experience…
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Tips for Virtual Donor Meetings
Donor Meetings in a Pandemic Previously, I’ve blogged about Donor Stewardship Amidst a Pandemic. Of course, stewardship of donors only matters if you eventually solicit them. And the gold standard…
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The passion versus fear equation
When training boards (and sometimes staff) on fundraising, I often refer to the passion versus fear equation or line. Often, I’m asked to help a board get past their fear…
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Pick up the frickin’ phone
I was recently talking with a fellow consultant about disengaged boards and, in particular, Executive Directors complaining about disengaged boards. We quickly agreed on one point in particular: many Executive…
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Donor stewardship amidst a pandemic
I’ve been thinking a lot about effective donor stewardship in the midst of a pandemic. Some strategies that traditionally are used for donor stewardship aren’t feasible during social distancing. For…
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Planning and Management Amidst a Pandemic
I’ve worked with quite a few clients over the last few years developing strategic plans. A few have called me and asked: what now in light of the pandemic? I…
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Does your nonprofit pass the marshmallow test?
One of the most famous social-science studies was the marshmallow test. Put a marshmallow in front of a preschool aged child and tell the child they can have a second…
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Relentlessly Focus on Relationships
This is a republication of Chapter 1 of Why Organizations Thrive. Organizations that thrive relentlessly focus on relationships. This must begin with the Executive Director and the Executive Director’s relationships.…