Friends Soliciting Friends – Is Close Ever too Close?

When it comes to soliciting friends or family for gifts, is close ever too close? It is a regretful, but well established observation that we tend to underestimate those people to whom we are the closest. We are more keenly aware of their strengths (publicly exhibited) and their weakness (often hidden). We know more of…

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Fostering Workplace Philanthropy

Surveys show that nonprofit organizations that are successful at fundraising fully embrace the value of philanthropy. They include it as part of their organizational culture. They understand it to mean more than simply “raising money.” They consider their volunteers to be part of the mechanism needed to fundraise, and they also view their employees in…

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Because You Can

Success is relative, but perfection is precise! What for one organization or person would be an extraordinary performance, for another is disappointing. It’s all relative to the standard with which something is compared. Years ago, I participated in a panel discussion during a board retreat for a very well respected regional arts festival. They were…

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Leading on the Frontlines with a Coach on the Sidelines

Both for-profit and non-profit worlds are changing more rapidly today than ever. With daily advances in technology the pace will only increase. Competition is fierce. There are more non-profit organizations scrambling for limited resources. Each management team is required to do more—with less people. Boards want better results with the same budgets and staff.

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Capital Campaign Essentials: Strong Leadership

There are four essential elements to every successful capital campaign. In our Capital Campaign Essentials series, we provide a quick overview of each of these four elements so that you can successfully grow your organization’s fundraising influence. This article focuses on the critical importance of strong leadership in a capital campaign. Check out our other…

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Asking for, and Receiving, Money

Whether you’re fundraising for nonprofit organizations such as the YMCA or raising money for your own organization, it’s vital to know how to properly ask for and receive money. Money doesn’t grow on trees, nor does it drop off like leaves in the fall! If we need monetary contributions to help a worthy cause, we…

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