Professional Fundraising

What attracts us to some leaders, and makes us avoid others? I once knew a leader who could hold a room full of crusty, hard-nosed manufacturing managers spellbound for hours. People flocked to hear him speak. Even in the cold of winter, at -30C, they would leave hearth and home, and brave the elements to…

Charity auctions have been a part of the nonprofit world for a long time and for good reason. They are enjoyable for attendees, they add some excitement before dinner galas, and they have the potential to raise a great deal of much needed revenue for an organization. So, what are nonprofits doing differently now that…

Philanthropy in communities of color has historically gone unrecognized. In fact, many assume the relationship between philanthropists and ethnic communities is one of giving to people of color by people who are not. The majority of studies about philanthropy in America have focused on elite philanthropy, that is, the philanthropy of affluent white donors. These…

Best selling author and clinical psychologist, Mary Pipher writes and speaks about our culture “that has fallen apart” and our communities that “no longer exist.” “Community is an abstract idea like the wilderness,” she says. “It has become more desirable as it becomes more extinct.”

While the personal touch of a hand written message or a telephone call is always to be desired, in this day of instantaneous electronic communication e-mail is a fact of life. This being the case, please consider the following ways to make your business e-mail communications polite, personal and friendly. Your communications, in whatever form,…

For years, I have been trying to impress on growing businesses that their people are their greatest asset. People think; people create; people solve problems. They lead to the dollars we generate.

Speed kills. A recent survey highlights the statistic that the majority of deaths involving teen-age drivers result from excessive speed. Rushing through a retail transaction, a clerk fails to thank the customer for a purchase or offer a smile to the next customer. Both customers take note of the experience. Going straight for the close,…