Professional Fundraising
5 Steps for Building a Nonprofit Board That Works
Like Robert’s Rules of Orders that governs parliamentary procedures, or the Agendas and Minutes that move boards through the process of good management and top-notch record keeping, structure around board development can be a safeguard against the unimaginable. The viability of your organization depends on these basics of best practices in non-profit management. A Nominating…
Read MoreEighteen Lessons on Leadership
Every one of us has leadership roles to assume. Wherever we are leaders, the position, by its very name, demands we provide the best influence possible for others. But how do we learn to be a leader? General Colin Powell has written eloquently on his view of leadership in “A Leadership Primer.” While his views…
Read MorePersonal and Professional Development — Dreams and Contentment
I feel sorry for people who have never learned how to celebrate the ordinary; who live their lives under the sad illusion that happiness is just beyond their fingertips. “As soon as I find my soul mate… get out of debt… find a better job… then I’ll be happy.”
Read MoreDream Big with Your Capital Campaign
Our Custom Development Solutions (CDS) staff are constantly talking with many nonprofit organizations across the US and Canada. We provide our clients with feedback on how they can best conduct their fundraising and capital campaign operations. That professional objectivity is a luxury for us and a resource for our partner organizations. Why Should You Dream…
Read MoreDream, Plan & Deliver — Three Steps to Successful Fundraising
Are you the one that everyone looks to as the star fundraiser in your organization? Do you provide the leadership and create the excitement for which your advancement or development office is searching? If so, great! Keep up the good work and send us some of your success stories so that we can include them…
Read MoreSeize the Moment
When is the best time for an organization to begin a capital campaign? The truth is, it’s best to seize the moment and begin now! Read on to learn why, and be sure to check out Your Capital Campaign Timeline for even more on this topic. When Will You Be Ready? Most of our work…
Read MoreConsistent, Methodical Work
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7 Why do some people seem to achieve the greatest heights? What do they do differently than most people? Are they more intelligent, physically stronger or more gifted or talented? I think not. They are…
Read MoreFundraising: Donor Discovery Visits Find ‘Treasure’
What’s the most effective way to raise money? Special events, direct mail, phone calls? The reality that many board members of nonprofit organizations often find difficult to confront is that face-to-face visits remain the most effective strategy for fundraising, far outpacing special events, direct mail and telephone calls. Personal visits for fundraising fall into three…
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