Recently I spoke with an executive director who's considering a capital campaign. One of the first questions I ask anyone who's planning a campaign is this: How much do you raise annually? Side note: If in response to this question a number pops into your mind’s eye — hooray! (Even if you wish that number was higher than it is.) Knowing … [Read more...]
Living Life without Regret: Checking Items Off Our Lists – Together
When I turned 50 last year, the idea of my time running out hit me like a ton of bricks. I was no longer the spring chicken I once was! If you know me at all, you know I’m a goal setter. I’ve always lived my life with intention and striving to be better. One of my professional goals is to teach and inspire you — as a fundraiser, nonprofit … [Read more...]
How to be Happy in a Miserable World: Collective Effervescence
If you consume the news, it’s fair to say, your outlook is likely bleak. Wars, poverty, wildfires, foodborne illnesses, rogue AI, and political fighting dominate the airwaves, print, and social media. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless. To counter the sad, scary stories, I am constantly on the lookout for more inspiring, happier … [Read more...]
Stop Apologizing! Instead of Saying “I’m Sorry,” Say “Thank You”
In the past, I began too many emails with an apology. My inbox is often overflowing, so I began many emails with something along the lines of, “Sorry for taking so long getting back to you...” Or if I was late to a meeting, I’d announce, “Sorry I’m late.” Then I got a piece of advice which shifted my thinking. Women in … [Read more...]
9 Leadership Habits Women Should Adopt to Reduce Exhaustion
If I had to pick one word to describe women leaders today, it would be exhausted. Especially women leaders in the nonprofit sector. We live in a fast-paced world where everyone is struggling to keep up. We swipe, scroll, and lead faster than we can blink or catch our breath. 9 Leadership Habits for Women to Make Work Easier Below are … [Read more...]
Calling All Women: NOW is the Time to Support Women in Leadership
Almost three years ago, I wrote a post based on an experience I had on a board, and I came up with five reasons women should support each other. (Do we really need a reason?) At the time, Biden was president. In my wildest nightmares, I couldn't have imagined Trump would be reelected. As I write this, I'm attending a Planned Parenthood … [Read more...]
Silence Doesn’t Mean “No”: A Lesson in Follow-Up for Fundraisers
You never know until you ask -- and follow up! I have a real-life story for you today that will help convey why timely follow-up remains one of the most important skills in fundraising. Silence Doesn't Always Mean "No" A few weeks ago, I went to a small, boutique-style gym -- the kind that only takes five people at a time -- for an … [Read more...]
How to Raise Bigger Money for Your Nonprofit (Without a Major Gift Program)
There's one form of fundraising that will transform your organization unlike any other: major gift fundraising. You can check out the latest giving data in the current Giving USA report or read about it here. The Fastest Path to Major Gifts: A Capital Campaign The easiest way to start major gift fundraising in a meaningful, powerful way … [Read more...]
New Book for Nonprofit Board Members to Raise Game-Changing Money
One of the most frequent complaints I hear from development directors is this: Our board members don’t help with fundraising. My question is always about the disconnect with regard to expectations. Are they clear on both sides? Help Your Board Members to Raise More Money In my work at Capital Campaign Pro, it’s imperative that board … [Read more...]
The “Why” (Inner Motivation) is Key to Your Fundraising Success
I just got off the phone with a prospective client -- an organization raising funds for a rare disease. Like most organizations I talk with, they were eager to find new donors. And while they understood on some level that people without a personal connection to the disease probably weren't strong prospects, they were still holding out … [Read more...]
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