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...]
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...]
The Myth of Readiness: Waiting to Feel Ready May Be Holding You Back
There’s a popular saying: progress, not perfection. While you may want things to be perfect (I certainly do), there comes a point when the pursuit of perfection starts holding you back instead of moving you forward. So the real question becomes: How do you know when it’s time to leap, launch, or jump? The Illusion of the “Right” … [Read more...]
Permission to Enjoy Your Life While Doing Meaningful Work
Do you struggle to have a meaningful life while doing meaningful work? If so, consider this post as permission, and an invitation, to enjoy your life. You can be deeply engaged in meaningful work and still have a life. Those two things are not mutually exclusive, although it often feels like they are in the nonprofit sector. If you feel … [Read more...]
Resilience in Fundraising: How to Turn “No” Into Life-Long Success
As a fundraiser and nonprofit leader, you hear “no” a lot. And it takes resilience to pick yourself up and face the next day -- or the next donor. I’ve long believed that major gift fundraisers should hear “no” about 25% of the time. I'll explain why. Aim for Hearing "No" About 25% of the Time If you receive a “yes” 100% of the time, … [Read more...]
From “I Should” to “I Choose”: A Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
Your mindset matters. Your mindset influences the words you use, the actions you take, and ultimately, the results you achieve. Often, the difference between feeling drained and feeling energized has less to do with what you’re doing and more to do with how you’re thinking about it. Reframing "Have To" Into "Choose To" When you … [Read more...]
Rethinking Donor Relationships: From Superheroes to True Partners
For decades, many fundraisers were taught to view donors as superheroes. In other words, as saviors swooping in to rescue our organizations. Others fell into treating donors like cash machines, expected to produce funding on command. Today, we know better. At least, in theory. Across the sector, we talk about donors as partners in our … [Read more...]
10 Ways to Improve Your Fundraising Mindset this Summer
Summer is the perfect time to rejuvenate and refocus. As a fundraiser, and especially as a woman in the nonprofit sector, it’s essential to take proactive steps to enhance your mindset. 10 Summertime Tips to Improve Your Fundraising Mindset Over the course of this summer, I invite you to take advantage these ten tips. These suggestions … [Read more...]
