There has been a big ruckus in the news over the past few days because of the alleged words of a certain owner of a California-based NBA team (it rhymes with “Flippers”). The comments made were very racially insensitive and denigrating. It is unfortunate that such views are still around in 2014. Rather than rehash … Read More →
I was having dinner with a donor recently when he lamented to me his frustration at only being contacted by organizations when they want to ask for money. Fortunately I was not there to make an ask at that time, but his feelings resonated with me. The relationship between donor and nonprofit organization is just … Read More →
Sometimes there are differing perspectives about issues that are seemingly “cut and dry.” For example, I once had someone impart to me a very unique viewpoint relating to gang violence. We were discussing the fact that kids in gangs often get into these gun battles and there are stray bullets that go flying in residential … Read More →
Organizations today rely heavily on donors who make one or more gifts each year either through the mail or online. These donors are often critical to nonprofit success because they can often be used to keep the lights on, pay for support staff, and defray overhead costs. Sometimes we make the mistake of failing to … Read More →
Today I was reading a news article about a man who went to court in Ohio to overturn his own death. He was not successful and unfortunately had to walk out of court a dead man. Allow me to explain. Donald Miller disappeared back in 1994 and his wife eventually went to court to have … Read More →
How many of you have ever been the parent of a teenager? I have a teenage son who really keeps me on my toes in more ways than one. I distinctly remember a time when he was small and he wanted me to buy something for him while we were together at the mall. I … Read More →
When we talk about donor’s rights, it seems like the conversation often centers around privacy issues. Another popular right is the ability to see the organization’s financial statements. This week there was a court case that will no doubt contribute to legal precedent concerning a portion of the Donor’s Bill of Rights. Section IV of … Read More →
I was consulting for a small organization led by a new Executive Director who had no fund raising experience. Typically I try to stay away from going on solicitations as a consultant, rather I help devise strategy and provide training to build capacity. This particular ED was deathly afraid of asking for money so I … Read More →
Back in the day I had an executive director who did not like me to publicly announce large gifts to the organization. She felt that if the community and/or donors perceived that we had too much money, it would impact our fund raising negatively and we would encounter financial distress. She believed that donors want … Read More →