Blog

Breaking the Rules of Board Roles

Posted by Johnathan Teal

How many times have you been told (or said) this: “It’s a board member’s responsibility to fundraise”?

Staff say: “Hey board members, fundraising is an expectation”. Then, when many board members don’t fundraise, staff bang their heads against the wall.

Rinse and frustratingly repeat.  

What if the world of professional golf could teach us something about how to handle this seemingly unsolvable problem?

Read More

Topics: Philanthropy, Fundraising, Culture Of Philanthrophy, Board Leadership

THE QUINTESSENTIAL FUNDRAISING MOVIE

Posted by Danny Maier

It is Christmas season and while many know “It’s a Wonderful Life,” or “A Christmas Carol,” few have heard of the “The Bishop’s Wife,” a yuletide tale about a capital campaign to build a new cathedral. Star power of Cary Grant, David Niven and Lorretta Young aside, the plot is one that many might find far too familiar.

Read More

Topics: Fundraising, Culture Of Philanthrophy

THE HEART OF A GIVER

Posted by Thom Peters

My neighbor Ben is a really good kid. I have enjoyed watching him grow into a fine young man. When I was asked to write a reference letter on his behalf for a college scholarship, I felt no hesitation. And when Ben received notice that he was a recipient, I was honored to be invited to attend the awarding ceremony.

Read More

Topics: Stewardship, Culture Of Philanthrophy

GETTING OUT OF THE SPECIAL EVENTS BUSINESS

Posted by Danny Maier

In Part I of this series, we discussed the hazards of being in the “special events business” versus true fundraising. If you recognized your organization in that post, your next question is probably: “How do we become an organization more focused on major gifts?” The answer is all about culture change.

Read More

Topics: Fundraising, Major Gifts, Culture Of Philanthrophy, Special Events

THE SPECIAL EVENTS BUSINESS

Posted by Danny Maier

Part 1 of 2

Read More

Topics: Culture Of Philanthrophy, Special Events, Annual

CHANGING CULTURE

Posted by Peggy Vinson

Changing a board’s philanthropic culture is a big challenge. Convincing board members to become true ambassadors, as well as campaigners, for your organization doesn’t happen overnight, but is one of the best legacies you can leave. Cultural change takes time and consistent effort. Too often, we think of this as a one meeting announcement to our board and boom! We’re done.

Read More

Topics: Volunteer Development, Board Development, Culture Of Philanthrophy, Annual

Our Latest Posts

Subscribe