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URGENT OPTIMISM

Posted by Lora Dow

For leaders of mission-driven organizations, keeping a hopeful attitude is critical to meeting the inevitable challenges that arise. But how do you keep your attitude positive when things aren’t going your way?

In “Imaginable” by Jane McGonigal, the author introduces the concept of “urgent optimism.” In this state of mind, it’s possible to be realistic about the issues and risks ahead, while also keeping an open eye and heart as to how you can help to solve those issues and address the risks.

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Topics: Collaborations, Book Club, Donation, Fundraising, Goal Setting, Goals, Culture Of Philanthrophy, Fundraising Management, Inspiration, Capital Fundraising, Communication, Appreciation, Development, Donor, Online Giving, Attitude, Happiness, Potential

CHALLENGING AND ACHIEVABLE GOALS LOOK FORWARD - NOT BACK

Posted by Gary Laermer

When setting fundraising goals—whether for annual contributed revenue or a multi-year campaign—many organizations default to looking at past performance. But here’s the thing: basing your goals only on what’s been done before can be limiting.

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Topics: Capital Campaign, Donor Stewardship, Donation, Fundraising, Goal Setting, Campaign Leadership, Goals, Financial Development, Fundraising Management, Capital Fundraising, Fund Development, Communication, Development, Campaign Planning, Making The Case, Making The Ask, Donor, Online Giving, Donor Advised Funds, CelebratingOurClients

MOVING FROM OLD TO NEW: BOARD WORK

Posted by Richard Clegg

Nonprofit boards often find themselves stuck in a rut, performing the same old tasks with the same agenda month after month, with little impact. This "old work," as described by board expert Richard Chait in his 1996 article "The New Board Work of the Nonprofit Board," remains highly relevant today. I had the opportunity to rediscover this valuable resource in my files, and it reaffirmed that boards have the potential to move their work toward a more impactful and relevant approach.

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Topics: Communications, Board Development, Goal Setting, Change, Goals, Culture, Strategy, Board Management, Board Leadership, Execution, Communication, Relationships, Development, Collaboration, Attitude, Ideas, strategic planning, board governance, Curiosity

How Do You Stand Out in a Crowd?

Posted by Richard Clegg

Nonprofit organizations often offer similar services. What separates them from each other?  Is one more worthy of someone’s time, talent, and treasure? Whether its market share, philanthropic funding, or even policy and program volunteers—nonprofits are standing in a sea of others whose missions may look quite similar from the outside. How does your organization stand out?

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Topics: Nonprofit Management, Goal Setting, Vision, Communication, Ideas

What We're Reading

Posted by DBD Team

One of our axioms is “Keep learning, stewarding, and sharing.” We’re big believers in the power of books.  

Sure, we’ve got a few good suspense and historical fiction novels on our bedside tables, but today we’d like to share a few non-fiction gems that have inspired us for work – and life.

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Topics: Book Club, Nonprofit Management, Goal Setting, Big L Leadership, Axiom, DBD Axiom, Communication, Productivity, Time Management, Happiness

Redefining Success

Posted by Jason Fry

We raised $5.7 million.

OR

We raised $5.7 million!

Why does one character change that statement so much?

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Topics: Leadership, Goal Setting, Mission, Goals, Financial Development, Vision, strategic planning, Metrics

USE YOUR DATA TO TAKE ACTION

Posted by Nathan Sprenger

 

Plans are important, but they’ll never work unless you take action.

This month, the DBD team will be sharing ways for you to jump start your work in 2022.

 


 


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Topics: Goal Setting, Goals, Vision, Planning, Execution, Data Management, Nonprofit, Take Action

LEAN FORWARD

Posted by Bruce Berglund

 

Plans are important, but they’ll never work unless you take action.

This month, the DBD team will be sharing ways for you to jump start your work in 2022.

 


 

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Topics: Donation, Goal Setting, Goals, Nonprofit Leadership, Volunteers, Case Statement, Planning, Fundraising Campaign, Communication, Donor, Nonprofit

5 WAYS TO END THE YEAR STRONG AND STRATEGIC

Posted by Kellie Wardman

2022 is right around the corner! As we enter the fourth quarter and begin to wrap up a challenging year, it’s an opportune time to look forward. Following are five things to consider as you think about strategic thinking and planning in this new era.

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Topics: Goal Setting, Mission, Strategy, Planning, Nonprofit Staff, Fundraising Campaign, Nonprofit, Collaboration, Preparation, community, Covid

5 WAYS TO ADJUST YOUR FUNDRAISING PLAN

Posted by Bruce Berglund

As we enter Fall 2021, all of us had hoped the pandemic would have been in the rearview mirror. Instead, COVID-19 continues to have an impact on our organizations, staff and donors. As you gear up for another season of service and fundraising, here are some things to consider adjusting in your fundraising plan.

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Topics: Donation, Goal Setting, Fundraising Campaign, Nonprofit

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