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HERE WE GROW AGAIN

Posted by Bruce Berglund

One of our axioms - possibly the one we talk about the most with our clients - is Leadership is Everything. We have trained and written about this topic from day one. It's true for our nonprofit clients, and it's true for us.

At DBD Group, we've been in a period of growth, adding consultants and serving more clients than ever before. What we quickly realized was we needed to create a structure of leadership to ensure we can serve our clients - and our consultants - in the best way possible.

We are excited to announce the following "new" leaders to DBD Group. (Their faces are familiar, but the roles are new!) Along with continuing service to our clients, these team members have additional roles within DBD Group.

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Topics: Fundraising, Change, Financial Development, Capital, Best of DBD, Board Management, Fear, Fund Development, Execution, Communication, Debt Reduction, Ask For Advice, Development, Crucial Conversations, Resource Development, finance, board governance

NAVIGATING UNCERTAINTY: STRATEGIES FOR NONPROFIT LEADERS

Posted by DBD Team

We live in uncertain times, with constant social, political, and economic shifts. During the American War of Independence Lord Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington at Yorktown while the British band played the tune “the world turned upside down”. The most powerful army in the world had just been defeated by the American patriots. It must have indeed seemed like the world was upside down.

Today, nonprofit leaders may feel similarly challenged, as the funding and practices they have counted on in the past may no longer be available in the same ways. Whether you work in a nonprofit or volunteer as a board member, navigating uncertainty is part of the job description. Strategic management of resources is key to managing these uncertainties and ensuring your organization’s ability to fulfill its mission.

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Topics: Fundraising, Change, Financial Development, Capital, Best of DBD, Board Management, Fear, Fund Development, Execution, Communication, Debt Reduction, Ask For Advice, Development, Crucial Conversations, Resource Development, finance, board governance

HELPING YOUR BOARD TELL THE BEST STORY

Posted by Michelle Gorham

I’d be willing to bet that every nonprofit I’ve worked with has spent some time wishing their board members “helped more” with fundraising.

When they say that, they usually mean they want more people to make direct asks for gifts. I say not all board members should ask for money, but every board member can tell a moving story about the meaningful impact of their organization.

Development staff, CEOs, and marketing teams can empower board members to use storytelling as an effective and comfortable way to participate in the crucial work of raising money. To tell a great story, board (and staff) members must be authentic, passionate, and focused on the mission.

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Topics: Board Development, Fundraising, Case For Support, Financial Development, Capital, Board Management, Case Statement, Capital Fundraising, Execution, Communication, Asking For Help, Development, Potential, Resource Development, finance, financial management, Leadership & Boards, board governance

FIVE STEPS TO CREATE AN EFFECTIVE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Posted by Brian Keel

Working with boards is a topic that DBD Group has written about at length. Less popular, but only slightly less important, is creating an effective Finance Committee for your nonprofit. This group can be the most dynamic, exciting and important group in your organization.

From monitoring financial performance to approving budgets and financial policies, vetting loan options to overseeing the audit process, there is plenty to dig into. The best committees don’t just happen though. They are intentionally built, diverse in more ways than you might think, and given a clear chart of work.

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Topics: Board Development, Fundraising, Campaign Leadership, Financial Development, Capital, Board Management, Board Leadership, Capital Fundraising, Execution, Communication, Development, Attitude, Potential, Resource Development, finance, financial management, Leadership & Boards, board governance

THE "3 Ds" OF HIGH-IMPACT BOARD MEMBERS

Posted by Richard Clegg

Nonprofit volunteers that serve on boards are the backbone of the organization. They offer invaluable guidance, support, and resources. While most new board member orientations cover fundamental responsibilities, a recent interaction with a CEO candidate in one of my executive searches highlighted a powerful framework for maximizing board impact.

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Topics: Board Development, Fundraising, Board Management, Inspiration, Board Leadership, Donor Prospect, Execution, Communication, Cultivation, Appreciation, Development, Donor, Attitude, Potential, Resource Development, Donor Identification, Leadership & Boards, board governance

TACKLING FUNDRAISING EXPECTATIONS WITH YOUR BOARD

Posted by Alison Hansen

Let’s face it: asking board members to help with fundraising can feel as awkward as teaching your parents how to use TikTok. But it doesn’t have to be! With the right mix of clarity, support, and a dash of good humor, you can turn even the most hesitant board member into a fundraising champion.

A board’s role in fundraising is critical because it sets the tone, drives the strategy, and shows everyone else how it’s done. Board members bring credibility, connections, and leadership that no staff member or volunteer can fully replicate.

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Topics: Capital Campaign, Board Development, Donation, Fundraising, Culture Of Philanthrophy, Board Management, Inspiration, Board Leadership, Donor Prospect, Capital Fundraising, Fund Development, Communication, Cultivation, Appreciation, Development, Donor, Attitude, Potential, Resource Development, Donor Identification, Leadership & Boards

COURSE CORRECTION

In sailing you are always scanning the horizon looking for the ripples on the water – because that is where the wind is. That is how you set your course.  

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Topics: Fundraising, Planning, Resource Development, sustainability

WHAT'S NEXT?

Posted by Bruce Berglund

Throughout the past few months, conversations with clients from around the country have centered on one basic question:

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Topics: Philanthropy, Nonprofit Management, Nonprofit Leadership, Financial Development, Fundraising Campaign, Nonprofit, Resource Development, finance, financial management

ROOKIE MISTAKES

Posted by Kris Vrooman

The DBD grant team has reviewed A LOT of grant proposals over the years – and we mean a lot! We’ve also talked with grant makers from around the country about what they like to see and what makes them cringe. Here are the top five common mistakes we’ve seen and suggestions to lead to more successful outcomes.

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Topics: Resource Development, grants, grant writing

A STRONG FOUNDATION

Posted by Brian Keel

During visits to Chicago in a former job, I was struck by an unusually designed building across the Chicago River. This two-acre lot had previously sat undeveloped for decades while stakeholders sought a way to utilize the space for maximum efficiency and impact. 

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Topics: Capital Campaign, Capital Readiness, Fundraising Management, Resource Development

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