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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

RESOLUTIONS PART I: THE 20 MILE MARCH

Posted by Bruce Berglund

Happy New Year! This is the time of year so many of us make resolutions for the upcoming year — some of them we even keep!  Last year at this time, I decided to stop drinking any kind of soda. I had become convinced I didn’t need the diet or the sugary versions. And you know what? This was one I actually kept. I’ve been soda-free for a full year!

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Topics: Leadership, Resolutions, Endowment, Annual Campaign, Jim Collins, John Norcross, Resource Development

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