What You Can Expect from Your Board – and What You Can’t 

What You Can Expect from Your Board – and What You Can’t 

Chances are, if you’ve been in nonprofit development for any length of time, you share the feelings of one of the members of Simple Development Systems who wrote that her greatest challenge was:  “motivating the Board to do something instead of always relying on me to do everything.” Today’s...
Six Critical Things to Look For in a Foundation’s 990 For Successful Grant Funding!

Six Critical Things to Look For in a Foundation’s 990 For Successful Grant Funding!

When it comes to foundation grants, researching prospective foundations is crucial for locating the ideal match.  And there is no finer tool for truly observing the inner workings of a grant-making foundation — and whether or not their mission provides a match with your organization — than with...
When is it Time to look for Outside Help with your Mailing Campaign?

When is it Time to look for Outside Help with your Mailing Campaign?

Dramatic reductions in grants, corporate sponsorships and overall donations have forced many nonprofits to make substantial cuts, or in some cases close their doors completely.  Despite the growth in social marketing, tried and true direct mail is still the primary fundraising source for most nonprofits. ...
How to Tell Your Nonprofit’s Story With Video

How to Tell Your Nonprofit’s Story With Video

Have you ever thought about how you tell your organization’s story? I’m a big believer in constant story collection – from your clients, your donors, your founder, your staff (see my article 6 Tips for Collecting Great Nonprofit Stories for more information) – but just as importantly...
I Don’t Get No Respect. Development Staff Are the Rodney Dangerfields of the Nonprofit World

I Don’t Get No Respect. Development Staff Are the Rodney Dangerfields of the Nonprofit World

Is it true what “they” say?  That nonprofit program people and development professionals just can’t get along? Several weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a foundation site visit on behalf of a client.  I had written a grant proposal and, as a result, two trustees from the foundation had...