I think the short answer is...maybe not. If you asked me 10 or even five years ago if the fund development function of an organization could be outsourced, my answer would be it depends. Grant writing, sure. Organizations have outsourced their database operations for decades. And, the biggest daddy, the capital (or comprehensive) campaign consultant. … Continue reading Is there a limit to outsourcing?
Development as THE HUB
development program,
You don’t know what you don’t’ know…
You’ve been presented with the question. “What do you want?” …or even better “What do you need?” … and even greater, “What do you need to solve your problem(s)?”. Oftentimes, these questions are too big, too ambiguous, and downright daunting. What happens? They get ignored. Here is a better question. Is your organization living up … Continue reading You don’t know what you don’t’ know…
20/20 Vision Courtesy of Objectivity
It’s the old cliché “you can’t see the forest through the trees”. Objectivity is the ability to see a situation for what it really is. And, for many nonprofits, that takes an objective expert. Consider this, An objective expert can help your organization to: Save time Save money Make greater impact Does your organization want … Continue reading 20/20 Vision Courtesy of Objectivity
Mentoring Made Easy with PASS
As the incoming President of the RI Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and a teacher of a Philanthropy class at Rhode Island College (RIC), I get lots of questions and comments about mentoring. “ How can I get a mentor?” “…we had a mentoring program, it didn't work.” “…the mentor I want … Continue reading Mentoring Made Easy with PASS
“Who Should Run The Development Committee?”
This question was posted recently on one of my LinkedIn Groups. It caught my eye because most of the responses were very black and white (i.e. a voting board member) (click to view the discussion). I felt compelled to provide a different answer. "It depends". Like human beings, no two NPOs are identical. Throw in Board Members, Volunteers and … Continue reading “Who Should Run The Development Committee?”
Short Sighted Solutions
I get it. We are a culture of immediate gratification and demand "results now". However, that is not a long-term solution for most issues. It doesn't work with diets. It doesn't work with making money. So, it shouldn't work for the Federal Budget either. For too long, the Charitable Deduction Allowance has been target for removal or … Continue reading Short Sighted Solutions
Developing a Common Language
The Development Professional and the Finance Professional of an organization need each other in order to be successful. However, they can't communicate because each are speaking a different language. I started off my week with a wonderful meeting with on of my area's leading CPAs. She was conducting research on the nonprofit sector, particularly … Continue reading Developing a Common Language
Extremely Disturbing
“Extremely disturbing” said my internal voice after reviewing the recently released study, “Underdeveloped – A National Study of Challenges Facing nonprofit Fundraising” by the Evelyn & Walter HAAS Jr. Fund and CompassPoint Nonprofit Services. Click Here to access the report. Per the report, the study “reveals that many nonprofit organizations are stuck in a vicious cycle … Continue reading Extremely Disturbing
Nonprofits CAN Raise Money for Operations
"We can't raise money for operations. Donors don't want to pay for salaries." I have heard it all too often. The well-connected, respected, influential (and often affluent) board member makes the statement that virtually kills the fundraising for an organization. I know you've heard it too.I have a request of my fellow nonprofit fundraisers and executives. … Continue reading Nonprofits CAN Raise Money for Operations
Ascent Advisors 