Beyond the Grant Report: Building Strategic Partnerships with Foundation Program Officers
So many people think foundation fundraising is all about writing grants, and that renewing a foundation grant is all about writing a really good report. It’s not. I’m here to tell you that if you are not treating Program Officers like major donors – if the only time you reach out to them is when […]
The Pitfalls of Development Plans and How to Avoid Them
If you’ve ever spent hours crafting a development plan, only to watch it gather dust, you’re not alone. Many nonprofits fall into the same traps, leading to ineffective strategies, frustrated teams, and unmet goals. The good news? These pitfalls are avoidable with a little awareness and a few strategic adjustments. Let’s explore the most common […]
From Dusty to Dynamic: The Real Purpose of Development Plans
When done well, a development plan can serve as a powerful roadmap—aligning your team, clarifying priorities, and putting an end to the chaos of feeling like you’re constantly winging it. And yet, so many nonprofits have operated for years without one. Why? Because the true purpose of a development plan is often misunderstood. Many Development […]
Why Fundraising Falls Short: The Case for Better Financial Strategy
If you’ve worked in the nonprofit sector long enough, you’ve likely encountered these stories—and they may have even happened to you: The Board increase the revenue goals for next year but provide no additional investment in fundraising staffing or infrastructure to support those lofty targets. Or how about when you’re halfway through the year and […]
Beware the Research: Donor and Beneficiary Reactions to Nonprofit Communications
As a consultant and social researcher deeply immersed in the world of fundraising, one might expect me to champion research dictating which stories drive charitable giving from donors. However, my knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative methods, combined with my frontline fundraising experience, has instilled a healthy dose of skepticism in me. In this article, […]