“The future isn’t something that happens to you, it is something that you create with the decisions that you make today.” – Trista Harris

How many times have you dreamed of seeing into the future? Did you know you could make this dream come true? By the time you finish reading this article, you will move beyond dreaming.

2. Connecting to American Values - Tuesday, September 4, 2018

As U.S. Sen. John McCain prepared for his death, he wrote a message to America and the world. We share a few of his words as a call to our higher selves, a reminder of our humanity – and fragility – and as beacon of hope.

3. How to Know If You Should Launch a Major Campaign - Tuesday, August 28, 2018

When it comes to planning for a major fundraising campaign, people always want to know, “What are the indicators that we should launch our campaign?”

We suggest that the No. 1 indicator is how well you have conducted your annual giving program. While there are differences and distinctions between an annual campaign and a capital or major gifts campaign, a successful annual campaign indicates that basic fundraising systems, processes and relationships are in place.

4. How to Know If You Should Launch a Major Campaign - Tuesday, August 28, 2018

When it comes to planning for a major fundraising campaign, people always want to know, “What are the indicators that we should launch our campaign?”

We suggest that the No. 1 indicator is how well you have conducted your annual giving program. While there are differences and distinctions between an annual campaign and a capital or major gifts campaign, a successful annual campaign indicates that basic fundraising systems, processes and relationships are in place.

5. Last Word: Bob Smith Talks, Crosstown Anniversary and Grant's Parking Lot - Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Bob Smith’s testimony was a good part of the first day of the nonjury trial that began Monday before Memphis Federal Court Judge Jon McCalla on police surveillance of protesters. Smith was the alias used by Police Sgt. Tim Reynolds – Reynolds acknowledged during his testimony Monday Downtown. The identity was also used by several other officers.

6. R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Made in Memphis - Tuesday, August 21, 2018

With the passing of Aretha Franklin, the airwaves are awash in her music, and news reports are filled with testimony to her voice and spirit. Presidents, ministers, entertainers, and civil rights advocates publicly sing her praises. She is recognized globally as an American treasure, and locally as “born in Memphis.”

7. Fundraising and Awareness - Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Should a nonprofit invest in marketing, communications and public relations activities? Should desperately needed funds be “diverted” to non-mission-critical tasks? What about the allocation of time: should board members and an organization’s paid leaders schedule time to focus on building awareness for the organization? Our answer is yes. Here’s what we have learned through our work with nonprofits.

8. Stop or Go? What Move to Make During Leadership Transition - Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Should you stop your fundraising when your organization has a leadership change? Slow it down? When do you put on the brakes?

Part one of this series provided recommendations for how to assess green lighting your fundraising. In this column we offer examples of when you might decide to pause your fundraising. There is no formula for how to make these decisions. What is most important is that leadership carefully evaluate the organization’s financial health and the reality of its fundraising position given the change in leadership. When choosing to move forward with fundraising, you have to make sure your team is willing and able. When choosing to stop or pause you need know the financial impact and what adjustments are neededneeded.

9. Stop or Go? What Move to Make During Leadership Transition - Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Summer can be the time of planned – or unexpected – changes in leadership. These can impact fundraising, contribute to confusion and/or serve as a catalyst for positive change. Every situation is different.

10. Stop or Go? What Move to Make During Leadership Transition - Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Editor’s note: Part one of a two-part series.

Summer can be the time of planned – or unexpected – changes in leadership. These can impact fundraising, contribute to confusion and/or serve as a catalyst for positive change. Every situation is different. The change could be at the executive level: Your president, CEO or executive director resigns, retires or is asked to leave. It could be at the board level: You have high turnover in board positions, and the leadership, commitment and relationships need to be rebuilt. Or it could be a change within your staff: Your key development person moves to another organization.

11. What Exactly Am I Supposed To Do? - Tuesday, July 24, 2018

A board member’s fundraising responsibilities are general and specific. Last week, we shared three general tips: Know your nonprofit, know your role and know your fellow board members. Also, make your own gift first. Then, ask others to join you. If you read closely, you noticed that we provided a lot of questions for board members to ask themselves, the executive director and their fellow board members.

12. Three Fundraising Suggestions For Board Members - Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Summer is the season for nonprofit board retreats. We have been asked to facilitate a few recently, with a focus on the role of the board in fundraising. Our clients want to know tips, best practices and specific ways board members can increase their involvement. With this column we share with you three suggestions you as a board member – and you collectively as a board – can take. 

13. What If? Preparing For The Future - Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Do you know what the future will hold? How do you plan for future opportunities and challenges that may not be known and might not materialize? Is it a waste of time, or important work?

While no one can predict the future, we can prepare for potential opportunities and challenges. Taking time with board members, volunteers, staff and community leaders can help your organization consider future possibilities. Some changes are likely, others unknown. Think about what data you may need to review to help you understand potential changes in demographics, economics, government programs, law, policy, the arts and the environment. There’s a lot to consider. You can’t think of everything, but you can build future thinking into the life of your organization.

14. A Fresh Approach To Meetings - Tuesday, July 3, 2018

“What, another meeting? Are you sure I have to attend?” Does this sound like you? Or maybe this is something you hear when you’re trying to schedule meetings. Let these words be a thing of the past. Learn how to increase the value of your meetings.

15. Nonprofits And Fundraising in The Latino Community - Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Contrary to what we may read in the papers or see on TV, Latinos are not all “illegal, uneducated, and in need of help.”

Yes, there is a heart breaking crisis on the border with Mexico. Children from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras are being separated from their parents, the suffering is real, and the outcry is loud.

16. Fundraising in the Latino Community - Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Part one of a two-part interview with Cynthia Magallon Puljic. Philanthropy is philanthropy and fundraising is fundraising, right? We’re not so sure. Wanting to know more about philanthropy and fundraising within the Latino community, we talked with Cynthia Magallon Puljic to learn her thoughts and observations. 

17. The Importance Of Roles And Responsibilities - Tuesday, June 12, 2018

A great idea can be the first step in the process of creating something wonderful. Bringing the right people together adds power to the idea. Having roles and responsibilities to guide the work can turn possibility into reality.

18. Technology and Communication: Keep it Human - Tuesday, June 5, 2018

The more things change the more they stay the same. Yes, technology is transforming all aspects of our lives. Our relationships, work environments and community engagement are not the way they once were. Smartphones, social media, video conferences and webinars are just a few of the new methods.

19. Are Nonprofits For ‘Them’ Or For Everyone? - Tuesday, May 29, 2018

The impact of the nonprofit sector can be felt in all aspects of our individual and collective lives. We may not always see that impact, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

Direct services, advocacy, education, research and performing arts are but a few of the types of organizations with impact that rolls, ripples and roars across our country and beyond our borders.

20. When is The Right Time For A Fundraising Campaign? - Tuesday, May 22, 2018

It is always the right time for a campaign if your organization has done its planning, built its capacity, has volunteer leadership in place, and understands the philanthropic landscape. That is a lot of work. No organization can do it all at once and simultaneously continue operations.

21. Corporate Leaders Are True Partners - Tuesday, May 15, 2018

“What can we do to help?” That was the question asked by a corporate representative at a conference we attended last week.

We were in Winston-Salem, participating in the State of Black North Carolina conference. We fell in love with the people, energy and positive, forward thinking. We were surrounded by people – including high school students and senior citizens – all of whom were asking questions, offering solutions, sharing history and strategizing.

22. The Math Of Fundraising - Tuesday, May 8, 2018

How do you reach a fundraising goal? There are many activities that together can guide you to your fundraising destination. One of these is knowing how many people you need to ask to give to your nonprofit, and at what level people need to give at.

23. How to Win At Fundraising - Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Wonder why it’s easy for some nonprofits to raise money and not so much for others? Here’s what we have learned: sustained successful fundraising requires consistent attention, action, funding and leadership. It is proactive and donor-focused.

24. Board Members Must Set Goals - Tuesday, April 24, 2018

When joining a board, whether you are a new or established board member, we suggest you take the time to define for yourself what you want to accomplish through your service.

Time will pass. Crises will arise. There will be leadership changes, budget shortfalls, unexpected windfalls, mergers, resignations and more. You and your fellow board members will have to respond and react.

25. Hiring Your New Leader - Tuesday, April 17, 2018

It happens all the time. “I quit!” or “You’re fired!” are the extremes that can mark the beginning of a crucial organizational change process.

When you find yourself in the midst of a leadership transition it will be critical that your search team pays attention to each candidate’s experience with and knowledge of fundraising.

26. 10 Ways to Energize Volunteer Leaders - Tuesday, April 10, 2018

A special column for executive directors and college presidents. “I guess I’ll have to do it myself. I can’t depend on anyone. People say they want to help, but...”

27. Philanthropic Investments in the Black Community - Tuesday, April 3, 2018

As Memphis and the world marks the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., there is much to reflect on and much to look forward to. Our reflections can be a source of inspiration for what we can accomplish together moving forward into the future. We can embrace the “fierce urgency of now” that King spoke of.

28. The Right To Be Wrong - Tuesday, March 27, 2018

“Fundraising is known for its abundance of failures and few successes.” We can’t recall who said this, but we know it is true. Yet many people think otherwise. Plans are created; goals are set. Most are focused on “incremental growth.”

29. (Re)building Your Leadership One Person at a Time - Tuesday, March 20, 2018

A special column for emerging nonprofits and those who are “struggling.”

What do you do if you are a nonprofit board chair or executive director, and you know in your heart of hearts that your current board can’t do what needs to be done? 

30. Does Class Bias Blind Our Decision Making? - Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Last week we had the opportunity to participate in a workshop called “A Framework for Understanding Socio-Economic Differences,” facilitated by Ruby K. Payne. The event was hosted by The Assisi Foundation of Memphis Inc. and it was an eye-opening session. Here’s just a little of what we learned.

31. What’s a Volanthropist? A Dolunteer? - Tuesday, March 6, 2018

More and more of us live a “mobile” lifestyle, using our devices for everything from grocery shopping to bill paying. Yet there is often a disconnect between mobile life and nonprofit life.

32. Navigating The Fundraising Priority Maze - Tuesday, February 27, 2018

If you have worked with a nonprofit, you may have experienced getting lost in what we call the “fundraising priority maze.” Here’s what it looks like.

You know you need to raise money for your organization. Everybody else has a different idea about how much money is needed and how the funds will be used. You – as an executive director, college president or fundraising professional – feel as if you are encountering dead ends and detours when trying to accomplish what you believe is a simple task. That task: Define the organization’s priorities.

33. The Reality Of Change - Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Growth. Transformation. Change. Innovation. Continuous improvements. Accountability. Transparency. Leadership. We know the words. We try to live them. We may think we are living them. But are we? What does it really take to live into individual and organizational aspirations? And what is the timeframe?

34. Headed in The Right Direction - Tuesday, February 13, 2018

With this column we share with you the story of Lane College and its recent fundraising successes. Located in Jackson, Tennessee, Lane is a historically black college that needed – and wanted – to increase its fundraising.

35. How to Increase Board Giving and Fundraising - Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Editor’s note: This is the second in a two-part series. Read part one at memphisdailynews.com.

Should board members give? Our answer is yes. And they should fundraise. That doesn’t mean you don’t need fundraising professionals. You do. But don’t think for a minute they can be successful without a partnership with an engaged board.

36. Ford Outlines Budget Process As Memphis’ New CFO - Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Shirley Ford has been named chief financial officer for the city of Memphis. Ford, who was selected to be CFO by Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and confirmed by the City Council, has served as the city’s comptroller since 2014. She has more than 30 years of financial, accounting and managerial experience. In addition, she is a certified public accountant and a certified municipal finance officer as designated by the state comptroller.

37. Should Board Members Give? - Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Editor’s note: Part one of a two-part series. “My board doesn’t give.” That’s a common lament we hear from executive directors and college presidents. Here’s one from board members: “They only want me for my money.”

38. Volunteer Management: Key to Nonprofit Success - Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Editor’s note: Part three of a three-part series. What if you could get eight more hours out of the day? What if you could “clone” yourself five times over? These are unspoken dreams of many a nonprofit executive or college president. While they are unlikely to come true exactly as wished for, it is possible to achieve that magical result. Here’s how.

39. How to Support Nonprofit Volunteers - Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Editor’s note: Part two of a three-part series. Sometimes volunteers within a nonprofit don’t measure up. That’s not unusual. It’s part of life. For all of us, there are times when we don’t hit the mark. And most know what it’s like when others don’t meet our expectations. 

40. The Power Of Leadership - Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Editor’s note: Part one of a three-part series. Volunteers play a key role in the life of nonprofits. They serve as board members, provide services and advocacy, and donate theirprofessional services. In the area of fundraising, the important role of volunteers cannot be overstated.

41. Assess 2017: Pass Or Fail? - Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Happy New Year! We hope you will find within you a way to embrace the new year with thoughtfulness, optimism and calm. 

Before the promise of 2018 transforms into to-do lists and meetings, we suggest taking a few moments to identify what’s most important and what you do well. Center yourself and your organization, and agree on a few priorities that will make a difference in the lives of those you serve. 

42. Investing In Black-Led Organizations - Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Are all nonprofits created equally? Do they receive equal investment? Have equitable access to resources and expertise? Do we need to take a closer look at black-led organizations to help ensure their sustainability and effectiveness? What role do these organizations play and why are they important?

43. Arts Transforming Neighborhoods - Tuesday, December 19, 2017

What does an artist look like? What about a businessperson? Do they look the same? What are they doing? How do they dress? Where do they live? Here are two more questions. Which is the introvert? Which can assess the environment and create impactful solutions?

44. What’s Under The Tree For Your Nonprofit? - Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Christmas is soon to be celebrated. We rejoice in the birth of Christ and enjoy time with family and friends. We give gifts, prepare food, travel, write cards and attend parties. We hug our loved ones, phone those who are far away and miss those who have departed.

45. Two Issues Nonprofits Should Address Now - Tuesday, December 5, 2017

As we enter the last month of the year, there is a lot for nonprofits to consider, plan for and take action on. With this column we share news updates on #GivingTuesday and sexual harassment.

First up: #GivingTuesday. This new “holiday” is celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and is all about making financial gifts to nonprofits large and small. It is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media. This year, more than 1.6 million gifts were made, raising $177 million online in 98 countries.

46. Honor The People In Your Life - Tuesday, November 28, 2017

It’s here – the Christmas season. You cannot hide. It’s everywhere! How will you choose to participate?

Will you remember the “reason for the season”? Will you remember to express joy for the “light of the world”? Will you get caught up in expectations that cannot be fulfilled? Will you try to hide from it all? We have an idea: Honor the people in your life with a gift to a nonprofit.

47. The Economic Impact of HBCUs - Tuesday, November 21, 2017

For too long historically black colleges and universities have been asked to answer for their very existence.

“What is the value of an HBCU?” is an often-asked question. Is that a reasonable question? How many other educational institutions are asked to justify their very existence over and over again? “Why do we need HBCUs?” “Isn’t that about segregation?”

48. What Business Are We In? - Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Frequent readers of this column know we are always asking questions. What you may not know is that our team members are busy asking us questions, challenging us to “think outside the box.”

49. Start Where You Are - Tuesday, November 7, 2017

When it comes to raising money, you can encounter objections. Some of them start with your own team! People may want to know how and why the fundraising goal was set, what the funds will be used for and what the impact will be. They may want the most up-to-date data, coordinated strategies and new marketing materials.

50. Goodin Joins Hagwood Adelman As Memphis Managing Attorney - Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Michael T. Goodin has joined Hagwood Adelman Tipton PC as managing attorney of the Memphis office. In that role, he provides legal services to HAT’s clients in matters such as medical malpractice and senior housing litigation for health care providers along the continuum of care, including skilled nursing, assisted living, behavioral health, home health and hospice litigation. In addition, he assists in supervising the attorney and paraprofessional teams.

51. Working With A Coach Is Not a Sign Of Weakness - Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Coaching is now part of American culture. On a personal level there are coaches to help us improve our nutrition, lose weight and set goals. Coaches add value in our professional lives as executive coaches, business coaches, sales coaches and more. It is not a luxury but a necessity. We believe it is especially important in the area of fundraising. Here’s why.

52. Three Musts To Ask for A Nonprofit Gift - Tuesday, October 24, 2017

From October to December nonprofits dedicate time and energy to fundraising. They reach out to supporters and ask them to give. They share their impact – what they have done this year and what they will do next year. They share stories from those whose lives have been changed as a result of donations from people just like you. Many use direct mail, social media, and/or online giving campaigns. Many also encourage their board members, donors, and volunteers to personally talk with potential donors and ask them to make a gift. 

53. Paradise Lost - Tuesday, October 17, 2017

A look beyond tragedy: how to support University of the Virgin Islands students, faculty and staff suffering from hurricanes Irma and Maria. Many of us think of the Virgin Islands as a favorite vacation paradise. In addition to the beautiful beaches and lush vegetation, the U.S. Virgin Islands are also home to a hidden gem: the only historically black university located off the mainland.

54. Year-End Fundraising: It’s Not Too Late - Tuesday, October 10, 2017

The end of 2017 will soon be upon us and the new year will begin. For nonprofits that means a concerted effort on what is referred to as “year-end fundraising.”

While we prefer a focus on consistent “all-year” fundraising, we truly appreciate the activity and excitement that is evident throughout the fall. Many people make giving decisions during the last three months of the year and it is important that you communicate your needs and impact to those who can support your organization.

55. Are You Too Busy To Fundraise? - Tuesday, October 3, 2017

A special column for nonprofit leaders. The most valuable gift may be the gift of time. While we give the gift of our time through our actions, we cannot actually give anyone an extra hour. We all get 24 hours a day. No more. Yet many of us are so busy it feels as if there isn’t enough time.

56. Does Your Special Event Make Money? - Tuesday, September 26, 2017

“That was a great awareness event.” “We really reached a lot of people.” “We broke even on expenses.” Are these the outcomes of your most recent special event? What about, “We exceeded our fundraising goal!”

57. Creating A Successful Special Event - Tuesday, September 19, 2017

What if you could step back in time and experience a Night at the Lorraine, the motel that has been redeveloped and transformed into the National Civil Rights Museum? That’s the opportunity that Jeanette O’Bryant, development officer with the museum, provides for guests. Together with her committee chair, Terrence Reed, NATL committee members, employees and volunteers, she created a new, fun revenue stream.

58. Be Prepared to Strike While the Iron is Hot - Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Charlottesville. DACA. These are just three “hot topics” that dominated traditional and online media recently. Here’s the question: Has your nonprofit increased its revenue, number of donors, people served or community profile as a result of recent national media attention?

59. Teamwork And Strategy: Five Steps to Success - Tuesday, September 5, 2017

So you’re ready to launch – or relaunch – your nonprofit. Or maybe you want a fresh start, a tuneup, or a do-over for your existing organization. What should you do? Get together and talk? Listen? Plot and plan? Review your finances? Visit organizations that inspire you? Yes. And more.

60. Old-School Fundraising - Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Online giving, viral campaigns, large grants from foundations, funding from government agencies. These are some of the popular revenue streams for nonprofits. Those with earned revenue also secure funds from tuition, fees, sales, leases, rentals, licenses and other sources. All sources provide the money needed to make the missions of nonprofits come to life. There is also another important revenue source: “old-school fundraising” or “passing the hat.”

61. If You Can’t Raise It, Save It - Tuesday, August 22, 2017

We recently heard the phrase “small up.” It means to look wisely at your resources and find ways to live with less while retaining your focus on what’s important. While the phrase is being used within the context of personal finance, it is one that can have value to a nonprofit.

62. Radical Thoughts About Nonprofit Boards - Tuesday, August 15, 2017

“How many of your current board members are actually worth paying? If you had to pay your members what board positions would you fund?” These questions caught our eye as we read a promotional piece for a book about philanthropy.

63. What the CFRE?! - Tuesday, August 8, 2017

In the nonprofit world money is almost always an issue. Where will it come from? When will it arrive? Is it restricted or unrestricted? These questions are accompanied by others such as, “How are we implementing our fund development strategy?” and, “Will we meet our fundraising goals?”

64. Money is Not Enough - Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Nonprofits play a critical role across the Mid-South. They represent, serve and advocate for a great diversity of individuals, families and causes. They improve the quality of life, generate innovations, and give voice to the challenges unseen and needs still unmet. They are joined in this work by foundations and corporations who provide money, resources, connections and technical assistance.

65. Summer Refreshers for Boards - Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Calling all board members: Get ready for the flurry of fall activities that are a part of life within the nonprofit sector. Consider the following “board refreshers” as you enjoy – or hide from – the hot summer sun. Grab your board binder, put on your nonprofit sun visor, and let’s talk board engagement.

66. Take Time to Retreat - Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Summer is often associated with beaches, family vacations, hot sun and good fun. For those in the nonprofit sector, summer is also the season for retreats. These are times set aside to focus on programming, strategy, growth, partnerships and – many times – fundraising.

67. Interim Leadership: Blessing or Curse? - Tuesday, July 11, 2017

One of the biggest changes within the life of a nonprofit is the change in leadership. In most cases, this will be accompanied by a period of transition with an interim leader.

The position is short-term and in most cases temporary. We have seen interims who serve as placeholders or caretakers. Others are innovators. Some are turn-around leaders. Others are brought in explicitly to “clean house.”

68. Are You Intimidated by Your Nonprofit Peers? - Tuesday, July 4, 2017

It’s a funny thing how we credit others with superpowers and become intimidated based on what we think we know. Here’s our advice: Don’t be intimidated. Learn what contributes to success and get to work, day by day, building a culture of success.

69. What Will Your References Say? - Tuesday, June 27, 2017

When people want to know more about your nonprofit, who do they talk to? Who serves as a reference? How can you help ensure your references speak knowledgably and with specifics?

Don’t take your references for granted. Take time to talk with those you ask to serve as a reference. Ask if it is OK to use their name for a specific project or proposal. Permission is important, and references want to know when they may be contacted.

70. Expand Father’s Day With Nonprofit Giving - Tuesday, June 20, 2017

We need more than a day to celebrate Father’s Day. It’s just gone too soon. It’s one Sunday and then we are back to the every day. Let’s expand Father’s Day by increasing its impact. We can do this by choosing to give to organizations that support boys, young men and fathers. Your gift would touch lives and expand a father’s loving care across Memphis and the country.

71. 5 Solutions to ‘Planned Confusion’ - Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Editor’s note: Part two in a two-part series. Planned confusion can take you down. It’s like a fog. It envelopes everything, but you can’t pin it down. Nothing is moving forward, but everyone says, “I’m on board.” If you don’t intervene you may find yourself – and your organization – strangled by exasperation and inertia. Here are five suggestions to keep you from a frightful future.

72. Planned Confusion - Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Editor’s note: Part one of a two-part series. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy. And, what’s worse, we don’t know it. Or even worse, we know exactly what we are doing: We set things up so it’s hard to point fingers and difficult to remedy the situation.

73. Patience and Time – Everything Won’t Happen by Friday - Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Patience and time are two resources required for success within the nonprofit sector. At the same time, these are perceived as being in short supply. We encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the goals you set for yourself and your organization. Examine whether or not these are realistic and achievable. 

74. How to Decrease Fundraising Stress - Tuesday, May 23, 2017

We recently had the opportunity to speak with a nonprofit leader who was concerned about how her development director was spending his time. She didn’t understand why the money wasn’t coming in. 

75. Three Powerful Fundraising Tools - Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Every time we work with an organization, agency or college we experience a deep kindred feeling with the people gathered at the table. Whether presenting information, listening to concerns or developing strategies, we are also meeting new friends. We are witnessing diverse individuals put their beliefs into action, and we are inspired.

76. A Powerful Way to Honor Mothers - Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Mother’s Day is almost here. Most of us get mom a card. Many of us like to give flowers or candy, take mom to dinner, or have a gathering at the house. But these are short-lived. The flowers wither, the food is eaten and the cards are forgotten.

77. Choosing a Donor Management System, Part Two - Tuesday, May 2, 2017

The complaints associated with using technology to support fundraising are many and varied. Unfortunately the “human factor” plays a large role in how well a specific database or tool performs. 

78. Choosing a Donor Management System, Part One - Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Technology makes the world go ’round. And that includes the world of fundraising. The complaints related to fundraising technology are many and varied. Some people complain they can’t produce “simple” reports requested by management. Others are vexed by the standalone nature of a product. Integrating with accounting is a common complaint, as is the frustration that arises when trying to reconcile fundraising data with that recorded by accounting. A common question – with a complex answer – arises: “What type of donor database should we be using?” 

79. Five Ways to De-Energize Your Board - Tuesday, April 18, 2017

There is an ideal board in the consciousness of many nonprofit leaders. It often involves members who are engaged in governance and fundraising; who advocate for the organization; and serve as community ambassadors building relationships and partnerships. 

80. Responding to Rejection: Retreat or Resilience? - Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Connecting with an individual donor, businessperson or program officer within a foundation can be the first step in securing resources for your organization. When you are asked to submit a proposal or share the highlights of your project you may feel optimistic and excited. Perhaps you are thinking, “This is really going somewhere!” You submit the requested information, wait a bit and then hear what you believe is a loud, resounding “No!”

81. What Every Board Member Should Know - Tuesday, April 4, 2017

We recently had the opportunity to work with an organization that is ready increase its impact. Current board members had recruited and approved new members; there was work to be done and people to do it. Our role was to help orient all members to their roles and responsibilities.

82. 4 Tips for Approaching Decision Makers - Tuesday, March 28, 2017

One way to help sustain your organization is to build and nurture relationships with decision makers who can provide finances and resources. 

Be intentional as you expand the number of decision makers who know your organization. It takes time for an executive within a corporation – or a board within a foundation – to decide to make a major gift or grant. While many executives have the authority to make discretionary grants, in most cases these are substantially smaller than grants made through the formal grant making process. 

83. The Pros and Cons of Engaging Political Leaders in Fundraising - Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Fundraising is a community endeavor, and our communities include the politicians who are elected to represent us at all levels.

Current, former and prospective elected leaders are often involved in fundraising, providing great value. At the same time, there are challenges related to engaging politicians as fundraising volunteers. With this column we discuss the pros and cons.

84. Five Steps to Engage Volunteers - Tuesday, March 14, 2017

A well-run volunteer management program can change the life of your nonprofit. Most leaders know this and yearn for a team they can depend on. At the same time, many delay engaging volunteers because “it’s a lot of work.” That’s the truth. But it’s also true that an investment in volunteers will leverage the work of your organization in ways you can’t yet imagine. 

85. Gifts for Gifts? What is Your Practice? - Tuesday, March 7, 2017

As a donor, what do you want in return for your gift? A letter? Public recognition? Opportunities to meet with like-minded people? Access to the organization’s leadership? A plaque? A pen? Your family’s name on a building?

86. Secrets to Passionate Leadership - Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Some leaders have charisma, that ability to engage others. They reach out and touch your heart and soul. Others are quiet with a passion that reveals itself more slowly but is equally compelling. These leaders know what they are talking about, and they know how to connect with people.

87. What are Capacity and Infrastructure? - Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Knowing your mission, vision and proposed impact is critical to your success as an organization. Equally important is the process of building your capacity and infrastructure. But what exactly are these things?

88. Last Word: MATA and the TBI, Fieldstone Gets Bigger and Wedge Bills - Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Since Gannett bought The Commercial Appeal there has been a lot of speculation about what would remain of the Memphis operation in a newspaper chain known for consolidating not just in-house parts of the publishing process but the reporting side too. The biggest question in the air was the fate of the large printing presses at the CA. And Monday evening, there was an answer.

89. Dr. Bethune Was True Fundraiser - Tuesday, February 14, 2017

In the early 1950’s, I had the honor to hear Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune speak in a packed, hot and humid Clayborn Temple in Downtown Memphis. She was a powerful orator. She mesmerized me, she mesmerized the crowd. She raised money for Bethune-Cookman College the old fashioned way: “She passed the hat.” 

90. People More Crucial Than Plans - Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Creating fundraising plans for our clients is one of our core services. We invest time learning each organization, its culture, assets, position in the marketplace, challenges and successes. And we get to know the people. We combine our learnings and experience to create a fundraising plan. While we wish a plan could magically bring resources to a nonprofit, the truth is that it won’t. A plan is only as valuable as the people who implement it. 

91. Where Will the Funding Come From? - Tuesday, January 31, 2017

How will you meet your fundraising goal in 2017? This question typically elicits one of three responses. Some are confident they will be able to secure the funds their organization needs. Others have a general feeling about where the money and resources will come from. Still others are used to making do and believe they will survive one way or the other. Where does your nonprofit fall on this spectrum?

92. Defining Your Legacy - Tuesday, January 24, 2017

When an organization captures your heart you think about how you can contribute to their work. You give of your time, resources and talents. You can also plan to continue your giving in the future, even when you’re gone. You can start at 20 years old or 70. Age is not a barrier.

93. 10 Ways to Refine Your Fundraising Readiness - Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Editor’s note: Part two of a two-part series. Are you ready for a successful fundraising year? Are you already involved? Before you go full force in the marketplace – whether with cultivation or solicitation – stop and review your fundraising readiness status.

94. Define Your Giving Priorities in 2017 - Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Editor’s note: Part one of a two-part series. As 2016 came to a close there was an avalanche of well-crafted requests to give to nonprofits. These came in the U.S. mail and via email. They were on TV, radio, Facebook, Twitter, everywhere!

95. The FUNdraising Doctor is In, Part 2 - Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Editor’s note: Part two in a two-part series. The financial health of an organization is often attributed to the board of directors. The composition of the board, its actions, the level of giving and the recognition of individual members all impact financial health.

96. The FUNdraising Doctor is In, Part 1 - Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Editor’s note: This is part one in a two-part series. The board of directors of an organization is responsible for its financial health. What does this mean? How do you measure the fundraising health of the board? We at Saad&Shaw suggest a visit to the FUNdraising doctor. A check-up may be in order.

97. Friendraising: Two Examples of Success - Tuesday, December 20, 2016

As the year comes to an end, many of us are fortunate to receive invitations to events large and small. With Hanukkah falling on Dec. 24 there will be simultaneous celebrating by Jews and Christians this year. And even more will celebrate the New Year. Some events are family parties, work gatherings or faith celebrations. Others are fundraisers or “friendraisers” for nonprofit organizations or institutions.

98. 3 Ways to Launch Fundraising in the New Year - Tuesday, December 13, 2016

The new year is soon upon us, complete with new year resolutions. Some are personal: Lose weight, exercise more, be a more loving person, spend more time with family, quit smoking. … Others relate to the nonprofit organizations we work with. To help you prepare your nonprofit organization or institution for a most positive year, we offer these three suggestions.

99. Diversity and Inclusion - Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Nonprofits are ahead of the game when it comes to diversity. Is that true? We may tell ourselves that, but diversity – and most importantly inclusion – requires we take an honest look at our organizations. 

100. What is a Culture of Fundraising? - Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Part three of a three-part series. Everyone has to have a responsibility for fundraising. We call this a culture of fundraising. Others refer to it as a culture of philanthropy. Either way, this shared responsibility is at the core of nonprofit fundraising and sustainable organizations.