Keep Your Friends Close–And Your Donors Closer: A Quick Guide to Improving Donor Stewardship
There are several definitions of the word stewardship. My favorite is “the job of taking…
We’re All In This Together – Grant Writing as a Collaborative Process
I was honored to spend the day last week with more than a dozen nonprofit…
End of Summer Stewardship
For many non-profits, summer is a time when active donor work slows down. Donors and lay leaders may not be as available or accessible. People travel, spend time with their children and families and take a break from work and volunteer responsibilities. The beginning of fall signifies a return to…
What’s in a Message?
Nearly every nonprofit organization solicits donors and prospective donors via some form of written communication – whether it’s a print direct mail letter, a newsletter or an e-blast. Many individuals receive all of these types of solicitations, from multiple organizations, on a regular basis. So what sets your communications apart…
Third Time’s A Charm…
Last week I participated in a site visit between my client, The Cove School, and a private foundation we are pursuing for funding. It’s a great story of cultivation and relationship building. The Cove School is a private K-12 school in Northbrook, IL serving students with complex learning disabilities. I…
Wall of Founders – A Donor Wall Tale
Following completion of a capital campaign, many organizations choose to recognize their most generous contributors by including their name on a donor wall. As anyone who has designed a donor wall can attest, this can be quite a challenge. Some donors enjoy seeing their name on a wall, while others…
Steps to a Successful Corporate Grant
When I begin work with a new client on strengthening their grants program, one of the first steps is to look at past funders and explore opportunities for repeat funding. Secondly, I turn to current board members to identify their corporate contacts and see if there is a match. Once…
Passing the Reigns – Developing, Presenting, and Implementing an Annual Campaign Plan
I am in the final stage of work with a wonderful organization and had an opportunity for reflection during a new board member orientation. Goldie’s Place is a support center for people who are homeless, assisting them to become self – supporting and financially independent by providing confidence-building dental treatment,…
Unique Funder = Unique Application Process
Every Foundation is different and therefore every grant proposal you submit will be different, even if it is for the same program and requests the same dollar amount as the one before. Before you sit down to write a grant proposal, spend some time studying the prospective funder and their…
The Art of Grant Writing – It’s All About The Mission
Prior to sitting down to write a grant proposal it’s crucial that you have a solid understanding of the mission, goals and objectives of the organization. Who am I representing in my writing? What is the value added as a result of the work? How are lives being changed? The…
The Art of Grant Writing
To me, a nonprofit fundraising professional with 10-15 years of grant writing experience, successful grant…