Category Archives: Board Development
Transformational Governance
Far beyond simple nominating, a robust governance process is the toolbox for a stronger, higher-performing nonprofit, and a catalyst for transformation. Yesterday’s nominating committees filled vacant seats around the boardroom table. Tomorrow’s governance committee molds organizational structure, ensures succession planning, delivers valuable orientation, conducts regular evaluation, and sets expectations. By setting and articulating expectations, while [...]
Why Bother?
Lock a few bright, energetic folks in a room, with instructions to devise a strategy for raising money for a charity, and odds are pretty high that they will create a special event, and a short list of potential corporate sponsors. In addition to events being among the least efficient ways to raise money, seasoned [...]
Move The Middle
It’s a concept familiar to those in sales, reminding them to focus on the middle of the client-base, where lies the most potential for future and increased business. It is also, I contend, a notion that translates well to not-for-profit organizations – both in governance and development. The first, and I suspect most obvious application, [...]
Happy National Volunteer Week!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many dedicated volunteers so generously giving of their time, talent, and treasure our the nation’s not-for-profit organizations. While I respectfully submit that it is impossible to place a value on this priceless gift of time, it is nonetheless interesting and impressive to try. Independent Sector [...]
Old Ideas. New Tricks.
Vaughn Schill, a partner in the New Jersey wealth management firm of Lane Bridgers & Schill, is a fellow Trustee on the Board of the Community Foundation of South Jersey. I subscribe to their weekly e-letter, which regularly features a brief piece entitled “Think About It.” A recent installment cited author Jonah Lehrer, and reminded [...]
Remembering Charlie
Just before Christmas, 2011, my hometown lost a leader. Charlie Snyder chaired the Frederick Memorial Hospital Development Council from 1987 to 1995. In 1991, his long history of involvement with many community organizations – including United Way, the American Red Cross, and the Community Foundation – prompted the hospital to award him one of the [...]
Reflections of Captiva: Consistency and Leadership
Last week, participants from Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas gathered in Captiva; site of this year’s Pride Development Institute. Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised that such a beautiful setting was also the backdrop for a powerful leadership conference. Had I any doubts, they were quickly dismissed as Tom Kleinhanzl, President [...]
Major Gifts: Creating Access, Ability and Inclination
Are major gifts your nonprofit’s priority? Of course. Logic tells us that focusing on the largest potential donors ensures funds will continue to flow into your coffers. However, on a practical basis, when you evaluate your day to day efforts, are you spending enough time on major gifts? An effective major gifts effort requires a [...]
State Your Case
Fundraising success results from effectively sharing your story, connecting with prospects, and making the “right” asks. A strong case for support jumpstarts your efforts, so allow time during the inception of any new project to create not only your written “sales” presentation, but also your board’s salient talking points. Preparing your case statement is an [...]
Board Members are Made, Not Born
Why doesn’t your board raise money? Board members are typically committed and connected in some way to your nonprofit, or they would not have been nominated and appointed in the first place. Some already support you financially, or if not your organization specifically, they are known for their interest or generosity. Logic says, “Simple – [...]
