Category Archives: Board Development
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 – [...]
Addressing a Passing Parade
Working with board members and development volunteers can be challenging in any nonprofit setting, but a structured, thoughtful approach to education can make a world of difference. How to make your volunteers more motivated and successful? – Start with recruitment. Be clear what you’re asking them to do. – Provide written expectations, activities and a [...]
Fill In “The Following”
“I agree to serve as a board member for (insert your non-profit’s name here). Further, I agree to do ‘the following’ to the best of my ability”. Have you specifically defined in writing what “the following” should mean in your non-profit? Is it advocacy (wisdom), asking (work) and giving (wealth)? Perhaps your culture of philanthropy includes ”give, get, [...]
It’s More About Questions Than Answers
When recruiting volunteers to your non-profit, clearly it’s important to provide information regarding mission, purpose, goals, timetable, needs and expectations regarding their role. The “recruiter” should be prepared to succinctly and effectively answer the question: “Why should I agree to serve?” If the ogranization cannot convey the why’s of giving time, certainly the why’s of giving money will prove [...]
