Tag 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 [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
