Mike's Musings

Monday, August 4, 2025

Following the Mission: A Nonprofit’s Personal Legend

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” — Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

I just finished reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and was struck by the concept of the Personal Legend—the idea that each of us has a calling, a purpose we’re meant to pursue.

Nonprofits have Personal Legends, too. Their mission is their reason for being. But just like Santiago, the shepherd boy in the story, organizations can face distractions, doubts, and detours. Funding pressures, mission creep, and burnout can all tempt nonprofits to stray from their core purpose.

Staying true to your mission is staying true to your Personal Legend.

·       The universe conspires in your favor. When a nonprofit is deeply aligned with its mission, it attracts the right partners, supporters, and opportunities.

·       Listen to your heart. Mission-driven work requires heart. Strategic plans and logic matter—but so do passion and intuition.

·       Face the fear. Growth often means stepping into the unknown. Risking change. Trying new approaches while staying anchored in purpose. Doubt is part of the journey—but so is transformation.

·       The treasure may be closer than you think. Sometimes we look far and wide for impact, when the greatest difference we can make is in our own community, in the lives we already touch.

For nonprofit professionals, the journey is just as personal. Serving in this field is truly a calling. Whether you're leading, fundraising, mentoring, or learning—you’re living into your own Personal Legend.

So keep going. Keep listening. And trust the journey.

Thursday, July 3, 2025

A Mid-Year Declaration of Independence

As fireworks light the sky and parades fill the streets, we’re reminded once again of the powerful words that launched a nation:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

On this Independence Day, while we celebrate freedom, courage, and collective vision, I want to issue a quieter—but no less powerful—invitation:

Make your own declaration of independence.

Not from tyranny or taxation—but from the quiet saboteurs of your own well-being and effectiveness.

Declare independence from would’ve, could’ve, should’ve—the burdens of regret and perfectionism that weigh down your spirit and distract you from the good you can do right now.

Declare independence from the tyranny of busy-ness—the constant pressure to be in motion, to say "yes" to everything, to confuse being overwhelmed with being impactful.

Declare independence from over-functioning, from the myth that self-care is selfish, or that rest is a reward instead of a right.

As nonprofit professionals, consultants, and mission-driven leaders, we often pour ourselves out for others. But service without boundaries is not sustainable. And passion without rest leads to burnout, not transformation.

So on this Fourth of July, I invite you to write a new line in your own personal Declaration:

·       I claim the freedom to pause.

·       I claim the freedom to reflect.

·       I claim the freedom to rest.

·       I claim the freedom to say “no” when something is not aligned with my values, my purpose, or my well-being.

·       I claim the freedom to choose what is in the best interest of those I serve and what honors my own humanity.

Let this be a mid-year resolution to choose with clarity. To lead with intention. To live with integrity.

Because liberty isn't just a historical ideal—it’s a personal practice.

Friday, June 20, 2025

Happy West Virginia Day!  I've been off schedule in blogging because I've been busy working on a couple of trainings for clients, fine-tuning a presentation for a local philanthropy conference, and attending webinars to learn a new CRM system.  All this reminds me...

In learning, you will teach. In teaching, you will learn.
—Phil Collins

One of the best things we can do as nonprofit professionals is commit to both continuing education and giving back. These aren’t competing priorities—they fuel each other.

Serving on a board while working for a board sharpens your perspective. Being a mentor deepens your own understanding. Teaching requires staying current and clear. Presenting at conferences helps others and helps you grow.

I’ve experienced this firsthand: I serve on local nonprofit boards and the board of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. I also teach nonprofit leadership as an adjunct at Davis & Elkins College, while attending conferences and webinars to keep learning myself. These roles—advisor, board member, educator, student—are all connected. Each makes the others stronger.

That’s the beauty of our sector. We grow by sharing. We lead by learning. We give back as we move forward.

So here’s the encouragement:

• Attend something new.

• Offer to teach or speak.

• Say yes to a board seat.

• Mentor someone—or ask someone to mentor you.

Our sector is better when we do this together.

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Knowing When to Ask for Help: A Lesson from My Garage Door Opener

This afternoon, I am paying a local small business to install our new garage door opener.

Could I have done it myself? Absolutely. I’ve done it before.
Did I want to spend my day with my arms over my head, re-learning steps I once knew, all while aggravating the spinal stenosis I was diagnosed with a few years ago? Not in the slightest.

I’ve learned to recognize the value of investing in the right help. And I’ve come to see it as a kind of moral responsibility, too—to support others who earn their living by doing skilled work. After all, I’m grateful every day that organizations invest in me to advise them on fundraising and nonprofit leadership.

It got me thinking about how often nonprofit teams find themselves in a similar position.

Could your team figure out how to launch a new fundraising campaign, create a donor engagement strategy, or revamp your volunteer program on your own?
Most likely, yes.

But should you? Not always.

Too often, nonprofit staff are stretched beyond capacity. They spend hours reinventing wheels, sifting through templates, attending webinars, and trying to “DIY” solutions that a skilled consultant could provide with clarity, customization, and care.

Sometimes the real cost isn’t the money—it’s the lost time, the burnout, the delayed progress, and the missed opportunities.

Hiring outside help—whether for fundraising strategy, board development, communications planning, or even a one-time campaign—can feel like a luxury. But when done thoughtfully, it’s actually a wise investment. The return isn’t just financial; it’s also in the quality of the outcomes and the well-being of your staff.

So here’s my invitation: don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Bringing in a trusted advisor doesn’t mean your team isn’t capable. It means you’re smart enough to know that your time and energy are limited—and too valuable to waste on unnecessary struggle.

As author Simon Sinek reminds us:

“Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.”

If your organization is feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for a boost, now might be exactly the right time to ask.

And just like my garage door this afternoon—sometimes the smoothest lift comes when you let someone else do the heavy lifting.

Monday, May 19, 2025

Many Voices, One Case (for Support)

“People don’t give because your organization has needs, but because you solve problems.”

That one idea can reframe how we tell our nonprofit’s story—and how we invite others into it.

Too often, we lead with what we lack: more funding, more staff, more space. But donors aren't moved by our deficits. They're inspired by our effectiveness.

What they want to know is: What problems do you solve?
And: How can they be part of the solution?

Beyond Vision, Enemy, Hero, Recipient

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the people to gather wood… but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”
— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince

Many nonprofits use the “vision–enemy–hero–beneficiary” model to tell their story. It’s effective: a compelling vision, a clear challenge, the organization as the hero, and real people who benefit. But it's not the only lens.

Here’s another simple and powerful framework:

Problem → Insight → Solution → Invitation

• Problem – What’s the specific, real-world issue your organization addresses?

• Insight – What do you understand about this problem that others may not? What have you learned from your community, your data, your experience?

• Solution – How do you respond—with creativity, courage, and compassion? What makes your approach unique or effective?

• Invitation – How can a donor be part of this story—not just as a funder of your organization, but as a partner in solving the problem?

Start With Conversations, Not Committees

A great case for support doesn’t begin with copywriting—it begins with listening.

Gather insights from multiple perspectives:

• Frontline staff see challenges and victories up close.

• Program participants can speak to what truly makes a difference.

• Board members bring strategic and donor-savvy perspectives.

• Longtime supporters can share what drew them in—and what keeps them close.

When you invite these voices into the process, you gain clarity, depth, and authenticity. You uncover the insights that make your case powerful—not just polished.

Donors want to join something meaningful. They don’t give because you’re struggling. They give because you’re solving something worth fixing.

Monday, May 12, 2025

Ask for Advice, Earn Support

Have you ever noticed how generous someone becomes when they feel like a trusted insider?

Too often, we fundraisers focus exclusively on making the ask. But one of the most overlooked tools in donor engagement is the simple act of asking for advice. Rapper, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Pitbull (Armando Christian Pérez) once said, “If you ask for money, you get advice. If you ask for advice, you get money twice.”

Inviting someone to share their insights honors their experience, builds trust, and creates shared ownership of your mission. When a potential donor offers input, they begin to emotionally invest in the outcome. It’s not manipulation—it’s mutuality.

Let’s say you lead a local nonprofit that provides free tutoring to students from under-resourced schools. You’re looking to expand into a new neighborhood, but before you start fundraising, you reach out to a few long-time supporters and community advocates and say:

“We’re exploring ways to expand our tutoring program. Given your support for education and your connection to the community, we’d really value your advice. What do you think we should consider?”

You haven’t asked them for money—you’ve asked them to share their perspective. Now they’re part of the conversation. They might suggest a school partner, offer to host a neighborhood info session, or even ask, “How can I help make this happen?”

The engagement becomes organic—and often leads to a more meaningful gift later.

Think of one donor, board member, or alum you admire. Reach out and ask them for advice on a real challenge you’re facing. Let them know their voice matters. Listen. And let the relationship grow.

Monday, May 5, 2025

Don't forget to go home once In a while.

For those of us who are self-employed—especially as consultants—time can feel both liberating and relentless. We build our own schedules, yes, but the lines between work and rest, between weekday and weekend, often blur. There’s always another client need, another email to answer, another proposal to fine-tune. And in the flurry of doing good for others, we can forget to do good for ourselves.

That’s why I hit pause this past weekend.

Not for a conference. Not for a work trip with a side of sightseeing. But for something simpler and deeper: time with family to celebrate my Dad’s 90th birthday.  I sat around a table with people who’ve known me since before I knew who I’d become. I spent time with our adult children to enjoy who they’ve become.

There’s a kind of healing that happens when we pause and let the pace of nature and the warmth of relationships recalibrate us.

The mountains and lakes of East Tennessee are etched into my bones. Their stillness teaches me to slow down. Their beauty invites wonder. And being there—with family usually scattered across the country but reunited under one roof—reminds me why I work in the first place.

Rest isn’t indulgent. It’s essential. Family time isn’t extra. It’s foundational. And “going home” doesn’t have to mean returning to the exact place you came from—it means reconnecting with the people and places that matter.

The energy of generations under one roof is powerful. It reminds us we’re part of something bigger. It renews our sense of purpose.

So if you're a consultant, a solopreneur, a self-starter—remember: you are your most important resource. Protect it. Nourish it. And don’t forget to go home once in a while.

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

We Are the Ones We've Been Waiting For

In times of uncertainty, it can be tempting for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers to retreat—scaling back ambitions, avoiding risk, or waiting for more stable ground. But what if this moment, with all its turbulence, is also a sacred call to leadership?

Many are describing this season in our sector as exhausting: donations are harder to come by, teams are stretched thin, and the needs in our communities are greater than ever. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, even disheartened. And yet, moments like these are exactly when leadership matters most—not the flashy kind, but the steady, grounded, relational kind. The kind that trusts the work, even when outcomes are unclear.

There is a passage from a Hopi Elder that has been shared many times over the years. But it speaks with renewed urgency now:

“There is a river flowing now very fast.
It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid.
They will try to hold on to the shore.
They will feel they are torn apart and will suffer greatly.
Know the river has its destination.
The elders say we must let go of the shore,
push off into the middle of the river,
keep our eyes open, and our heads above water.
And I say, see who is in there with you and celebrate.”

The work of mission-driven organizations isn’t to cling to the shore, but to move with the current—attuned to what is changing, but unwavering in purpose. It is precisely because times are hard that generosity must be invited. That people must be engaged. That stories must be told.

So, stay the course. Keep your eyes open and your head above water. Invite others into the river with you. Celebrate those who are rowing beside you.

Because, as the Elder reminds us:

“We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”

Now is not the time to shrink back. Now is the time to lead—with courage, compassion, and community.

Earth Day, April 22, 2025

Planting Seeds of Renewal

As the world pauses to honor Earth Day, I am mindful of the season of renewal that comes each spring. Trees bud, flowers bloom, and the soil softens for new life to take root. It’s a season of possibility—of planting seeds we may not see grow for years, but that we trust will flourish with care and time.

There’s a quiet parallel here to the work we do in volunteering and charitable giving.

Just as gardeners tend the earth in hope of a future harvest, those who give their time, talent, and treasure are cultivating a better tomorrow. Every hour spent mentoring a young person, every dollar given to a local nonprofit, every meal served to someone in need—these are seeds. Acts of hope, generosity, and belief in the future.

But here’s the beautiful truth: it’s not just the world that gets renewed. We do, too.

When we give, we reconnect with our values. When we volunteer, we rediscover our shared humanity. These actions remind us that we are not passive observers of the world’s challenges—we are active participants in its healing. And just like the Earth begins again each spring, so do we.

So this Earth Day, as we reflect on sustainability, stewardship, and care for the planet, let’s also honor the other ways we plant and nourish. Let’s recognize that giving—of ourselves, of our resources—is one of the most profound ways to tend to the future.

Because every act of kindness is a seed and our future grows from what you and I plant today.

Monday, April 14, 2025

Focus in the Flow: Why Diverse Work Helps Me Thrive

Conventional wisdom says to narrow your focus, clear distractions, and work on one thing at a time. But here’s my truth: I focus best when I have multiple things going on. Different clients. Different projects. Different missions. And while that might sound overwhelming to some, for me—it’s fuel.

For those of us who live with (undiagnosed, but undoubtable) attention deficit disorder, the challenge isn’t a lack of focus. It’s directing our focus toward the right things at the right time. And here’s the surprising part: variety actually helps. Switching gears throughout the day keeps my mind alert, my creativity high, and my energy up.

In fundraising, that energy is gold. Every donor, every organization, every story invites a new way to connect, to problem-solve, to spark something meaningful. That diversity isn’t a distraction—it’s a superpower.

Joseph Campbell once said,
"Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls."

That’s how it feels when I lean into this kind of work. The challenges that once felt heavy—or like a wall—are now the source of momentum. They push me forward, keep me curious, and help me find unexpected connections between ideas, people, and opportunities—new doorways, If you will.

If you’re someone who works this way too, don’t fight it. Embrace it. Build a life and career that lets you follow your energy, not suppress it. Let your version of focus be fluid, expansive, and alive.

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 (I was traveling on Monday!)

Be a Traveler, Not a Tourist: Rethinking the Donor Visit

Too often, fundraisers rush into donor visits with a clear agenda: get the update, assess capacity, make the pitch, and move on. It can start to feel like a checklist—a whirlwind tour of relationships rather than a true journey with our supporters.

But what if we approached donor visits less like tourists snapping pictures at every landmark, and more like travelers eager to immerse themselves in the story of another person?

Andrew Zimmern offers this wisdom:
"Please be a traveler, not a tourist. Try new things, meet new people, and look beyond what's right in front of you. Those are the keys to understanding this amazing world we live in."

That applies beautifully to our work. A tourist fundraiser is in and out—efficient, yes, but missing the depth. A traveler fundraiser takes their time. They’re curious. They listen. They look for shared meaning and connection.

When we schedule that extra 30 minutes for lunch—not to talk strategy or take notes for the next proposal, but simply to savor the conversation—we create space for something more powerful. We open ourselves to transformation, not just transactions.

Fundraising at its best is about creating meaningful experiences together. Shared values. Shared hopes. Shared impact. These are the moments that build lasting relationships—and ultimately, transformational results.

So on your next visit, resist the urge to rush. Be present. Be curious. Be a traveler.

Monday, March 31, 2025

Making Consultants Feel Connected

My transition back to consulting has been a most rewarding experience, thanks to incredible clients who go above and beyond to make me feel like part of their teams. From printing business cards with my name to inviting me onstage for a colleague’s farewell, these gestures reinforce a sense of belonging and appreciation.

For other nonprofit organizations working with consultants, here are some ways to make us feel truly connected and valued:

·     Inclusion in Internal Communications - Ensure consultants are kept in the loop by adding us to relevant email lists, Slack channels, or newsletters. Keeping us informed fosters a sense of integration and alignment with the organization’s mission.

·     Team Introductions & Social Integration - Take the time to introduce consultants to the broader team. A welcome meeting, staff gathering, an informal coffee chat, or invitation to join the organization at community events goes a long way in building relationships and establishing rapport.

·     Access to Branded Materials - Providing consultants with branded business cards, email signatures, or company apparel helps reinforce our connection to the organization and presents a unified image to external stakeholders, especially donors!

·     Workspace & Tools - Provide the necessary work or meeting space when a consultant is onsite and access to shared systems to streamline collaboration with staff and volunteers.

·     Involvement in Decision-Making - Seeking a consultant’s input on matters beyond our direct scope of work demonstrates trust in our expertise and strengthens our investment in your organization’s success.

·     Team Retreats & Celebrations - Including consultants in offsite events, milestone celebrations, and team-building activities nurtures camaraderie and reinforces a sense of belonging.

By taking intentional steps to integrate consultants into the organizational culture, nonprofit organizations can build stronger partnerships and maximize the value of their collaborations. When consultants feel connected, we are more invested in your organization’s success—creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Monday, March 24, 2025

The Reward of a Life in Philanthropy

Most of us who work in philanthropy aren't in it for personal accolades. We dedicate ourselves to meaningful work that makes a difference. We tell our organization's stories, striving to connect donors with our mission, and we are profoundly grateful when they share our passion and invest in our work through their generosity.

Still, every once in a while, we receive a personal acknowledgment that reminds us just how impactful our work truly is.

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet someone who had benefited from the support of an organization where I used to work. To my surprise, she remembered my name. More than that—she sought me out just to say thank you and to share how the support she received had made a difference in her life. Her gratitude was genuine, and her story was powerful. I was deeply moved.

In the daily whirlwind of donor meetings, fundraising goals, and administrative tasks, it's easy to get caught up in the mechanics of our jobs. Even as philanthropy professionals, we sometimes forget that our real work is about promoting the welfare of others. And isn’t that, after all, the very definition of philanthropy?

This experience reaffirmed for me why we do what we do. While our focus is often on securing funding and stewarding relationships, at its core, philanthropy is about people—those who give and those who receive. And sometimes, if we’re lucky, we get to witness the full circle of our efforts in a simple, heartfelt thank you.

To my fellow fundraisers: keep going. The work you do matters. And every once in a while, you might just get an unexpected and priceless reminder of that truth.

Monday, March 17, 2025

Why Every Nonprofit Needs a Strong Elevator Speech

In the nonprofit world, a compelling case for support is the foundation of successful fundraising, volunteer engagement, and overall mission advancement. Whether speaking with potential donors, community partners, or even a stranger at a networking event, your nonprofit’s ability to articulate its purpose and impact in a concise, compelling way is essential. This is where a well-crafted elevator speech comes in.

A strong elevator speech should include:

·   Mission & Purpose: A concise statement of what your organization does and why it exists.

·   Impact & Differentiation: A compelling example or statistic that highlights your effectiveness and what sets you apart.

·   Call to Action: A clear invitation for engagement, whether it’s donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness.

Once you’ve crafted your elevator speech, ensure that all staff, board members, and volunteers can confidently share it. Use it in fundraising pitches, grant applications, networking events, and social media posts to reinforce your nonprofit’s value.

A strong elevator speech isn’t just a fundraising tool—it’s the heartbeat of your nonprofit’s messaging. By clearly and compellingly articulating your mission and impact, you can inspire support, build meaningful partnerships, and drive your organization’s success. If your nonprofit doesn’t yet have a well-crafted elevator speech, now is the time to develop one and start making every conversation count.

Monday, March 10, 2025

Stop Chasing Millionaires

Many nonprofits dream of landing a million-dollar donor or a big foundation grant, but they haven’t done the groundwork to build a loyal local support base. They chase after wealthy philanthropists who don’t know they exist, while overlooking the people in their own community who could be their most reliable backers.

It’s tempting to believe that one big donation will solve everything. But major gifts don’t appear out of thin air. Wealthy donors and foundations invest in organizations that already have strong community support, effective programs, and a proven impact. Without those elements, nonprofits are wasting time chasing money that won’t come.

Instead of holding out for a miracle check, nonprofits should focus on building a strong base of local supporters.

• Be Present in the Community – Host small events, meet local business owners, and engage face-to-face.

• Share Stories That Inspire – Show donors how their contributions make a difference.

• Make Giving Easy – Offer online donations, text-to-give, and monthly giving options.

• Appreciate Your Donors – Say thank you often and keep them updated.

• Encourage Peer-to-Peer Fundraising – Let supporters bring in their own networks.

There’s nothing wrong with seeking big donors, but nonprofits shouldn’t ignore the potential supporters right in their backyard. The strongest, most sustainable organizations are those that start local—because when you build from the ground up, bigger opportunities follow.

Monday, March 3, 2025

The Power of Connection: Are We Missing Opportunities?

When was the last time you shared your elevator pitch? More importantly, when was the last time you had a meaningful conversation with a stranger?

A few days ago, I flew to Florida for a mix of business and leisure. Midway through the flight, I realized I hadn’t really spoken to anyone—except for the bartender at the airport lounge and the flight attendant who offered me a drink. Around me, everyone was immersed in their devices.

It made me think back to past trips when unexpected conversations left a lasting impact. Like the time I met a young doctoral student researching complex grief in children—our chat was especially meaningful because of my experience with hospice and palliative care organizations. Or the young mother flying with her baby to reunite with her husband in a new city—her story resonated with me because my family had made a similar move from Tennessee to Florida years earlier.

These kinds of interactions seem rarer now. In Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam highlights the decline of social capital in America—fewer people are joining civic groups, attending religious gatherings, or even participating in simple social traditions like bowling leagues. We’re increasingly disconnected, even in shared spaces.

Yet, as Sarah York describes in The Holy Intimacy of Strangers, there’s something sacred about those chance encounters that bring us together in unexpected ways. A conversation at 37,000 feet might not change the world, but it can spark ideas, open doors, or simply remind us of our shared humanity.

As professionals, we know the value of networking, yet we often overlook the potential of the person sitting next to us. That fellow traveler could be our next client, collaborator, or inspiration. And even if they’re not, we might walk away with a renewed sense of purpose—to volunteer, support a cause, or simply be more present in our daily interactions.

Mother Teresa said, “We belong to each other.” If we only practice our elevator speech in front of a mirror (or in our LinkedIn profile), we’re missing the point. Maybe it’s time to look up, put our phones down, and start a conversation.

What do you think? When was the last time you had a meaningful exchange with a stranger?

Monday, February 25, 2025

The Leader’s Soul

Leadership isn’t just about strategy, decision-making, or authority—it’s about heart. It’s about showing up, giving, and creating something greater than ourselves.

I’ve been reflecting on what it truly means to lead, and a quote from Leading with Soul (1995) by Lee Bolman and Terrence Deal resonates deeply:

“Leading is giving. Leadership is an ethic, a gift of oneself.”

More recently, in Leading Through (2024), Kim Clark, Jonathan Clark, and Erin Clark explore four core values of leadership—values that Arab Israeli entrepreneur Imad Telhami called ‘Babcom’s Keys’:

• Love to serve.

• Commitment to excellence.

• See the good in everything.

• Improve together as a team.

These aren’t just abstract principles; they are the foundation of leadership that inspires and sustains. To lead well is to serve others, to strive for excellence while uplifting those around you, and to create a culture where people grow—together.

True leadership is moral work. It’s about empowering yourself and those you lead with the freedom to build, create, and become something more than any one of us could achieve alone.

So, I ask myself—and you—how are we showing up as leaders? How are we giving of ourselves? Because at its core, leadership isn’t about titles or power—it’s about the soul we bring to the work.

Monday, February 17, 2025

As a nonprofit leader, what keeps you awake at night?

Traditionally, the top responses always included “funding,” “sustainability,” or “board engagement.”

Today, we are just as likely to hear “changes in tax policies,” “shifts in public funding,” or “polarization and advocacy risks.” 

How do we continue to have a positive impact in a time when social movements and crises (e.g., racial justice concerns, public health emergencies, natural disasters) rapidly shift funding priorities and stakeholder expectations.

In Forces for Good, Crutchfield suggests that high impact nonprofits both advocate AND serve.  So, when we find ourselves awake at night, let us ask:

1.     What is the problem, issue, or opportunity at hand?

2.     What do you want to have happen?

3.     Who decides?

4.     How do you influence them?

Stay informed. Stay involved. Stay impactful.

Monday, February 10, 2025

What’s your leadership philosophy?

I’ve been thinking about leadership a lot lately as I have been consulting with several nonprofit executives and teaching Introduction to Nonprofit Leadership at Davis and Elkins College.

What really separates leadership from mere management? What is the magic SPARK?

Here is mine. Effective leadership must be:

Shared – Shared among volunteer leaders, executive leadership, and staff. It engages others (both likely and unlikely allies) to co-create opportunity. People (and organizations) support what they help create. We’re stronger together.

Principled - It is mission-based, ethical, transparent. It works for something bigger than self. It is truly altruistic and philanthropic.

Active – Effective leaders both coach and do. They are always learning and hold a growth mindset for self, others, and the organization.

Responsive – Leaders listen and discern the needs and assets of all stakeholders.  Leaders are flexible, adaptive, and innovative. They see new ways of advancing impact.

Kind – Strong leaders respect everyone and every perspective. They nurture joy and celebrate successes, especially the small ones, and embrace the lessons learned from failures.

Find your SPARK! (Again, I am inspired by so many great leaders. Check out my colleague and executive coach Benjamin Mohler ACFRE and the great work being done by Amber Thompson Harris and the team at SPARK in Winston-Salem, NC.)

Monday, February 3, 2025

Ernie and I are worried.  “How are you doing?” 

It’s been a rough spell – especially for my nonprofit colleagues and those who support their work.  My colleague Abigayle Tobia recently shared, “There should be real professional therapy for the trauma nonprofit leaders have experienced. Maybe every generation of nonprofit professionals has experienced something similar, but this decade seems filled with extremes.” 

You’re not wrong, Abigayle. Fundraising and nonprofit leadership can be challenging and at times – like these – downright discouraging. How did we get through advocating for AIDS care and research when it carried such stigma in the early 1990s, or the volatile economies of 2001 and 2008, or the COVID-19 pandemic, or …

How?  By nurturing our personal networks that provide both professional and emotional support and offer a safe space.  Mutual encouragement, advice, and a shared sense of purpose is more important now than ever.  Stay connected. Stay resilient. Stay inspired.

As another colleague noted, now, more than ever, we need ways to connect and lean in on each other.  I’m here if you need me.

Monday, January 27, 2025

No matter how much I learn about fundraising, and I'm still learning, I always come back to my personal Top Ten Rules of Fundraising.  So, In the spirit of "back to basics Monday," please consider: 

1. The number one reason people don’t give is that they were never asked.

2. The key to successful fundraising is the right person, asking the right person, for the right amount of money, for the right cause, at the right time, (in the right place). (Thanks to Jerry Panas.)

3. Don’t say “no” for the prospective donor.

4. If you ask for money, you usually just get advice.  If you ask for advice, you’ll usually get money.

5. People give to people, not to organizations.

6. People don’t give because your organization has needs, but rather because you solve problems.

7. Donor cultivation and stewardship require a visit (or touchpoint) per zero (e.g. – a $1,000 gift equals three visits or touchpoints).

8. The first step to effective fundraising is for your organization or institution to off a meaningful product or service.  What is your case for support?

9. The #1 attribute of an effective development officer is passion (for your mission).

10. Don’t limit “planned giving” to deferred or estate gifts.  Every gift should be “planned.” A regular and consistent donor should plan to give to your annual fund, attend your special events, respond to your direct mail appeals, etc.