An organization Dimitri and I love is about to die. Everyone says it is a casualty of the economy. We know that is not true. Even when times were good, the ABC Group was struggling. And so five years ago, when we were teaching an earlier version of our “Building Engaged Support for Your Mission” … Read more
One of the 2010 goals for Creating the Future is to aim the dialogue in this sector more towards what is possible than what is wrong. As part of that effort, we facilitate a monthly Twitter chat for consultants to Community Benefit Organizations. Every month, consultants from all over the world share their wisdom and … Read more
Oh no, here it comes. When times are tough for Community Benefit Organizations, a single article like this one (originally from the Wall Street Journal, then quoted at the Chronicle of Philanthropy) can be enough to send boards and EDs scurrying to get ahead of the latest new fundraising fad. Membership is by no means … Read more
Last week I received a note that became the post Joan is Going Nowhere. In that post, Joan described her frustration with her ED’s mandate that fundraising focus on the donor vs. the needs of the population her organization serves. I am grateful for the great wisdom you all shared with Joan – being gone … Read more
The following note came from one of the readers here at Creating the Future. The subject line was “Feel like I’m going nowhere with fundraising.” I thought I’d share it here, as I know Joan is not alone! Dear Hildy: I’m hoping to get advice. I read your blog all the time, and I’m with … Read more
In a post last week, I noted that Social Media Fundraising is a) not sustainable b) scarcity-based vs. strength-based c) counterproductive if we want to create a better future for our communities In that post, I addressed the last item – the counterproductive nature of Social Media Fundraising vs. creating real impact. Today let’s tackle … Read more
These days we are inundated with the lure of fundraising on Twitter and Facebook and sites like KIVA.org. A birthday ask on Facebook that raises $5,000. A Twitter campaign that asks for just $10 apiece, suddenly raising $10,000 to help an individual family or a “boy without arms.” Sites like KIVA.org that ask you to … Read more
Today, I was the guest for a Live Online Q&A Discussion hosted by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. The title – chosen by them, not me – was Doing More with Less in Hard Times. Yes, it just about SCREAMS “scarcity,” but that didn’t stop this Pollyanna from talking about the tremendous possibilities we all have, … Read more
At LinkedIn this morning, David North asked this question: In what ways do you honor people who have inspired you in your personal life or career? Do you honor such people in any lasting, dynamic ways? Does it matter whether they are living or passed? Is it a conscious decision to honor them, or a … Read more
When will we stop the ridiculous demand that boards get past their “hang-ups” and just get out there and ask people for money? This morning’s Google Alert linked me to yet another article excerpted from yet another book on how to get boards to “Break Through Fundraising Anxiety” – this one from BoardSource, but it … Read more