An arts leader teaches us about balance

Columbus, Ohio recently lost a venerated leader in our arts community. Denny Griffith had been President of Columbus College of Art & Design for 16 years. But he was also a prolific artist. What I … Read More

STEM vs. STEAM

How the Team with STEAM can win STEM is the buzz word these days, it’s on everyone’s lips, it’s being touted as the salvation for our educational system, and it seems like every funder wants … Read More

When deadlines loom, take cover!

Between my journalism background and my theatre background, I have a pretty healthy respect for The Deadline. You miss your print deadline, your article doesn’t make it in the paper. You miss your light cue, … Read More

I’m a little disappointed!

My blog posts have historically been pretty upbeat, but this one is an exception. At Huntington Bank’s annual Seeds for Growth workshop for non-profits, this year’s theme was Relationships. A panel presented on “Staff Development: … Read More

Find the pope in the pizza

Do you think Father Guido Sarducci could find the grant writer at a planned giving conference? Look around — it’s me! I am a card-carrying lifelong learner, in attendance at presentations on donor relations, board … Read More

Hungry for professional development?

Just returned from Portland, Oregon, where I attended the Grant Professionals Association national conference. I made lots of new friends and attended loads of great workshops. But I reached a crossroads early on in the … Read More

Diversity & Inclusion: Yawn or Yes?

The Central Ohio chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is lucky enough to have an active Diversity & Inclusion committee. Although this committee is small (4 people) and newly formed (less than a year), … Read More

Is it time to hire an architect?

I am in the middle of a whole-house renovation. It’s a long, painful process, but we know the end result will be worth it. Why? Because we chose to use an architect when it mattered … Read More

When fundraising becomes theatre

We as fundraisers need to be not just thick-skinned when it comes to rejection, but gracious. Demonstrating grace in the face of rejection — instead of scorn — is a stage of maturity that comes … Read More