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
Identifying Leaders
Today I have the extreme pleasure of writing a letter of recommendation supporting a fellow GPA (Grant Professionals Association) member’s nomination to an Executive Committee role in our chapter.
The gift of professional development
I know what I am getting for Christmas. I’ve already given myself this great gift. In the past few weeks, I have indulged myself in education around fundraising, thanks to the gift I give myself … Read More
Leveraging available resources
I have never been rich, but I have been poor. At one point in my adult life, I had five cents to my name. Fortunately I was naive and in my twenties and thought anything … Read More
How do you build your relationship with your non-profit’s grant funder/donor?
To build a relationship with a grant funder you do not know yet, the best way to start is to call them on the phone or e-mail then with an (intelligent) question. This is assuming … Read More
What are the best contingency-based fundraising firms?
Fundraising on a contingency basis is not considered ethical. I refer you to the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethical Standards at afpnet.org. Grant Professional Association’s Ethics Statement echoes their sentiment — see grantprofessionals.org. … Read More
What is the best fundraiser your organization has done?
Originally asked by Krystal yates, SPHR on LinkedIn The best fundraiser I have been a part of was an event that completely and totally enveloped the organization’s mission and the event’s theme and purpose. The invitation, … Read More