Chris B.

Having raised funds for more than 20 years, I can attest to the fact that there will always be turbulent seasons in our work. Sometimes it’s global. Sometimes it’s internal — an executive director retiring, a board chair stepping down, a major shift in strategy. None of this means your organization is broken. It means you’re living in the real world. That’s why stewardship matters more in these moments than in the (relatively) calm ones. Stewardship might start with a thank‑you letter,...

Fundraising is a team sport and members of your programs team play a vital role in building relationships with donors. But this doesn't mean your friends on the programs side of the shop are expected to raise funds. In fact, they might feel intimidated at the prospect of talking with donors or unsure how they can help. So, consider this a quick guide for your non-fundraising friends. If you are invited to meet with a donor, bring your expertise with you. Bring your joy, your knowledge,...

Joy at a nonprofit event is a powerful thing. It can help energize a room full of supporters. It gives life and context to impact stories and future plans. It can be a note of optimism, hope, and even defiance. But it's also delicate. Too much of it can veer into toxic positivity or feel false. So many nonprofits are fighting for a cause against systemic, entrenched, and emboldened opponents it feels disingenuous to talk about a mission without talking about our obstacles. An event that...