Blog Archives
Undeniable Long-term Success
The Ice Bucket Challenge certainly caught our attention and generated a lot of short-term revenue for ALS. The same things happens with American Red Cross appeals when a natural disaster occurs. On a smaller scale, your events, galas, 5k runs and golf outings generate attention and a burst of short-term revenue.
But what is the secret behind REAL success in fundraising? How can you transform these short-term income generators into long-term, sustainable streams of revenue?
Join a group of people who are passionate about their nonprofit causes as we discuss how to tackle this big issue confidently and with remarkable results.
The event is October 1, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. EDT. (https://www.liveninja.com/event/undeniable-fundraising-success/)
For those of you on the West Coast of the USA and Canada, the event will be hosted on October 6, 2014 at 10:00 am PDT.
(https://www.liveninja.com/event/undeniable-fundraising-success-1/)
Who should spend time on this?
Any one responsible for the financial health of a nonprofit organization:
- Professional Fundraisers
- Board Members
- Volunteers
- Staff, including the Executive Director
What will you walk away with?
A basic plan that you will be able to implement immediately:
- A process to use events and promotions to secure long-term supporters and partners
- 3 key strategies to unify your action
- A system to begin to build the structure for on-going success in financing your cause.
BONUS: for all registered attendees, I will host on a FREE 1/2 hour one-on-one liveNinja session to go over their initial plan.
To prepare, I suggest you read Unleashed Abundance – The Fundraiser’s Manifesto (available at Amazon.com or fill out the request form below).
If you can’t make one of the events, contact me by filling out the form below.
Your message has been sent
5 Undeniable Truths of Successful Fundraising
Last year, CompassPoint and the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund conducted a study of the real challenge facing the development and fundraising efforts of nonprofit organizations. The main theme I noticed was that all of the underlying causes of decline in revenue were internal to the organization. Every problem, obstacle or challenge that the study researched has a solution that the organization could work on, control and manage. Nonprofit organizations can no longer embrace the idea that a “bad economy” or some other outside circumstance is the cause of their struggle. The answers to the challenges definitely begin with work from the inside out. If you want your organization to raise more money, foster new partnerships and widen the network of support then you must shift your attitude from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset. It also means that the accountability is focused squarely on the shoulders of ALL the people in the organization.
In a recent presentation, I discussed the main challenges and some general solutions to overcoming the obstacles that are preventing nonprofits from enjoying undeniable success in their fundraising.
See the slides from this presentation that I gave for a group of leaders responsible for development and advancement in their organizations – on SlideShare
If you’re interested in a walk-through on this or a deeper discussion on some immediate strategies to execute NOW, please contact me.
Your message has been sent
Giving Tuesday
Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday . . . didn’t shop at all this past weekend (except for a few groceries to feed my crew of teenagers). However, I learned of a day that I could really get into: Giving Tuesday.
I have a theory: You will receive only what you FIRST give away. That means, for example, if you want more business, give some of your business away (see The Go-Giver by Bob Burg & John David Mann.) If you want more money, love, friends . . . give away money, love and yourSELF first and you will 
see an increase in those things.
So, here’s an opportunity to test this theory.
1) Find some things to give away today in honor of the special name . . . it doesn’t have to be big or a donation to a worthy non-profit (although that is encouraged, of course). Find simple things, things that you already have . . . some examples: Give someone your undivided attention for 10 minutes; share chocolate; be on the lookout for a colleague that’s having a rough day and give them a word of encouragement; buy lunch for your boss . . . CHALLENGE – do something like this every day for the next 10 days. Be as innovative and imaginative as you like.
2) Over the coming weeks, observe the affects of your giving and use this blog to post your comments. Describe what you gave and what came back to you. Another Theory: what you receive will probably NOT come directly from the person / people you gave to.
Thank you for helping to test this theory. I can’t wait to hear from you!
Making Good Work 08/31 by PhilanthropyPlus | Blog Talk Radio
Making Good Work 08/31 by PhilanthropyPlus | Blog Talk Radio.
Laura Malone of American Endowment Foundation joins us this week for a discussion on being truly “donor-centered”. The ideas she will share with us will challenge you to rethink your current plans and strategies for fundraising now and in the future.
Join us!
Time Well Spent
Americans always know what time it is, but they never seem to have any . . .
– Anonymous European
When I host online Mastermind sessions, I ask two questions:
1) What do you want most for yourself or your organization?
2) What are the primary obstacles keeping you from reaching that desire?
The answers to #1 are inspiring, visionary and noble – and every one distinctly unique. The answers to #2 are almost always the same: Not enough time and not enough money.
Regarding TIME – every day has 24 hours – we all have all there is. It is not a lack of time that is the obstacle; rather, it is how we are choosing to use that time.
Regarding MONEY – when you spend your time wisely and strategically (as related to your purpose), the means for accomplishing any aspiration will develop.
Consider these common uses of time and money:
| Activity | Your $$ | Your Time/Year | Your Time/Week | |
| MBA – online from a highly respected University | $89,000 over 2 years | 500+ hours | 10+ hours | |
| Hiring a non-profit organizational and fundraising consultant | $50,000 per year | 100+ hours | 2 hours | |
| Attending seminars and executive coaching sessions | $4,000 per year | 180 + hours | 3.5 hours | |
| Entertainment- Cable TV
– Movies – Concerts – _________
|
$ _________
per year |
__________ hours
|
__________ hours
|
In our Mastermind Groups for Non-profits, we help each other to maximize TIME to raise more MONEY. While working on an advanced degree, engaging in continuing education and working one-on-one with a coach are edifying pursuits; consider the amount of time and money spent in relation to what those activities can do to help achieve real success. With Mastermind groups and accountability partners, we have an on-going system for personal and organizational improvement at much lower costs – both in time and money.
Mastermind Groups are a proven method of time management: learning how to do more in less time and with less effort . . . In addition, the Mastermind Groups for Non-Profits add a specific education element focused on the most effective fundraising methods.
If you are ready to take action and remove the obstacle of “tempus fugit”, then join us for a sample Mastermind Session . . . Click on the MASTERMIND tab for more information.
Make a powerful difference
Consider these questions:
What do you really want to accomplish for yourself and your organization? What are the current challenges preventing you from realizing that vision?
Many of you reading this blog are either on staff at a non-profit or are active in promoting a philanthropic organization as a volunteer or board member. Despite that, these questions can be challenging. You are busy doing good work – but are you and your colleagues as effective as you could be? Are you engaged in frenetic activity or purposeful, planned action?
What are your board meetings and committee meetings like? Compare the percentage of time you talk about doing something and the time you spend actually doing it . . . Are you making the wisest choices for the future of your organization and those you serve?
If you continue on the path you are currently on – will you accomplish your highest aspirations?
By joining a Mastermind group, you can commit a small portion of your schedule each week to dramatic improvement in your situation. Take a look at the MASTERMIND page of this blog for more information. The next introductory web call is Monday, July 18, 2011 at 7pm Eastern Time/USA. Please make plans to join us.
We welcome all those desiring to explore new growth in themselves and their organizations –
regardless of the economy!
Use Business Cards to Promote your Organization
10 powerful ways to use your business cards
By Beth Davis, Founder/CEO of Gold Star Referral Clubs
While this was written for small businesses, it is applicable to your non-profit work as well. . . . LAM
- Never leave home without them: Keep a supply handy at home so that you can restock your wallet/purse every day when you leave.
- Give and Receive: The best way to get someone to want your business card is to ask for theirs.
- Insert a card into all your mail: Starting today, don’t ever seal an envelope without your card in it, even your bills. The person that opens the envelope might know your next best client.
- Be generous: Business cards are the best value for your advertising dollar. Be able to give someone as many as they ask for. Always offer 2 – 1 for the person and 1 for them to pass along.
- Be ready at every occasion and any occasion: You can never predict when it’s a good time to give a business card. Buffet line, gas station, birthday party . . .
- Ask for a referral: You will be surprised at how well people will respond to, “Here are two of my cards. I would appreciate a referral and would welcome a call from you or family or anyone you know you may need a ____”
- Visit trade show: Ask for business cards from the show vendors, give yours in return. Read some of their card out loud and ask them about what they do. Make a friend. Then follow-up.
- Make it a coupon: Hand-write a special offer or a discount for your service or product on the back of your card. Initial it. Invite them to visit your business.
- Attach a small gift to your card: Attach a mint, a specialty cookie or other small (but useful or tasty) promotional item.
- Brand yourself: add your tag line, hook or quote
BONUS CHALLENGE from Laura Anne Miller:
Hand out 50 business cards per day: the owner of a local termite inspection/pest control company does this. In the morning, his wife hands him 50 cards, and he is under orders to return home with NONE. He uses the above techniques and takes every opportunity to give people his cards. He came to town knowing no one, and in a few short years became the leader of a thriving and wildly successful business. Every real estate agent in town knows him and most use his services . . . Think of creative ways you could accomplish this challenge goal!
This, of course, means that you have to get out from behind your desk every single day and go promote your organization. You cannot spend all your time perfecting the website, writing mass mailings and planning the next “event”. Use your imagination and think like a salesman. Call me to discuss – 614.915.4324 – Laura Anne Miller
Collier County Honors Outstanding Educators
The Golden Apple Awards/Teachers of Distinction - 2011
The Education Foundation of Collier County held its annual Golden Apple Awards gala last week at the Phil in Naples, Florida. Only one word for the honorees: INSPIRING. I walked away feeling uplifted, optimistic and with a renewed sense of dedication to my work. The Golden Apple Award recipients are among the most gracious and humble people you could ever hope to encounter. They made me wish I could return to school again! The families of Collier County Public Schools are indeed blessed to have such dedicated educators and administrators. The community is stronger because of the work of the teachers and support organizations such as the Education Foundation.
The Education Foundation works with the schools to provide special scholarships, classroom support, and professional development for the teachers. They are embarking on new programs with new opportunities for supporting the work. Take a look at their website and contact Susan McManus to learn more about how you can help the cause for improving children’s lives – for life! You may find that philanthropy will solve some of your problems at the same time!
Raise significant funds in 2011 – and BEYOND
Use the IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution in a special way – you don’t have to sacrifice current donations to build a long-term planned giving progam for your organization!
Take a look at this presentation on Slideshare.net – then contact Laura for more information.
Unleashed Abundance 