People often ask me if they should involve both spouses/partners in their organizations.  Yes!   Almost without exception, the best course of action is to involve both halves of a couple. As always, when in doubt, put yourself in your donor’s shoes.  Would you make a significant gift without talking with your spouse or partner?  Not likely. We [...]

It’s simple, really. The success of your fundraising rests on four essential criteria. Your organization must have: 1. A STRONG BOARD  Is your board highly committed to giving the time and resources needed to lead your organization to the next level of accomplishment?  Can all of your board members articulate, in their own voices, why [...]

My friend Sarah works for a nonprofit that is focused on the environment. Recently, I asked her why she was so passionate about her work. Her answer surprised and thrilled me.  She said, quite simply, “I am for a healthy and sustainable planet.” What’s so thrilling about that answer you may wonder. Seems logical enough.  But many [...]

“Is fundraising creative?” asked one of my friends this week. The way I see it, creativity is not exclusive to certain activities. Whether you’re painting, writing, dancing or fundraising, anything can be creative. It’s not the thing you are doing. It’s the quality you bring to it. You can paint in a very uncreative way. [...]

A guy checks into a Zen monastery. He’s convinced his stay will result in enlightenment.  He asks the head monk, “How long will it take for me to become enlightened?”  The monk responds, “About 10 years.” “10 years?” asks the guy. “Why 10 years?” The monk replies, “Actually, in your case, it’ll be 20 years.” [...]

Yesterday, a friend who is the executive director of a very large nonprofit based in NYC told me she’s frustrated with her board.  She was lamenting that she can’t get them to give and do more.  Her solution is to find new trustees and weed out the ones who aren’t performing. This is a common [...]

I just got back from a silent retreat. While it was held at a Zen meditation center, the object wasn’t to learn a meditation technique. The object was, simply, to enjoy silence.  To notice and pay attention to the silence that is inside us and we are inside of, rather than focusing on the noise, on our incessant thinking, that [...]