“Extremely difficult and demanding.” That’s how a friend describes her relationship with one of her top donors. She says she’s in a “can’t-live-with-him, can’t-live-without-him” bind. She worries that if she tells him what’s really on her mind, he’ll get angry and possibly withdraw his critical support (and very visible name in the community) from her organization. [...]

I started my Course in Exponential Fundraising at Harvard last week standing at a big white board, marker at the ready, and asked the class this simple question:  “What is fundraising?” The group shouted out answers like: directing resources to things that urgently need to be done on the planet; listening to people’s passions and [...]

Recently, an Executive Director asked me if he should bring his Chief Development Officer, an accomplished, seasoned fundraiser, with him on first visits with new prospective partners or wait until he’s established a relationship first and then introduce her. He said he sees the pros and cons to both approaches. My answer, while perhaps not [...]

I carry this on a piece of paper in my wallet: “More than anything, the art of living is about recognizing our power to make a difference in someone else’s life.”  This insight has been a beacon. This fundamental truth is a refreshing reminder when I feel burned out or cynical. What I have only [...]

As a young fundraiser, I was taught the most effective way to ask was to use these words: “Would you like to consider a gift of $xx….” Over the years, as my approach has developed to be partnership-focused than sales-focused, I realized this “ask line” was off the mark. And I likely left a lot [...]

Here’s a brief excerpt from a series of recommendations I made during a recent consulting assignment.  It applies to many organizations: The Board must be engaged in fundraising to leverage the many resources – not just financial – they can bring to the organization. Reinforce to them that being a Board member is a serious [...]

A man asked a Tibetan Lama, “My kid is a linebacker for his high school football team.  I find myself rooting for him to cream the opposing quarterback. Is there anything wrong with that?” “Of course not,” replied the Lama.  ”You love your son. You want his happiness. He’s happy when he beats the other team. This is [...]

The Quincy Jones MusiQ Consortium is an organization I co-founded that is bringing together nonprofits, corporations, foundations, philanthropists and musicians to ensure that all kids have access to music and music education. At our kickoff meeting, legendary musician and composer Herbie Hancock gave a spontaneous response to a question that moved me as if he [...]

The dates are set for the next Exponential Fundraising workshop:  May 5 and 6 in New York City. Since they are highly interactive and aimed at ensuring a rich and stimulating exchange of ideas among a diverse group of peers, only a small number of spaces are available (no more than 15 participants).  To contact [...]