Dec
08
2017
Work-Life Balance — lessons learned
In all of the jobs that I have had, I always keep track of my hours (for my own sake), clocking in and clocking out. It...
Dec
01
2017
Small development offices vs large ones
In Canada, most fundraising organizations have a professional staff of fewer than five people. That is pretty amazing, considering all that they do. It is those...
Nov
24
2017
Feasibility Study vs Action Plan
A lot has changed in the last 20+ years in fundraising. I remember (fondly) performing Feasibility Studies prior to the launch of a capital campaign —...
Nov
17
2017
NO “I” in Team…but there is an “M” and an “E”
So much of what impacts a fundraiser’s success is predicated on having the right people around him/her, I have found that fundraising is much more of...
Nov
10
2017
Investment Policies — a great tool
Policies may seem like a dry topic to some, so if you believe this to be dry, pour yourself a good single malt and read on!...
Nov
03
2017
Managing Expectations — it’s harder than it seems
If someone were to ask me what my biggest challenge is in my professional life, I would have to say, hands down, that it is managing...
HR / Leadership
Oct
27
2017
Year-end Fundraising — the big push?
It’s hard to believe it, but there are only 65 days left in the calendar year. That means there are only 65 days left to maximize...
Oct
20
2017
Should I start my own private foundation or charity?
Should I start a charity? This is a question that comes up all of the time. Let’s first address some nomenclature. When I worked for a...
Sep
29
2017
The times — they are a change-in’
It has now been over 25 years since I have been in this wonderful field as a paid professional (and probably an additional 6 as a...
Sep
15
2017
The elusive donor (or prospect)
Where are the donors and why are they hiding from us? There is a great theory that it is much better/easier to keep a customer than...