After a flurry of year-end fundraising, you and your non-profit’s staff are probably ready for a little break. Your supporters may be tired, too. At some point, even the most philanthropic individuals experience donor fatigue and start saying “no” — even to their favorite charities. Here...
Non-profit boards can vary widely, with different responsibilities and expectations for their members. The structure, for example, can be anything from a less-involved group that takes its direction from the organization’s leader, to a fully functioning, hands-on board that essentially runs the non-profit, to boards...
For-profit businesses understand it takes a lot more time and money to attract new customers than it does to keep current customers happy. The same can be said for your non-profit’s members. There is more to retention than cost savings. Long-time supporters help attract new...
When your non-profit desperately needs a new facility, costly equipment, or an endowment, a capital campaign can be the best way to raise funds. To be successful, a campaign requires strong leadership, extensive planning, and dedicated participants. Leading the troops Capital campaigns generally are long-term projects —...
If your non-profit is struggling financially, you have probably already taken steps to cut costs, such as wage freezes and layoffs. However, to keep your organization afloat, you may need to develop more creative ways to generate operating cash flow. Here are five: Revisit your...
To make sound decisions, your non-profit’s leadership should periodically survey donors and other constituents. But how do you design a survey to ensure a high response rate and constructive feedback? Clarify goals The first step is to define the survey’s purpose. Determine what you want to learn...
If your new or fast-growing non-profit could use an extra pair of experienced hands, an association management company (ACM), with its turnkey infrastructure, might be able to help. AMCs are paid to manage your non-profit’s business, leaving you to concentrate on its mission. Business on their...
Because their cultures are oriented toward helping others, non-profits often find it impossible to imagine that anyone working for them would steal. As a result, too many neglect to put proper internal controls in place and, if they are defrauded, refuse to seek prosecution of...
However much planning has gone into your non-profit’s special event, it may all be for naught if you cannot find reliable sponsors to foot a large percentage of the expenses involved. To line up businesses and individuals to sponsor your big fundraiser, annual meeting or...
People are naturally inclined to make charitable gifts around the holidays. With the end of the year fast approaching, your non-profit should prepare now to take advantage of donors’ generosity. Here are four tips for making the most of the season: Strike early. Plan events or...