Editors’ note: This article, first published in print during June-2000, has been republished for Nonprofit Quarterly with minor updates. The single biggest mistake people make in fundraising is not asking for money. As Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity, says, “I have tried raising money by asking for it and by not asking for it,
Planning a Capital Campaign (Part I)
Editors’ note: This article, first published in print during May/Jun 2001, has been republished for Nonprofit Quarterly with minor updates. THREE SMALL NONPROFITS ARE CONSIDERING CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS: An advocacy organization whose annual budget is $150,000 pays monthly rent of $600 for a two-room office with a shared bathroom and kitchen. Their landlord tells them that at
Testing the Feasibility of Your Capital Campaign (Part III)
Editors’ note: This article, first published in print during Sep/Oct 2001, has been republished for Nonprofit Quarterly with minor updates. “But how do we know this campaign will work?” wailed the executive director after a four-hour planning meeting. The goal: A $1 million capital campaign to renovate a recreation center, including installing state-of-the-art solar-powered lights for
Creating a Culture of Fundraising In Your Organization
Editors’ note: This article, first published in print during May/Jun 2001, has been republished for Nonprofit Quarterly with minor updates. Monica, the development director of a small legal services organization, called me recently. She had just received a grant to pay for some board development training with a focus on fundraising. Many of the group’s board
Evaluating Your Individual Donor Program
Editors’ note: This article, first published in print during Jan/Feb 2006, has been republished for Nonprofit Quarterly with minor updates. The following three stories illustrate the importance of evaluation as a tool in developing a healthy fundraising program for your organization. Group X Group X has been raising money from individual donors for several years. At
Considering Legacy Giving
Editors’ note: This article, first published in print during Jan/Feb 2007, has been republished for Nonprofit Quarterly with minor updates. Legacy giving (also called planned giving) refers to gifts that donors plan to be distributed from their estate after their death. These gifts are generally made by long-time, loyal donors who believe in the need of
The South Has Something to Say: COVID-19 and Our Chance for Transformation
After COVID-19, as beforehand, the road to racial justice in the US necessarily goes through the South.
May Day Actions Show Growing Strength of Emerging Labor Network
Friday’s May Day walkouts did not shut companies down, but they do demonstrate a growing level of labor organizing at traditionally nonunion workplaces.
Dream of Wild Health: Expansion in the Midst of Pandemic
A Native American nonprofit farm ramps up for increased production of Indigenous foods.
Could the Pandemic Be a Preview of Climate Disaster?
The consequences of COVID-19 may be a harbinger of challenges to come from global heating if our current path is not disrupted.
Michigan’s Governor Is Undeterred by Gun-Toting Militia
In Michigan, the state governor is seeking to outline a positive, post-pandemic vision, despite facing white nationalist armed protestors in the state’s capital.
Republicans Mobilize for Vote-by-Mail—But Don’t Tell Anyone
In 34 of 50 states, all voters can request mail ballots. Voting by mail will thus be critical, regardless of what election legislation Congress passes this year.