In another thoughtful post by Mary Cahalane, she asks "Would you prefer to read a grant proposal or a novel?" When you’re fundraising, it’s really important to understand the difference between the "why" and "how". Many fundraisers are rightly proud of their organization’s work. And they’re especially proud of what sets their organization apart from … Continue reading The why and how of fundraising
Fundraising in 2023 viewed from 2022
Nearly three years after COVID shook up charities and the way we fundraise, what does 2023 look like? A glance into the fundraising crystal ball shows a tumultuous year but with foresight, planning and some nerves of steel fundraisers and their charities can help those in greater need than ever and weather 2023. The perfect … Continue reading Fundraising in 2023 viewed from 2022
Providing Oxford’s margin of excellence
As her seven-year term as the University of Oxford's Vice-Chancellor comes to an end, Professor Dame Louise Richardson reflects on the substantial difference philanthropy makes to the life and work of the University. ‘We often think of philanthropy as something new that’s been imposed on us or as a necessary evil occasioned by the times, … Continue reading Providing Oxford’s margin of excellence
You’re Worth the Investment: How to Advocate for Your Professional Development
In this original blog, Ashley Gatewood, Communication and Marketing Director at CFRE International, explains the importance of investing in training. When employers need to trim a budget line item in leaner times, professional development frequently gets the first cut of the ax. It feels quite ironic, doesn’t it? If your organisation needs to succeed against … Continue reading You’re Worth the Investment: How to Advocate for Your Professional Development
How Jargon Destroys Nonprofit Fundraising & Marketing
Why would you ever use jargon if you wanted to truly communicate with someone? Just check out the definition: “language used by a particular group of people, especially in their work, and which most other people do not understand” — Cambridge dictionary. When you talk to people in words they don’t understand, really, what’s the … Continue reading How Jargon Destroys Nonprofit Fundraising & Marketing
As your team gets bigger your leadership style has to adapt
As Development and Fundraising teams become more successful, many are lucky enough to start growing their teams. However, there are hidden consequences to an expanding team. What lessons can leaders learn to prepare? When Julie Zhuo, Facebook’s vice president of design, first began managing a team, it consisted of just a handful of people. When … Continue reading As your team gets bigger your leadership style has to adapt
How far we have come…
In these difficult and uncertain times, the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II this week brings an even more sombre mood. The Queen has been an amazing role model to so many people, including myself, and she will be sorely missed. However, I always like to remain positive and focus on aspects that can … Continue reading How far we have come…
When you’re too big to succeed
Mary Mcahalane's family recently made what was for them a large gift to a national charity. The response was underwhelming, and that’s being kind. An 8.5 x 14 sheet of paper, with the bottom being a tear-off, generic response form. The thank you letter – such as it was – consisted of 4 short paragraphs. … Continue reading When you’re too big to succeed
How to Combat Shadow Data Management
Shadow data management happens whenever data scientists or analysts copy data from the primary, IT-approved database to run analysis with their own tools in their own environments — many of which have not gone through the rigor of IT approvals. This is an issue that will create many headaches, ranging from security vulnerabilities to inadequate … Continue reading How to Combat Shadow Data Management
15 Expert Tips for Giving a Powerful Business Presentation
A powerful business presentation is much more than just a bunch of nice-looking slides. Whether you’re presenting to venture capitalists, senior management or potential donors, you need to make a great first impression and stand out from the dozens of other speakers they’ll encounter. For some people, presenting in front of even a handful of … Continue reading 15 Expert Tips for Giving a Powerful Business Presentation
Propper Fundraising 