The Fundraising Coach

In the world of nonprofit fundraising, meeting with a donor for coffee (or any in-person meeting), whether they are a potential supporter or a current contributor, is one of the most crucial interactions you’ll have.

This isn’t just a casual coffee chat; it’s a pivotal meeting that can define a donor’s impression of you, your organization, and may determine whether they make moderate gift, a significant one, or none at all. The stakes are high and coming prepared can greatly increase the likelihood you’ll leave with a smile and the outcome you desired.

To learn more about how to raise money in face-to-face settings, listen in!

In today's rapidly changing world, clinging to the traditional five-year strategic plan is not just outdated—it's impractical. Organizations need to adapt quickly to survive, and a long-term plan often becomes a liability and burden rather than a guide and roadmap. Instead, a one-year strategic plan, monitored monthly and updated annually, proves to be a far more effective and cost-efficient approach to planning.

To learn more, listen in!

Nonprofit boards play a critical role in guiding the organizations they serve, helping steer decisions, ensuring fiscal health, and offering strategic oversight. However, one glaring issue that’s often swept under the rug is the lack of prompt responses to communications from executive directors and staff.

Emails and important requests from staff frequently go unanswered or receive delayed responses from board members. This behavior, while common, is not only disrespectful but also sends a clear and damaging message to the very people who keep the organization running day in and day out.

Staff members work tirelessly, often way beyond regular business hours and sometimes on weekends and holidays, sacrificing personal time and energy for the cause. When their emails are met with silence, it signals that their time, effort, and contributions aren’t valued and appreciated. And worse yet, that they aren’t valued and appreciated.

Board members are in positions of authority, and their actions—or lack thereof—can have lasting consequences on staff morale, organizational efficiency, and overall culture. It’s time to address this problem head-on. Nonprofit executives may not always feel empowered to confront this issue, but they shouldn’t have to. Rather, it’s the board’s responsibility to hold its members accountable for this type of behavior.

Listen in and learn why board members should respond promptly to staff communications, and three steps they can take to ensure they do so . . .

If you're tired of your board meddling in the daily operations of your nonprofit . . . this podcast is for you!

Plan Early for a Stress-Free, High-Impact Session

Planning a strategic session for your nonprofit can be one of the most impactful moments of the year—a chance to reset, strategize, and inspire your team. But let’s be honest: waiting until the last minute to plan such an important event can lead to unnecessary stress, limited options, and a lackluster experience.

On the flip side, planning early opens doors to creativity, thoughtful preparation, and the opportunity to create a transformative experience for everyone involved. This podcast explores explore why planning early is not just a good idea but a game-changer.

And if you’re ready to commit to early planning, I provide some actionable steps to set yourself up for success. So grab a latte and listen in . . .