Why Donors Disengage Even When They Care
Donors don't send a warning when they start to drift. This post lays out three questions you should ask yourself now to keep them engaged.
Stop Starting Over Every October
If you've been in nonprofit fundraising for more than five minutes, you know exactly what the year-end scramble feels like. This post gives you an easy way to stop scrambling.
Stop Adding. Start Executing.
Every nonprofit leader I know is good at generating ideas. But they may also be overwhelmed by the size of their to-do list. Check out this post about how less can lead to more.
Why Your Fundraising Feels Scattered (and the Simple Fix)
If your fundraising feels scattered right now, it’s not because you’re not trying hard enough. Find out why, and the simple way to fix it.
Fundraising Priorities That Actually Move the Needle
If your fundraising feels busy—but not especially effective—you’re not alone. In this post, we talk about how to stop scrambling and raise more.
What “Sustainable Fundraising” Really Looks Like
Sustainable fundraising isn’t about slowing down your goals. It’s about building a model that actually supports them. Check out these 7 ways to create a sustainable model.
When It’s Time to Adjust the Plan (and How to Do It Calmly)
The best fundraising leaders don’t panic when reality shifts. They pause, assess, and adapt. Let’s talk about what that actually looks like.
How Executive Directors Can Better Support Their Fundraisers
The good news: meaningful support doesn’t require a background in development. It requires a handful of clear, consistent leadership behaviors. Here are five that make a real difference.
Fundraising in Uncertain Times: What Still Works
If you are feeling pressure to reinvent everything right now, pause. The most stable fundraising strategies are the ones that have always worked — especially in unpredictable seasons.
What Strong Boards Do To Actually Support Fundraising
Strong boards are clear. practical, and aligned.
Let’s talk about what they actually do.
Are Your Events Serving Your Fundraising—or Draining It?
Every nonprofit I work with has at least one event they feel… complicated about. If we’re serious about making fundraising easier before we make it bigger, we have to look at events honestly.
Why “More Donors” Isn’t Always the Answer
Fundraising strain is rarely caused by having too few donors. Focusing on retention, relationships, and right-fit growth can help to eliminate unnecessary overwhelm.
The Fundraising Systems That Reduce Stress All Year Long
Most fundraising stress isn’t caused by lack of effort. It’s caused by weak or missing systems. Learn what systems are key and how to assess them (free checklist included!).
From Clarity to Capacity: What to Do After You’ve Taken Stock
Clarity can quietly turn into discomfort. Once you see what’s real—your capacity, your constraints, your patterns—you’re left with an unspoken question: Now what?
The Hidden Cost of “We’ve Always Done It This Way”
This phrase carries hidden costs that many organizations don’t see until stress, stagnation, or staff turnover forces the issue. Let’s explore how to honor the past without getting trapped by it.
Is Your Fundraising Plan Realistic, or Just Hopeful?
Let’s talk honestly about the difference between realistic fundraising plans and hopeful ones—and how to tell which camp yours falls into.
What Fundraisers Actually Control—and What They Don’t
Separate what’s yours to manage from what isn’t. Doing so early in the year helps keep you sane.
Before You Set New Goals: What Last Year Is Still Teaching You
Before you start setting ambitious targets or rewriting your fundraising plan, I want to offer a pause. Not a stall. A pause that leads to better decisions.
Collaboration or Distraction?
Knowing when to say yes—and when to say a thoughtful, strategic no—is a leadership skill every nonprofit needs.
Plan Now to Avoid Overwhelm in the New Year
A little thoughtful planning now can dramatically reduce your overwhelm later. Let’s explore why early planning matters—and how you can make it simple.