The only choice that we have is to begin. And the only place to begin is where we are. Simply begin” #SethGodin, #ThePractice.
You can begin your #fundraising effort, from just where you are. Just begin. If you have a few individual donors, extend your practice to create a systematic #majorgifts program. The way you do this is by establishing the practices of the major gifts program.
A practice is built by having daily habits and taking action, consistently over a period of time. “Action creates habits, and habits are part of a practice, and a practice is the single best way to get to where you seek to go. (Godin)
You create a major gifts program, by doing the prospecting, cultivating, communicating, soliciting, and stewarding—long before you have the major gift as an outcome.
Start where you are. The commitment is completely under your control, even when the end results cant be.
Now You: What action are you committing to today that will begin your practice?
#fundraising #nonprofit #leadership
What I Have Learned Firsthand About Leadership Transition
The Presidential transition turmoil has got me thinking….
What should you consider during a nonprofit leadership transition? I have been on both sides of this question, having transitioned into the executive role and then leaving the organization. It is such a fragile, fraught time and it can also provide an infusion of energy that pushes the mission forward, Here is what I learned about this transition:
*Seek to understand before being understood. Listen carefully to the hopes and expectations of the staff;
*Reflect this learning back to the organization as the start of a future vision;
*Involve your beneficiaries and key stakeholders as advisors and thought partners;
* Find the right stance between stability and growth;
*Over-communicate with honesty and transparency;
* A whole organization vision setting process may be more successful than a top-down approach;
* Respect the legacy of prior leadership and work within the organizational culture;
And finally, participate in a leadership peer group or work with a coach for personal support, doubts, insecurities, and encouragement.
What do you think leaders should consider when they take the reins of an organization?
The Value of a Mentor
I credit one key ingredient that was critical to my success throughout my fundraising career.
Having at least one long-term mentor has been a critical aspect of my fundraising and non-profit career growth. My mentor was an executive who was very senior in her career
While not a fundraiser herself, she was a strong non-profit leader, determined, mission-driven, and entrepreneurial. As a mentor, she challenged me while building my confidence, helped me to find my voice, supported me during difficult decisions, and collaborated with me in all aspects of the fundraising work. As a mentor, she was not only a champion but a constructive critique whose feedback helped me to rapidly refine my work. Having a great mentor motivated me to become a mentor to other early-career professionals.
What has your mentor provided and what did they mean to you? Let me know in the comments below.
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