Philanthropy – Love of Humankind – Needed More Than Ever
We’re entering an era of uncertainty.
For many, this has been a gut-wrenching week. And not just in the United States. People around the world are struggling with how to make sense of global events. Not just the American elections (though this is a huge sea change), but also escalating, senseless violence across the planet, threats to freeedom of speech, religion and assembly, the spread of fake news, a deepening divide between classes, and a creeping sense of dread as events begin to seem out of our control.
And, to be honest, this may feel like just the tip of the iceberg.
The world can seem a cruel and barbaric place.
Philanthropy – love of humankind — can seem elusive.
Yet it’s right here. In each of us.
Love is connected to the things you believe in. The values you hold most dearly. The dreams you have and cherish.
Now is the time to be more loyal to your values and dreams than to your fears.
Give yourself permission to trust your own dreams. Be open to them. Don’t critique them or tell yourself they cannot happen. Not now.
Be on your own side, and on the side of your family, friends, neighbors and the entire planet that needs you to restore balance. Don’t wait to nurture those dreams.
Make the internal commitment to come from a place of love.
Earlier this week I shared a poem from Tara Mohr. It began like this: “Today, I am more committed than ever to the things I believe in.”
I encourage you to think about what you believe, and what you’ll commit to doing — from today forward.
I do have some thoughts I’d like to share.
If you’re constantly encountering people on your staff or board who want to curtail your fundraising efforts, you’re not alone.
Shifting politics are creating economic uncertainty for all, and it’s especially scary for U.S. nonprofits who, on average, receive about a third of their total funding from Federal grants. This means nonprofits today need to shift emphasis (and budget) toward individual donor engagement strategies. Giving USA reports 
When you’re not aware you’re making a mistake, it’s hard to avoid it.
These are the best of times. These are the worst of times.
For good things once a year is not enough. Why do so many of us only eat turkey once a year? 
Studies show 
People are wired for stories
Once upon a time I let folks know I’d “finagled” a discount for them. After one reader told me the word “finagle” means “to obtain something by devious or dishonest means,” I sent an apologetic “Ruh Roh” email. I received a lot of forgiving (thank you!) feedback. Many kindly supported my initial use of the word “finagle.”
I find a widespread misunderstanding about the notion of what constitutes being donor-centered. It derives from two misconceptions:
Please don’t leave your new (or old for that matter) board members dangling!
This week the groundhog told us it’s going to be an early spring!
Not as much as you might think.
Twice at the end of last calendar year I was asked for a major gift.
Let’s begin with a question: What do you spend more time on? Asking or thanking?
A couple of years ago I wrote about 
The single most important lesson I ever learned.
When you’re not aware you’re making a mistake, it’s hard to avoid it.
Just like it’s prudent for individuals to have both a checking and savings account, it’s prudent for nonprofits to have both operating funds and endowment reserves.
Did you ever wonder if there is a foolproof way to communicate with donors?