Volunteer Engagement

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Prevent “Fight or Flight” Fundraising

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Prevent “Fight or Flight” Fundraising

A tornado rips through a nearby neighborhood, displacing families from their homes.

An animal hoarding case is discovered, resulting in hundreds of pets in need of immediate medical care and adoption.

A power outage hits a community food bank, resulting in the spoilage of a devastating amount of donated groceries.

Crises like these make people feel compelled to help, to volunteer, and to donate. For nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable populations, there may be periods of time where every day feels like an emergency. When crisis strikes, a well-crafted campaign can bring in a lot of funds very quickly benefiting the donors (giving them a way to help), the organization, and most importantly the clients served. However, it is important to avoid slipping into what I call “fight or flight” fundraising – using messages of desperation or crisis to compel people to give to your organization on a regular basis. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

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Celebrate your Board

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Celebrate your Board

In addition to my professional work with nonprofits as a Senior Consultant with Project Partners, I also support a few organizations as a volunteer. Aside from the enjoyment of serving with other people with common interests and passions, I love being able to give back to my community in this way. There are also professional benefits, in that I learn so much along the way that I can share with clients. Over the Fourth of July weekend, I was given a fantastic lesson in board engagement.

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Added Capacity For Your Executive Director Can Make All the Difference

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Added Capacity For Your Executive Director Can Make All the Difference

Last month, we were delivering a strategic plan draft to one of our clients, an executive director of a small nonprofit. As the sole paid employee, supported by dedicated volunteers, she works tirelessly to empower underserved youth to reach their full potential. At one point, tears welled in her eyes.  “To see our three-year plan laid out like this for us makes me emotional.  It’s been on our list for so long, but with everything I must do to keep the programs on track, I never was able to take the time to get it done!” she said through a sniffle.  This is not the first time a nonprofit leader we serve has become emotional and I doubt that it will be the last. 

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What Are We Even Doing Here?

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What Are We Even Doing Here?

Nonprofit organizations rely on hands-on support from boards of directors and volunteer committees who provide invaluable help with everything from budget oversight and program development to fundraising. Event planning is another great way to involve members of the community in our work. Who doesn’t love to throw a party? However, as we say in our “Beyond the Pink Napkins” event management trainings, nonprofits never have the luxury of producing an event just for the fun of it. Our events must be mission-driven and purposeful, and must engage volunteers who bring relationships and resources, and in some cases, the “good problem” of a flurry of ideas. I affectionately refer to this issue as “catching a case of the oughtas.”

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Have your board members reached their limits? (Their term limits, that is.)

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Have your board members reached their limits? (Their term limits, that is.)

Everyone has, at one time or another, felt like they were stuck in a rut. Maybe you’re cooking the same thing for dinner week after week, or you just streamed your favorite TV series for the third time. It happens to all of us! However, when your board members feel stuck, serving year after year with little change or break, it’s not fun for them or sustainable to advancing the mission they are so committed to serve.

How can Project Partners advance your cause?

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