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Resource Development
Maximizing Your Development Committee
Last Friday, when meeting with nine development directors in a monthly development networking call, I shared a list created by BoardSource that states 10 tasks every development committee should be doing. They include: Help develop policies for board and staff actions related to gift soli…
Read MoreWhat is Your Organization’s Rating & Why Does It Matter?
Donors are making a concerted effort to research a nonprofit before making a donation. Recent stakeholder interviews as part of feasibility study show that donors who have been affected by the pandemic may have less money to give away. Most first-time donors take the time to research an orga…
Read MoreCorporate America is Shifting Its Philanthropy in Response to 2020
2020 was tumultuous and it changed our perspective of the world forever. We watched in horror as: The COVID-19 virus spread throughout the world, killing more than 2.2 million people. The worst global economic crisis since the Great Depression resulted in 10 million Americans filing for …
Read MoreHope
Our team had a chance to talk with nonprofit executive, development, and marketing leaders last week. We discussed lessons learned in 2020—especially thinking about what seemingly temporary changes might in fact become permanent such as remote working and virtual meetings. Many execut…
Read MoreWelcome
It is a personal goal of mine that people feel comfortable and welcomed in my home. Don’t be surprised, if you drop by, that you are offered a snack, something to drink, or fresh eggs to carry home. Some of the best compliments I have received are “it always smells like you pulle…
Read MoreWhat A Year This Has Been!
It is impossible to adequately summarize 2020. As this unusual year wraps up, we're reflecting on our learnings and thoughts through this recap of Armstrong McGuire blog posts over the last twelve months. Sending warm wishes for a wonderful 2021! Looking for…
Read MoreNever Let a Good Crisis Go To Waste
One of my favorite movies is Forrest Gump, and one of my favorite parts of the movie is when Forrest returns from the war in Vietnam and buys a shrimp boat business, naming it Bubba Gump Shrimp. With no shrimping experience and an over-abundance of competition, Forrest has limited success. T…
Read MoreA Tale of Two Events
Last week I had the privilege of attending two virtual events, on back-to-back nights, for organizations I care deeply about. Both organizations delivered goodies in advance of the event to make it feel special. That is where the similarities ended. Here is a side-by-side comparison: …
Read MoreTips & Examples of Virtual Fundraising Events to Ensure Success
Many nonprofits had to cancel their spring events because of COVID-19, pushing them to the fall. Then when the pandemic continued, everyone needed to transform in-person events to virtual events. How will your event stand out and achieve the fundraising goals you need for success? Below are …
Read MoreQuantum Physics
As part of my Authentic Leadership coaching class through Raleigh Coaching Academy, I had the privilege of reading ten books to support the curriculum. Eight books into my reading I told my six-year-old son, Ian, that I had reading for school to do so I could only read him one book instead o…
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