Andy Goodman, a highly regarded communications consultant, reflects on the principle of “the golden theme” that runs through all great stories – then demonstrates how nonprofits can use this principle to best effect. Download “Freerange” — his monthly newsletter on best practices here. Guest blogger Don Akchin writes frequently about marketing and philanthropy at […]
#Communications: The Value of Digital Annual Reports to Nonprofits
As we have switched our clocks this past weekend and approach the vernal equinox next weekend, many nonprofits are also preparing their annual reports for 2010. In the last couple of years numerous charities and fundraising groups have been moving their ARs online and into digital spaces. Though the flexibilities and advantages are many, the […]
#ENVIRO: Effects of BP Oil Spill Won’t Be Clear For 10 Years
While many of us were reminded this weekend that winter is not over, we also got some stark reminders that the effects of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico are not over either. Unfortunately, the debates about the effects of the spill, which began in April 2010 and was not capped until September, […]
What is Senior Corps?
Thinking about making a difference in your community? Want to volunteer but haven’t been able to find the right fit? Over 55? Then maybe Senior Corps is for you. “Americans over 55 have a lifetime of experience to share, and the desire to make a real difference in their world. They’ve managed households, been business […]
Tell Better Stories, Capture More Hearts
Need help turning your good works into great stories? Here’s help: Professional copywriter Rachel Foster has penned an e-book called Storytelling for Nonprofits: How to Craft Stories that Inspire Donors, available free on her website. (Thanks to Wild Apricot blog for the lead.) For a fine example of good storytelling, look no farther than Baltimore’s Public Justice Center, […]
How Is It That Higher Educational And Cultural Institutions Still Manage To Raise The Big Bucks?
As we have often discussed on this blog, charity giving has taken a notable downturn with the economy over the last couple of years. Nevertheless, that downturn has not been as steep as the economy itself, suggesting people’s ongoing commitments to help others and try to have a greater influence with their money than boosting […]
#Fundraising: What Is Next For Philanthropy? Acting Bigger And Adapting Better
Earlier this summer The Monitor Institute released a significant white paper penned by Katherine Fulton, Gabriel Kasper, and Barbara Kibbe that wants to challenge philanthropic organizations to see beyond the present fundraising doldrums toward the structural changes that requires such organizations to behave differently, whatever the economic environment. Their answers challenge some of the standard […]
#Fundraising: The Engage Group – 10 Best Practices For Online Fundraising
From time to time we enjoy highlighting the efforts of our professional peers as they bring great ideas in marketing or design or communication to the general public. Today we look at a recent publication by The Project Management Group, who specialize in email and direct mail campaigns. They have e-published a PDF entitled “10 […]