Fundraiser’s Coffee Break

Earlier this month, I was privelaged to take part in a lively discussion in San Diego led by about eight of my fellow ACFREs who have had books published. All of the white papers written by me and my distinguished colleagues are available on the AFP International website. (www.afpnet.org) I urge you to take a look at some of the thought provoking ideas. And don’t forget to post your thoughts on these topics to our blog.

My topic was strategic planning for development and in my paper I pose several questions for reflection–why don’t nonprofits executives and boards take the time to plan strategically for development? Why are they reluctant to invest in their development offices? How do we engage them in our development efforts? Please let us hear from you!

 Linda Lysakowski, ACFRE

Just curious how many of our readers have worked with consultants in the past and what you feel were the biggest plus sides to the consulting arrangement, and what were the most challenging apsects of the consulting arrangement?

We are always looking to improve our service to our clients and it would be helpful to know what you are looking for in a successful consulting relationship.

Linda

I’ve been watching the March of the Penguins and thinking about the word, ‘resiliance.’ I think it describes not only penguins, but also many nonprofit leaders who struggle with increased demand for services, loss of funding sources, and challenges in finding good people to work for their organizations, both staff and volunteers. I believe that the organizations and leaders who survive are those that have a clear mission; staff, board members, and volunteers who are passionate about this mission; and a diversified funding plan. What do you think? If yours is a resilient organization, or you consider yourself a resiliant leader, tell us why. If you are not, tell us what you need to become one!

January 1, 2008

Hello Friends and Happy New Year!

My professional New Year’s resolution was to start a blog, so here we are January 1 launching our new CAPITAL VENTURE blog.

As we start a new year, I am excited about the work that nonprofits are doing to make their communities a better place to live. And equally excited about the many opportunities we all have in the year ahead to grow professionally and personally.

One of the things that saddens me, however, is how many nonprofits are caught in the throes of scandal and misuse of donor funds.

I believe that one of the ways to assure transparency in nonprofits is to educate the board in its duties and fiscal responsibilities as board members. And, of course, to use a more thoughtful process to both recruit board members and to hire senior management people.

I am curious. What has your organization done to assure transparency and to comply with Sarbanes Oxley (also know as SOX). Send us your thoughts!