Category Archives for FRM Main Category


Chasing Volunteerism

As fundraisers for nonprofit organizations, it is essential that we understand the ebbs and flows of volunteerism in our sector. For many public nonprofit organizations the only thing more important than funding is if, when, why and how individuals engage in volunteerism. Fundraisers should be closely watching the evolving cultural and societal forces impacting volunteerism today.

What do you know about your volunteers?

Do you know your volunteers? Do you know their age, marital status, household income, level of education attained? Are your struggling to refresh the ranks of your volunteer corps? A few years ago a Congressional report stated that “Volunteering rates in the US are no lower than in the 1970s.” Really! Certainly we’ve improved from disco music, bellbottoms, huge sideburns, bad perms, inflation and horribly ugly cars — haven’t we?

Volunteerism between the Generations:

Rates of volunteerism between the generations

On Second Thought: Volunteers Do It Better

Despite the incredible growth and increasing professionalism of the nonprofit sector, some folks may be losing sight of the continuing importance of volunteer fundraisers to the health and vitality of our nonprofit organizations. There are many excellent development officers at work today, for sure; but, the undeniable truth is that when it comes to securing major gifts — volunteers do it better.

What Should We Be Doing Now?

A Compendium of the 12-Week Covid-19 Fundraising Blog The massive interruption to our nation and our cyclical routines that is Covid-19 calls for new strategies and a re-dedication to the essential foundations of effective development and fundraising. What should you be doing in times of crisis? Probably what you should have been doing all along. […]

Do we need a strategic plan to raise more money?

Focus higher-level thinking on strategy development When was the last time a donor asked to see your strategic plan? Maybe a foundation grant application included a question about whether the organization has a plan, but honestly has anyone else asked? So why do we invest our organizational resources in these elaborate strategic planning processes? Let’s […]

Consider strategy before setting goals

Your Planning Process Matters It seems there is a new book or formula for better organizational planning and strategy published every few weeks. Most people have to be reminded about what all the terms mean, and the differences between mission, vision, and values statements. It can get overwhelming. And, what about the process itself? What […]

On Second Thought: Why Hire a Consultant?

The fundraising profession has grown tremendously since its inception. Today, most organizations employ experienced and capable fundraisers on staff. Increasingly administration executives and governing boards may wonder why they would need to hire a consultant at all — isn’t that the role of the executive director and the chief development officer? When an organization is […]

Vision, Mission & Strategy: The Why, What & How of Planning

When starting a new planning process, focus on the why, what and how of planning: Vision:• Our Aspiration / The Why A vision statement should present the optimal future state, an ideal future even if it may never be achieved; a statement of where the organization is headed and what values are guiding that journey. […]

Use Your Case to Win the Campaign

Emphasize the Process for a Better Product When it’s done right, the process of developing the case for support can be as valuable as the finished product. Poorly executed, the process can become a nightmare. What makes the difference? With all of the experience our firm has accumulated, we are still learning how best to […]