Things Major Donors Want Series #4 – Involvement

There seems to be something about certain non-profits that when donors want to roll up their sleeves and get involved, a giant wall rises and blocks them from doing it. I don’t know what it is, but I suspect that the insiders don’t want the outsiders to come in and...

Things Major Donors Want Series #2 – Respect

I’ve had some growing up to do over the last 20 years.  People who know me will say I have always been a fairly compassionate person.  They will also say I’ve been quite opinionated.  And as I’ve examined my own attitudes over the years I would have to admit that I...

Things Major Donors Want Series #1 – To Be Understood

“No, listen, you don’t understand!” How often have you said that?  How often have you felt cheated because of the misunderstanding of others?   You explained your position but there was a blank stare coming back at you. You know the feeling.  It is one of frustration...

Things Major Donors Want

Several years ago I was in Vail, Colorado in the second home of a retired President of a large international corporation.  I had been invited to spend a couple of days with this gentleman and his wife to discuss their relationship with the non-profit that both of us...

Three Things that Bother Me About Our Industry: #3 Going Cheap!

I’m finally getting this off my chest – the last thing that bothers me about our industry.  After this I can just let it go. This is one that has angered and perplexed me for my whole career working with non-profits, that being the many non-profits who lose...