Sadly, I have written similar articles over many years, in response to major financial blows. My first was in 1985 when apartheid leader, PW Botha, did not have the courage, wisdom or humanity to cross the Rubicon (as his cruel stubbornness was dubbed). Everyone expected the announcement of the beginning of the dismantling of legislated […]
NPO team members focus much of their time on all aspects of planning – overall strategy, project planning/updating, resource mobilisation planning – and much more. These exercises can take many hours (and if consultants are hired to bring independence and experience, can increase costs). All planning is necessary, in fact, vital. However, too often, too
As the working year begins and NPO, school and tertiary fundraising staff resume their duties, the focus is on raising money. Raising more money; raising money in new/innovative ways; CEOs and boards will be stepping up their pressure and asking for updated fundraising plans: How much money will be raised? From which donors? Via which
The terms ‘goals’ and ‘objectives’ are often confused by NPO staff members and volunteers. Importantly, these are understood by donors. Therefore, it’s vital that these are clear within the NPO sector, particularly by those applying to companies and donor trusts/foundations for funding. Well-run organisations’ projects have theories of change (which should have been developed in
Goals and Objectives Read More »
We are often reminded that fundraising is an art, not a science. Many of us go about resourcing our organisations differently. For instance, the most popular course I teach covers fundraising proposal writing. I share a suggested template and talk through the rationale behind and reasons for each section. But, I stress throughout this course
Most corporate and local trust/foundation donors fund projects for just a year at a time. Although there are a few notable exceptions, the majority of international donor trusts and foundations also restrict their giving to a year. It’s frustrating for fundraisers, CEOs and programme and project managers who want the security of sustained funding for
Ongoing Project Funding Read More »
Never before has a generation so diligently recorded themselves accomplishing so little. I found this quote on social media (where else?) but cannot establish who first said it. (Or rather, neither Google nor ChatGPT can tell me.) Facetious as this line may sound, particularly to Gen Zers or Zoomers (born between 1997 and 2012), the
NPO support by Gen Z Read More »
