For the past three years,  I have had the honor of serving as the facilitator for the Knight Foundation Peer Learning Exchange for the Giving Day Initiative.    Today, the Foundation has released a new report: “Beyond the Dollars: The Long-Term Value of Giving Days for Community Foundations," written by Third Plateau Social Impact Strategies.  The findings of the report will be discussed during a virtual roundtable, Beyond the Dollars: Giving Days & Digital Data, in partnership with … [Read more...]

Two noteworthy free resources to learn more about online fundraising from the UK. My colleagues at Social Misfits Media launched their latest free guide for charities and nonprofits last week. It is called  ‘Make It Rain: Tips & Tricks for #Crowdfunding Success.’ The guide, which was sponsored by JustGiving and the Institute of Fundraising offers tip and recommendations for planning, implementing, and following up on a crowdfunding campaigns.   The guide offers case studies and interviews … [Read more...]

Today is my birthday!  To celebrate,  rather than eat cake, I'm fundraising for the Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network (NTEN).   Please consider donating to the fundraiser with colleague Cindy Leonard. I have worked in the nonprofit sector for 35 years.  In 1992,  I had the honor of having a front row seat at the creation of a field - how nonprofits can use the Internet for mission driven work.   In those days,  I was working with the New York Foundation for the Arts on a project called … [Read more...]

Yesterday was the fourth Giving Tuesday, a global day of community-driven philanthropy.   Today is ThankYouWednesday because it was a huge success, including financial with 52% increase in giving.   And, because those of work in the social good sector know that giving is to become a habit or part of culture, it can't be transactional.   We can't treat donors like ATM machines, only asking for money.  We have give gratitude and thanks and build ongoing relationships. But let me reflect on how … [Read more...]

After keynoting during a plenary session 2014, I was thrilled to be invited back to the IFC (International Fundraising Congress), a conference for fundraisers from around the world to facilitate a Master Class on leadership on social media, Workshops on using design thinking for crowd funded campaigns, and moderate a Big Room session on viral fundraisers. Before I share some the big takeaways from the Big Room session, let me tell you about the IFC.     It is one of the best nonprofit … [Read more...]