One of the greatest things we can do for our fellow human beings is to consider them. We can consider their thoughts, their feelings, their circumstances and, then, we can use those considerations to make decisions about how we’ll act.

And, when it comes to fundraising for nonprofits, “consider” is a magic word.

We often see appeal letters using this language when asking for donations as in, “Please consider making a gift today.” It’s a much softer and...

Earlier this week, I commented on a post about LeBron James on LinkedIn. Admittedly, I don’t follow basketball much anymore and I know very little about James himself - but it wasn’t his game playing I was concerned with. My comment was about the language used in the post - something I care a lot about. Here’s what the post read:

Here was my comment: 

Many people agreed with my comment - but there were also plenty of folks who didn’t. The dissenters...

Dragging your feet on improving your web presence? In a holding pattern for fully utilizing social media and email to engage your community? Still scratching your head about how to present programs, events, and value virtually? If you are doubling down on an old formula for success and waiting anxiously for the world to return to ‘normal’ – this is your wake-up call. Ben Smithee, digital marketing expert and CEO of The Smithee Group, a Brooklyn-based full service...

Do your marketing materials, social posts, and printed collateral look a little homemade? Is there a subtle, yet unmistakable, DIY vibe to your website?  It’s OK - there’s no shame in the bootstrapping game. For most nonprofits, having a graphic designer on staff or on annual retainer would be nothing short of a miracle. But, in this digital age, can anyone really afford not to invest wisely in their image and online presence? 

If your already-shoestring budget is...

This article originally appeared on the Impact PR & Communications Blog here: https://bit.ly/2Xjq0dz

Automatically Inspired: How System-Generated Messaging Can Make or Break Your Organization’s COVID Response

I haven’t had a complete thought in about three weeks. Then again, I’m not even sure that’s how long it’s been. Keeping my kids occupied, entertained, and off of electronics for the hours they would have been in school is a brain drain for someone used to having uninterrupted time to think and work. Brain space is personal space in my book and it’s in short supply these days. Is it just me or is someone always talking? Though I’m ever grateful for health,...

At my house it’s Day 4 of no school, no activities, no events, and no sports. It’s interesting but we’re keeping busy for now. The weather is good and there are great parks nearby, so we’ve made a point to get out and enjoy nature as much as possible. 

It has dawned on me this week that I’ve actually wished for this at one time or another; that the whole world would slow down and we weren’t constantly rushing from thing to thing. It was a pipe dream. A...

Update: it’s still winter. 

If you’re a snow-sport enthusiast or just love the cold weather and long nights, then February is probably your jam. Me? Not so much. (I am #solarpowered). Like it or not, though, winter plays an important role in the unfolding of nature and the human psyche - it’s an annual invitation to go inside and reflect. I suppose it deserves a little respect.

 There’s a point in time, though, (right about now for me) when the cozy has fully...

The closure of a nonprofit organization, for reasons good or bad, is a reality for many leaders each year. If you are faced with the prospect of dissolution, it’s important to know that the care and attention you give to the termination of your organization is as important as the care and attention it was given at its start. Leading others through a comprehensive and deliberate wrap-up plan will help stakeholders and the public come to terms with what’s happening and help prevent...

The Difference A Day Makes: 

What Went Down (& Up) this #GivingTuesday

Tell Me Again How It Goes?

Thanksgiving. 
Black Friday. 
Small Business Saturday.
Cyber Monday.
And, if you have anything left... 
Giving Tuesday.

Despite being last on the list, #GivingTuesday 2019 was a big success in terms of dollars donated. GivingTuesday.org reports on its website that $511,000,000 were raised online this year - a 28% increase over 2018*. Started by the 92nd Street Y in 2012,...