Welcome to September. I don’t know about you, but this month always seems to take me by surprise. And this year is certainly no exception. 

I’ve come to realize that, as we grow older, it’s typical to think more and more about the passage of time. The idea that life seems to speed up each year is one that causes me - and nearly everyone my age or older - to lament in disbelief. We are mystified by the acceleration. Baffled, even. 

And, whether we...

Finding new members and donors for your nonprofit organization can sometimes be a challenge - especially if you have a small team or a packed programming agenda. Finding the time to seek out and engage people who might want to join your cause isn’t always feasible when there are events to plan, initiatives to develop, or reports to write. Wearing many hats adds to the excitement of running a nonprofit but it also means leaders are often stretched thin. 

When I was the...

This is a repost from the October 2020 JennyB Designs blog The Executive Director’s BFF: A Conversation with Bernadette Mack 

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...

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...

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,...