This is where we post our bright ideas, share resources, and spread the word and works of clients, colleagues, and friends.
While we often take time to reflect on professional accomplishments and upcoming goals at this time of year, we rarely contemplate those things in the other aspects of our lives. So we took a hot minute to think about our favorite books from the last year, sources of unexpected joy and reasons for gratitude, as well as what’s propelling us into the new year.
Read MoreWe recently did a lot of reflecting as a team. This included processing how divided things feel right now and how hard it is to make sense of the world. We talked about what it means to show up authentically – as individuals and as a team – and how we can focus our energy on the work and people that matter most to us. One outcome of this process was rethinking our connection to social media and its role in our work and lives.
Read MoreFear is creeping into philanthropy and diverting attention away from the critical work that we so desperately need our nonprofits to keep focused on. I can appreciate funders’ unique fiscal and legal responsibilities tied to their philanthropy, yet, amidst this empathy, I arrive at the conclusion that philanthropy can do better, and be better for our nonprofits and our communities.
Read MoreIn the nonprofit sector, it’s a rare thing to do something as luxurious as reflect. But it shouldn’t be considered a luxury. Reflection should be embedded in the way we work. It might require stepping off the hamster wheel for a day, but it’ll better serve your organization for the long haul if you dedicate the time.
Read MoreMany issues nonprofits face seem to present a chicken or egg scenario, and on a broader level, this dynamic is a barrier for improving larger issues plaguing the sector. How does this paradox show up in the nonprofit sector and what can we do to build donor and funder trust in nonprofits?
Read MoreWhile a lot of board members may resist engaging in fundraising, there are actually dozens of ways they can be super useful without having to make “the ask.” So why not refresh the way we involve boards in development so that we’re playing to each board member’s strengths and making it more comfortable and productive for everyone?
Read MoreDays of giving like NH Gives or Giving Tuesday are certainly well-intentioned and meaningful for many organizations but are these days of giving really what our collective sector needs? We’re posing questions to help us all think about if, and how days of giving could look a little different to serve our sector better.
Read MoreAs Community-Centric Fundraising turns the traditional fundraising model on its head, there are organizations right in our backyard really innovating their approaches to development. Whether it’s a tiny change in language or a big overhaul in practices, they’re doing it. These are the victories - these revised strategies represent enormous steps on the path to grounding fundraising in race, equity, and justice.
Read MoreContrary to popular belief, nonprofits are not magically fueled by passion and heart and a drive to do good. They are fueled by skilled leadership, up-to-date technology, human capacity, and resources. Those things cost money.
Read MoreWe’re big fans of celebrating milestones and happy moments around here. Our September “business birthday” feels like both! Pride and gratitude emerged as themes in our recent reflections on reaching year three.
Read MoreA number of organizations seem to recognize this moment as an opportunity to revisit the way they raise dollars. While a development assessment and planning process isn’t feasible for every organization, here are a few tips to try if your development effort feels a bit “languishy.”
Read MoreEvery now and then, we like to pull back the Brightspot curtain so to speak, and share updates on our personal and professional lives. Enjoy this little virtual check-in, and let us know what you’ve been up to too!
Read MoreThe effects of this pandemic on our society, our lives, our mental health – it’s a lot. More than I can capture here. But its effects on organizations have been interesting and seem to be pushing many groups to consider strategic planning as a tool to answer some of these same big questions: Who are we? What do we do best? What are we missing?
Read MoreIt’s time to wake up and reimagine how to fundraise differently so we’re not causing harm and reinforcing inequities. It won’t be easy. Fundraising and the “best practices” that we’ve learned are deeply entrenched in the fabric of our organizations, the culture of the sector, and origins of colonization.
Read MoreTransport yourself to a time when Coronavirus is not a thing. Imagine you’re about to open a café (bear with me). In preparation, you review countless industry studies demonstrating that 70% of all nationwide café clients order coffee. 70% of revenue in cafes in all corners of the USA comes from coffee sales. It’s irrefutable – coffee will be the ticket to success.
Read MoreIt’s not a fun topic to discuss; it’s the elephant in the room in most business development meetings. But we thought we’d tackle it head-on and utilize this blog post to introduce those sometimes overlooked sections of a proposal—the explanation of the proposed fee and the case for how a good consultant is worth the investment when you’re ready.
Read MoreThe world is getting more, not less, hectic and so this resource round-up stretches beyond the health pandemic and into the racial pandemic and changes underfoot across the country. We - like you all - continue to juggle it all but hope one more curated list of vetting articles is helpful to our nonprofit friends as you push through these trying times.
Read MoreHere is a socially-distant-WFH-virtual check-in with Brightspot. Enjoy!
Read MoreLast week, Caitlin attended two webinars, both led by individuals who are nationally respected fundraising consultants. On Monday, one said, “If you’re NOT asking for money right now, you’re making a big mistake.” On Friday, the other said, “If you ARE asking for money right now, you’re making a big mistake.”
This reminds me of puppy training…
Read MoreWe’re back with the highlights from the last two weeks’ of print, podcasts, and (just one) webinar. As a reminder, these are resources we’re seeing and reading and find helpful.
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