I've just returned from San Diego from the 2019 Nonprofit Storytelling Conference. It will take a lot of time to process the information, the incredible sessions, the learning and the re-ignition that came out of it. It's an incredible conference. I'd had the opportunity to attend in 2016, which I blogged about here and here. … Continue reading Nonprofit Storytelling Conference 2019 – A Manifesto
Storytelling
On “The Annual Fund”
I'm honored to have been invited to speak at the AFP Silicon Valley chapter. The topic? My favorite: The Annual Fund Isn't Annual. I'm equally as honored that there were so many responses to a random Twitter question I posted: I mean, goodness, Simone Joyaux even blogged about it! The over-arching, most common themes and … Continue reading On “The Annual Fund”
On Storytelling – The Good, The Bad, The Meh, Whatever
Whether you loved it, hated it, didn't watch it or obsessively tweeted about it, it's inarguable that Game of Thrones captured the world's imagination and was, possibly, one of the most phenomenal series in television history. Not phenomenal as in great, but phenomenal as in - it was a phenomenon - a "remarkable person, thing … Continue reading On Storytelling – The Good, The Bad, The Meh, Whatever
Fundraising is Paper Towels
Thanksgiving was wonderful and I hope yours was, too. So many things to be thankful for - like making new friends! We met a lovely couple who are both donors and volunteers at various local nonprofits, so of course the conversation turned to stories from the trenches. Our new friend spends some time volunteering at … Continue reading Fundraising is Paper Towels
Why Candace, the Chewbacca Mask woman, is the best fundraiser in the world
A week or so ago I posted the blog below - Candace Payne, "Chewbacca Mom," the best fundraiser in the world. Now watch this: https://www.facebook.com/candaceSpayne/videos/vb.1245618915/10209693622437749/?type=2&theater "It is not lost on me that it is because of you guys. I love you." She is NAILING this thing! She just pours joy and gratitude into each post … Continue reading Why Candace, the Chewbacca Mask woman, is the best fundraiser in the world
Philanthropic Culture in the Annual Fund
Building A Culture of Philanthropy! Does Your Organization Have a Culture of Philanthropy? What's Your Philanthropic Culture? GET YOUR BOARD ON BOARD! I dunno, sometimes I think the only culture I get is from yogurt. Ba dum bum. *cymbal* Discussing the development of a culture of philanthropy is absolutely the right thing to do. Working … Continue reading Philanthropic Culture in the Annual Fund
What’s the Big Deal about Fundraising?
About five years ago, as I was transitioning responsibilities to a new colleague, I was asked the fundamental question, "So, really, what is the big deal about Fundraising? I just don't see what's so special about it. You just call and ask for money." And it stopped me in my tracks, because I couldn't answer … Continue reading What’s the Big Deal about Fundraising?
Annual Fund Lab 