Part of being a good volunteer manager is understanding how to be a good volunteer. Below are four things you can start doing right now to become a better volunteer, ultimately creating a bigger impact for organizations that serve your community. 1. Educate yourself First things first: you should have a firm grasp of your volunteer organization’s mission and goals before you start. If you have plenty of background information about the nonprofit you’re serving, you’ll be […]

Finding grants for your nonprofit organization is a lot like shopping for a pair of jeans. They come in all shapes and sizes, require some self-reflection and can be an incredibly time-consuming process. And maybe it’s not your favorite thing to do. Plenty of resources exist to find that perfect grant for your organization that has the style, flexibility and price tag you need – or maybe that’s the jeans. But here are a few resources […]

This article was originally published in Nonprofit Hub Magazine. Fundraising: a concept those of us in the nonprofit sector may groan about, but understand that it’s a necessary evil. For years, we’ve done it the same way—big events, door-to-door asks, social media pleas. And seemingly, it’s worked. But there’s a cultural shift happening in the nonprofit sector. We’re focusing more on building a culture of philanthropy: one that supports and nurtures development within a nonprofit organization, […]

Even after loads of practice, asking for donations can make our palms sweat and our hair stand up. It’s not easy, and it shouldn’t be—after all, you’re asking people to part with their hard-earned money. But don’t worry: as long as you avoid these common mistakes, your fundraising efforts will be just fine—even if your palms are still a little sweaty. 1. Asking for open-ended amounts Nothing makes your donor more uncomfortable than hearing, “How much do […]