March Madness Shutdown
The role of government is being redesigned. It is comically safe to say the architects of this redesign do not know how our government works or what it does for Americans and people the world over. However, the chaos and redesign by a blunt instrument are nothing compared to what will likely happen when Congress needs to come up with ...
Nonprofits at the Crossroads: Surviving a Constitutional Crisis Means Radical Adaptation
America’s nonprofit sector is facing an existential crisis. Appreciated stock contributions are at risk, federal funding is threatened, and a March government shutdown is not out of the question. This isn’t merely a downturn—it’s a constitutional crisis demanding radical adaptation. Success requires hard-nosed prioritization. Organizations must identify mission-critical programs and essential staff while considering previously unthinkable options, such as mergers, consolidations, ...
Reflections on the Origin of Donor Abacus
Baptist Health South Florida and the opening of the Miami Cancer Center Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the earliest days of Abacus and its success with Baptist Health South Florida. Its use and success motivated me to institutionalize this major donor fundraising tool beyond my private consulting clients at Copley Raff. In 2013, the Baptist Health South Florida Foundation engaged ...
Diversify Your Revenue Streams – Winter is Coming
The common refrain in Game of Thrones is “Winter is coming.” It is meant to portend a prolonged season of hardship with an unknown end-time. “Winter” began yesterday, January 20th, at noon and portends to be a disruptive and uncertain time. Any nonprofit organization that relies on funds from government sources - contracts or grants - needs a plan to offset likely ...
Wisdom From My Grandfather – and a Warning – Redux
Originally published, October 2018 My grandfather Jack and I spent a lot of time fishing when I was growing up. He was a refugee from the Jew-rousting pogroms in Russia before and during the Russian Revolution in 1917. When he was handed a rifle to fight and didn’t know what side he was on, so he immigrated to Chicago and ...
Some Must-Dos to Launch a Campaign
Sure, every organization and situation is different. However, when launching a campaign, I strongly recommend a firm sequence of events. Leadership: Members of Leadership make the first campaign commitments. The CEO, board chair, campaign co/chairs, and Chief Development Officer are the first to give. They may not be the largest gifts, but they make the campaign real in the eyes ...
