Thoughts from the Group

By Lynne Wester One of the biggest myths of fundraising is that our donors are always tuned into us and listening—that they’re looking...

By Jan McGuire Like many of you, I didn’t start my career in donor relations. I’ve worn a lot of hats over the years – from conference &...

10 Questions You Need to Ask Before Your Start Your Next Job Search By Angela Joens Happy New Year friends! It is a New Year and a New...

Anyone else ready to welcome the New Year—the new decade?!—with open arms, a champagne toast, a little swagger, and a whole lot of...

By Lynne Wester Ever wonder why, when you look over your guests lists at your big events, there are always a few notable names missing?...

By Matthew Helmer In the education sector, contributing to a positive student experience is one of the most effective ways we can help...

'Tis the season for reflecting on all the things for which we are grateful. While family, friends, health, and happiness appropriately...

By Angie Joens It is November – and you know what that means? It is almost Thanksgiving! It’s one of my favorite holidays – the food, the...

Guest post by Liz Williams In the digital age, a handwritten note of gratitude from a beneficiary to their donor is the gold standard. It...

By Sarah Sims In the spirit of Halloween and all things spooky and ghoulish, let’s take a moment to consider the very worst,...

By Jan McGuire So here’s a scenario for you: a new donor commits to a 5-year pledge to establish a new endowment for your organization....

By Lynne Wester If you listen to my new friend, Lizzo, (you go to one concert, and you immediately feel like her bestie), "Don't text me,...

By Mary Solomons Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences held its annual Scholarship Event this week. As I wondered around the...

By Angie Joens It is so difficult to lose something of value—a favorite necklace, earrings your grandmother gave you, a report you were...

By Jan McGuire If you stay in donor relations work long enough, you will undoubtedly experience leadership transitions somewhere along...

By Sarah Sims Both personally and professionally, the fall tends to be a crazy time of year. It’s annual endowment reporting time,...

7 years ago I was discussing outsourcing. I want you to know I still feel the same way. By Lynne Wester I thought that headline might...

By Angie Joens For almost 30 years I have been working in the non-profit sector. When I think about how many donors I have met over the...

By Lynne Wester If you don’t already, you really should have a fund audit on your FY20 business plan. A robust fund audit is CRITICAL to...

By Jan McGuire Oh, seating charts. Quite possibly two of my least favorite words yet oddly, they seem to give me job security wherever I...