Author: jonathanpoisner
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How often should your board meet?
I’ve had this question come up in conversation a few times in the last month. There is, of course, no pat answer. Here are some factors that would lead me…
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Read this. Now.
Came across the attached and thought it was so good that I’m encouraging anyone I know who cares about social change, particularly fundraising for social change, to read it. Now.…
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When do you hire a Development Director?
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the transition of organization from all-volunteer, to their first Executive Director, to the build out of additional staff. One of the recurring questions…
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The Executive Director v. the Board
I’m often asked by Executive Directors to give advice as to the division of responsibilities between the staff and board. Here’s my two cents. The traditional view is the following:…
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Mercenary vs. Missionary Donors
A mercenary donor is one who gives to you for some reason that isn’t primarily about agreement with your mission. They may give out of loyalty to a friend, out…
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On Evaluating Advocacy
A great article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review: The Elusive Craft of Evaluating Advocacy. Very much worth a read for those who want to understand the real-world of advocacy.
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From strategic plan to work plan
I’m often struck when talking to people how often individual work plans are wholly disconnected from strategic plans. Or even more by how some organizations never develop work plans. A…
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Asking your board for money
I recently heard Nick Fellers of For Impact present. Great speaker if you ever have the opportunity. One of the things he suggested that rang true for me is the…
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Hunting antelope v. hunting mice
I heard this from Nick Fellers of For Impact. I’m paraphrasing, not quoting. If a lion hunts a mice, it can catch it. But it probably burns more calories catching…
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How to Transform your Organization
The number one way to transform your organization financially is to engage people one on one and to invite them to champion your organization. Something happens in a one-on-one conversation…