Award Winning Blog - Agitator

Compassion is Spreading as Fast as The Virus. Or is it?

The winter surge of the coronavirus pandemic and consequent lockdowns are upon us–as is the Fundraising Pandemic Paradox. On the one hand countless boards, CEOs continue to expect nonprofits to do badly and therefore have cut budgets and staff. On the other hand, many organizations are now doing much better than ever giving the lie […]

Learn More November 13, 2020

Dewey Defeats Truman!

Conventional wisdom and a veteran political analyst who had predicted the winner in four of the five prior presidentials leading up to this 1948 election were clear; not only would Dewey win but Republicans would retain control of the House and Senate. Dewey of course lost and the Democrats won control of both chambers. What […]

Learn More November 11, 2020

What’s Coming? A Trump Bump, Slump or Dump?

I’ve been in this trade through every U.S. presidential election since 1964 and the fundraising aftermath has always been predictable. If a conservative candidate triumphed, then boom times followed for liberal causes as in Ronald Reagan’s victory in 1980. Conversely, banner results for conservative causes followed a liberal presidential victory, as acquisition, retention rates and […]

Learn More November 9, 2020

The Social Movement Dilemma

Social activism and creating a “movement” is hard work, made harder by a conflicting reality. More extreme actions, often effective at gaining (media) attention and increasing pressure on organizations or institutions, are also likely to reduce popular support. What constitutes ‘extreme’? Perhaps it’s in the eye of the beholder and context dependent. Blocking highways may […]

Learn More November 4, 2020

The Power of a Personal, Unexpected Thank You

I’m certain the U.S. 2020 Election won’t stop on November 4th. But I am hopeful that the torrent of urgent emails, urgent text messages and urgent phone calls will at least decrease to a garden hose flow, as opposed to a fire hose flood. A necessary part of this year’s process has been the flood […]

Learn More November 2, 2020

How To Write a Case for Support in One Week

Surprisingly few fundraisers –and boards, and CEOs and Comms directors—truly understand the difference between a Mission Statement: “Why we do what we do?” …a Vision Statement: “How things will be better.” …and a Case Statement: “Why should the donor care?” So, it’s not surprising that Tom Ahern on the first page of the first chapter […]

Learn More October 30, 2020