Award Winning Blog - Agitator

The Advocacy of Not Advocating

There is a healthy debate over the role of nonprofits in politics. For traditional 501(c)3s in the United States, part of our charter is that our political efforts will be minimal. Minimal, however, isn’t nothing; many nonprofits are very successful in making political change a part of their mission. Others shy away from politics and […]

Learn More July 15, 2019

The Real Limited Resource

The real limited resource isn’t money. Sure, budgets are tight for most. But if you found a magic box where you put one dollar in and got two dollars out immediately, I’ll wager phrases like “hiring freeze,” “unbudgeted expense,” and “budgeting cycle” would be thrown out the window pretty quickly. (Also, you’d have to decide […]

Learn More July 12, 2019

Are Smaller Organizations Missing Out on The Direct Mail Advantage?

I’m getting more curious and more concerned about why so many nonprofits sector so neglect the “basics.” Simple things like updating addresses. Identifying deceased donors. Or promptly sending a prompt and truly heartfelt “thank you”—on paper… in an envelope… with a stamp. “Basics” that are considered mundane but left unattended damage every organization. Many caring […]

Learn More July 10, 2019

The Donor Upgrade Conundrum

Every day on her way to work, a woman walks by the same bagel stand run by a guy who is clearly selling these bagels to survive. So every day, that woman drops a dollar in the mug and leaves without asking for a bagel. One day, she feels a tug on her sleeve as […]

Learn More July 8, 2019

Everyone Loves Fireworks

… except parents with babies trying to get them to sleep. And many dogs and their owners. And those suffering from trauma where loud, explosive noises are a trigger. And others. For them, it’s negative. Everyone loves ice cream… except the lactose intolerant. And dieters. And vegans. And those who don’t like the taste. And […]

Learn More July 5, 2019

Revolutionary Fundraising

On July 4th we Americans will celebrate our Independence Day, called such because Amxit is a mouthful. I wanted to focus on the fundraisers – as ever, the real unsung heroes of the revolution. The techniques and the situation may sound very modern… Urgent need. In 1780, the Continental Army surrendered Charleston to the British […]

Learn More July 3, 2019