Posts Tagged ‘Nonprofit Leaders’
Reflect, Review, Refine: Your First Move in Effective Fundraising Planning
Goal: Understand what worked, what didn’t, and where to focus your energy in 2026. 1. Gather All Relevant Data đź’— Collect the full picture before analyzing. 2. Create a Master List of Fundraising Activities đź’— Looking at the information you gathered, document everything that brought in revenue the previous year. List each activity separately so…
Read MoreFundraising Planning Piece by Piece: The ComponentsÂ
Last week we looked at when you should begin to craft your fundraising plan, this week we look at how – its components. You don’t need fancy software or an army of consultants (though they can help 🙂). Many successful nonprofits start with a simple document or spreadsheet. At minimum, your plan should answer these…
Read MoreA Fundraising Plan That Works: Start Early, Stay Consistent, Stay Aligned
By Kia Chatmon, Heart for the Community Last week, we introduced the concept of a fundraising plan – why it matters, what it contains. This week we look at the mechanics of creating it. Timing: When Should I Create It? You know how every January we promise ourselves we’ll finally get organized: eat better, call…
Read MoreStop Chasing Random Opportunities—Create a Fundraising Plan
By Kia Chatmon, Heart for the Community Even before I established Heart for the Community, I used to tell my clients — fundraising is a lot like dating. You put yourself out there, try to make a good impression, and hope someone sees your value enough to invest in a long-term relationship. But just like…
Read MorePutting Heart Into the Ask: A Practical Guide to End-of-Year Fundraising for Small Nonprofits
At Heart for the Community, we know that many of the nonprofits we work with don’t just have missions they have heart. They were built on compassion, conviction, and the courage to step into complex needs with real solutions. But even the most purpose-driven organizations still need practical support to keep that mission alive. Especially…
Read MoreHow to Tell Dignity-Driven Stories: A Practical Guide to Asset Framing
A step-by-step guide to telling stories that honor dignity, spark connection, and inspire support By now, you’ve learned what asset framing is, why it matters, and how it transforms real organizations. The final step is learning how to apply it—simply and powerfully—to your own storytelling, proposals, and campaigns. Whether you’re writing a grant, designing a…
Read MoreStrength Begets Strength: The Real-World Impact of Asset Framing
You’ve learned what asset framing is and why it matters. But what does it actually look like in practice? Let’s explore how a few organizations have used this approach to reshape narratives—and transform outcomes for their communities. 1. In-Depth Example: BMe Community — Reframing Black Narratives of Genius For decades, media and philanthropy often described…
Read MoreWhy Asset Framing Matters: From Deficit to Dignity
The science, psychology, and heart behind redefining your narrative Last week, we introduced asset framing — a storytelling approach that begins with strengths, not struggles. Today, we’re digging into why that shift matters so much — not just emotionally, but psychologically and strategically. What Asset Framing Really Means Coined by Trabian Shorters, asset framing is…
Read MoreYour Story, Your Strength — An Introduction to Asset Framing
How storytelling can redefine how funders, partners, and communities see you What happens when someone’s humanity is reduced to a label — “broken,” “needy,” “at risk”? In a powerful stand-up clip, comedian Josh Johnson explores how easy it becomes to dismiss people once we strip away their value and individuality. He’s talking about comedy —…
Read MoreDiversification #8: How to Identify Foundation Funders
Over the last few weeks through our Diversification Series, we’ve explored ways your organization can ensure it is not dependent on one income stream. We’ve looked at how to: conduct peer-to-peer fundraising, organize fundraising events beyond galas and golf tournaments, partner with businesses through sponsorships, develop an earned income stream in line with your mission.…
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