Cherian Koshy

Advancement Leaders Must Have a Vision, Too. There are common threads to what advancement leaders say they need in a president if they are to be optimally effective. The president needs, they say: A compelling vision Concrete examples of how that vision could be advanced through private investment To listen to where donors are coming from and suggest where interests could converge To stay on task, like a candidate running for office To patiently and methodically build strategic partnerships, not just chase the occasional gift To create a culture of accountability and transparency to ensure private support is applied to the greatest strategic effect To work toward building a stronger community of shared purpose Okay, fair enough, but then listen to some of the most common frustrations expressed by those same advancement leaders, including the fact that much of the board, the executive team and many internal stakeholders have naive if not unrealistic expectations about fundraising. That means advancement leaders need to have a plan to build internal support with the same elements presidents must have if they are to build external support. Those elements are contrasted below. Yes, I know, you have too little time as it is but too much of your time is spent explaining how this business works in a reactive, defensive mode. Accept that these barriers and limitations will be found in just about every organization and develop a plan to build greater internal awareness, understanding and participation. Help internal stakeholders see that building partnerships will get the organization to a better place than chasing gifts. Show how all will benefit over time by with a deeper understanding of philanthropy and by working more collaboratively. Take advantage of all the information you have on LinkedIn. Forward posts from fellow practitioners that speak to the issues that you think are too little understood within, especially those that cite research that debunk myths and point to more adaptive practices. You, too, must understand that you are like a candidate running for office. You must have a message and stay on it. You must be visible in the right places and be viewed as a good listener trying to represent the will of the people. The president must tell the story of the organization's unique strengths and contributions, then cast a vision of how it can better serve society using the right blend of wow and how. You must tell the story of how the greatest support won by the organization has been achieved by attending to relationships over time and how by expanding and deepening those relationships your organization can build a more sustainable philanthropic culture. If you hire a consultant, hire one that will assist you in this task, not one who will nurse delusions, offer the same old products and services, and ply simplistic formulas thereby ensuring your team will be held to increasingly unrealistic expectations.

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In our latest podcast episode, we discuss which metrics truly impact your fundraising success and how leaders can provide fundraisers with coaching and accountability around them. Listen for more! 🎧👇

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Are your tools helping you, or slowing you down? 🤔 💡 Our latest eBook uncovers the hidden costs of outdated technology and how inefficiencies could be holding your advancement team back. Learn how automation, personalization, and data-driven insights can double your engagement and fundraising impact. Plus, see how Illinois Tech did it with real-world results. Get your free copy now and start eliminating inefficiencies here: https://bit.ly/3BuTBbB

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Elton describes the characteristics of a healthy ministry relationship between church and school. This article makes for a GREAT discussion for your ministry team! https://lnkd.in/gd3U5rKW

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🌟 Verto Education is thrilled to collaborate with the University of Iowa, a leading institution known for its strong emphasis on research and commitment to developing critical thinkers and problem-solvers. This partnership allows students to embark on a globally informed educational journey before continuing at the University of Iowa. Highlights of our partnership with Iowa: 1️⃣ Commitment to Comprehensive Education: The University of Iowa offers a broad range of academic disciplines complemented by an extensive research portfolio. This partnership with Verto prepares students with a robust foundation that aligns with Iowa's dedication to fostering intellectual growth across diverse fields. 2️⃣ Research and Innovation Focus: As a research powerhouse, the University of Iowa encourages innovative thinking and discovery. Verto students benefit from early exposure to global perspectives that enrich their ability to contribute to research and creative projects once they arrive on campus. 3️⃣ Tailored Academic and Personal Support: Both Verto and the University of Iowa are committed to providing individualized support to ensure students transition smoothly into university life. This support is crucial for maximizing their academic and personal development, setting them up for success from their first year. Our partnership with the University of Iowa underscores a shared vision for inclusive, forward-thinking, and globally engaged education. Verto students transition into the University of Iowa with a unique global perspective, ready to engage deeply in their chosen fields and contribute to the university’s vibrant academic community. 📚 Embrace the opportunity to start your educational journey with Verto, and continue to thrive at the University of Iowa, where innovative learning and a commitment to student success go hand in hand. #UniversityOfIowa #VertoEducation #ChannelPartnership #HigherEducation #GlobalLearning #ResearchExcellence

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Check out this resource for your small staff association! Kudos to all involved to create this resource!

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ICYMI: 🎥 Why are digital literacy skills essential today? Jon Barton from Michigan Works! West Central explains why these skills are crucial for individual and community success Learn more from our awesome partners like MichiganWorks! WATCH HERE ➡️ https://bit.ly/3VRaa7Y #ConnectedNation AT&T #attimpact

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👻 Year-End Fundraising Doesn't Have to Be Scary!👻 Our second annual "Blueprint for Success - Year-End Fundraising Workshop" was full of tricks AND treats to help nonprofits make the most of their year-end campaigns. If you missed it, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! 🎥 Watch the Webinar Recording  Catch the full session to learn how journey-focused strategies can turn your year-end fundraising from a haunted house into a happy harvest. Get practical tips, creative ideas, and some spooky-good insights on how to engage your supporters! 🛠️ Want Extra Help Carving Out Your Plan? 🎃   We’re offering one-on-one Blueprint sessions to help nonprofits develop a customized, step-by-step plan that’s as easy as pumpkin pie. Our experts from Giving Insight and JB Advance will make sure your campaign is ready to scare away any year-end stress. 👀 Ready to Dive In? Click here: https://bit.ly/Blueprint24 Let’s make your year-end campaign a real *treat* this year! #FundraisingTips #NonprofitSuccess #YearEndGiving #FundraisingWebinar #NonprofitFundraising #GivingInsight #JBAdvance #HalloweenFun

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Advancement Survey Results Mirror Donor Desires and Frustrations It's eerie how often it happens. We interview or survey advancement staff as a part of an organizational assessment, then do the same with donors. There's almost a complete overlap in their responses. Even when we just do advancement staff interviews, we can compare the results with tons of donor surveys done for other clients. Both advancement staff and donors want: More complete, compelling, concise, hype-free information about mission in action Encouraging, emblematic stories about human differences being made Exposure to and dialogue those on the front lines of mission delivery To be actively engaged in improving mission delivery To be treated as partner, not lectured, cajoled, condescended to or be given only the most self-glorifying parts of the story In other words, a good staff survey will predict levels of donor satisfaction and dissatisfaction - and reveal what it will take to build a stronger community of shared purpose. When we see high levels of staff frustration, if not disenchantment about leadership, the lack of dedication to mission, or exploitive expectations visited on them, we know donor relations will suffer. Good people feel comprised when they are expected to treat donors as they themselves would not wish to be treated. They struggle to ask for commitments when they feel their own commitment slipping. They can't sell what they are buying. Nor should we want them to. We don't want advancement represented by ethically hollowed out drones. We've long know the connection between staff turnover and donor loss but it's too simplistic to say we lose donors because of staff turnover. We lose both at the same time because of the lack of organizational accountability, human consideration, depth of commitment and strategic imagination.

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🎇At Capacity Builders, your nonprofit's mission is our organization's vision. 🎇 We aim to embrace, enforce, and expand your nonprofit's mission and reach through strategic planning in the development, fundraising, and analytical facets of your operations. With over 30 years in the nonprofit sector, our team of experts wants nothing more than to see your organization continue to make a positive impact in your community. Contact us today to learn what we can do to take your organization to the next level! >> NonProfitPros.org #nonprofit #consulting #nonprofitpros #nonprofitexcellence

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#DRGTip: How to Build Donor Engagement Programs Your Gift Officers Will Love How do you build donor engagement programs that your donors and gift officers will love? DRG's Jan McGuire and Colton Withers discuss what should be included in your donor engagement plans (and what shouldn't). #DonorEngagement #GiftOfficers #NonprofitStrategy #DonorRelations

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According to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP Global), overall donor retention rates hover between 40-45%. Since the cost of retaining your donors can be up to 5x cheaper than acquisition, the more donors you can retain year-over year, the more cost-effective your acquisition efforts become. The question is: HOW can your nonprofit implement an effective donor retention strategy that works with today's modern donor? Virtuous' 'Donor Retention Playbook' helps nonprofits of any size with the tactics and strategies to help retain your donors. You’ll also gain the tools to create a map for each donor segment which will act as a daily reminder to your entire team of who your target audience is and how you can reach them. Get the ebook for free: https://lnkd.in/efS8N4W6

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Did you know that understanding funder priorities can significantly enhance your grant application's success? Here are three key elements funders look for: Alignment with Mission: Ensure your project aligns closely with the funder's mission and strategic goals. Tailor your narrative to highlight this connection. Clear Impact Metrics: Define how you will measure the success of your project. Funders want to see tangible, measurable outcomes that demonstrate impact. Sustainability: Showcase how your project will continue to thrive after the funding period ends. Highlight plans for long-term sustainability and potential for future funding. By focusing on these elements, you can create a compelling grant proposal that stands out. We're here to help! davisdevco.com #GrantWritingTips #NonprofitFunding #SuccessfulGrants #DavisDevCo #GrantApplications #NonprofitSupport #CommunityImpact

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What if your funder built their grant application or reporting requirements around a conversation? Trust-based philanthropy is the practice of funders making it easier for grantees to do their best work by loosening budget, application, or reporting structures. How could this practice change your relationship with funders? Listen to the latest episode of our podcast, Natural Collisions, featuring Kalamazoo Community Foundation Community Investment Officer Lily Salas, wherever you get your podcasts. #CoactDetroit #MichiganNonprofits #TrustBasedPhilanthropy #Wellness

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Navigating growth decisions for your church can be tough. Are your systems holding you back? Natural Church Development (NCD) is a powerful tool many churches, including Gary Ricci’s, use to tackle these challenges. Read more @ https://loom.ly/2-_ViPY

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