bird’s eye view

As someone deeply entrenched in fundraising, I’ve realized it’s about more than just the numbers. Join me in exploring how a blend of metrics and genuine human connection can truly drive impact.

I’ve learned that it’s up to us to explore and be creative with the people who want to support our organizations – to invite them to be creative and to support their efforts to support us. Community is everything in fundraising. We can make a difference by sharing the things we value. By making our enthusiasm and excitement undeniable – by making it inclusive, approachable and open. And then, inviting others to join you. That’s how a movement starts from the ground up.

The better you understand where your donors sit on this continuum, the better you’ll serve them and engage them in the work of your organization.. And if you use the same logic when considering innovation, you might ask yourself how well you are engaging your staff, leadership and teams before you ask them to invest in a project.

In a world where genuine connection can be hard to find, Jameson Humane stands out as a beautiful example of compassion and community. Founded by Monica Stevens, whose passion for animals is boundless, this Napa Valley organization began with a mission to rescue animals displaced by wildfires and has since grown into a vibrant community. Inspired by her dog, Jameson, Monica has created a space where people connect over shared passions and support a cause that truly makes a difference, reminding us of the incredible things we can achieve when we come together for something bigger than ourselves.

No shameless promotion in this post. Just a heartfelt invitation to laugh, learn and Loot! Have a great week!

Let’s be honest: running your own venture can often feel isolating. I’ve been there. Transitioning from a high-tech performance company to working independently is a dream come true for me, aligning perfectly with my values of kindness, authenticity, and human connection. But the unexpected loneliness of solopreneurship hits hard – I have found myself yearning for the feedback and camaraderie that was once a staple in my structured work environments. To tackle this, I took deliberate steps to build a diverse personal advisory board. This group of experts in finance, branding, and personal development have become my personal board of directors, offering candid, honest feedback and fresh perspectives that have been transformative. Creating this support system wasn’t easy, but it has been crucial to my growth and success. Surround yourself with people who not only understand you but champion your values, and you’ll find the connection and support necessary to thrive, both personally and professionally.

I’m absolutely honored and thrilled to announce that I’ve joined Attain Partners as their very first Nonprofit Executive in Residence! This role gives me the chance to dive deep into transforming public sector operations – including education, nonprofits, healthcare, and state & local governments – and to collaborate with a dedicated team that’s driven to create meaningful, lasting impact. My journey in the public sector is deeply personal – shaped by my personal experiences and a strong belief in cultivating community. Joining Attain Partners feels like a perfect alignment for my vision of blending passion with strategy. I’m eager to bring forth innovative solutions and help nonprofits not just survive, but truly thrive.

In today’s ever-changing world, the pursuit of innovation often eclipses our fundamental humanity, reducing people to mere data points in both the tech industry and nonprofits. The relentless drive for metrics and results can blind us from the real human impact of our actions. We have a collective responsibility to innovate with compassion, as exemplified by organizations like Chinese American Service League (CASL), which prioritize basic human needs in tandem with technological advancement.

In a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions, let’s delve into the challenge of maintaining genuine human connections within nonprofit work, exploring the delicate balance between embracing technology and preserving the authenticity of our communications.

Empathy in Action – the Farmlink Project is the Nonprofit of the Future!