Fundraising is NOT sales, and sales is NOT fundraising. Do you ever feel like your organization focuses only on metrics and money and forgets that PEOPLE are the key ingredient to all aspects of our work? As a Chief Development Officer, and now, more recently, as a fractional interim nonprofit executive, I see this all […]

For over 15 years, I’ve supported Keep Tahoe Blue, an organization dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe. This summer, I attended a unique event — a badminton tournament hosted by a Silicon Valley entrepreneur to raise funds for the cause. What started as a simple, family-friendly gathering has grown into an annual tradition that raised over $10,000 this year alone. This story highlights how passion, simplicity, and community can create powerful, lasting impact without the need for elaborate fundraising efforts.

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!