The Human Heart 🫶🏽
Forget your funnels, ditch your "yield," Your conversion rates and data fields. No #algorithms know the art Of one good human, heart-to-heart.
When Your Reputation Precedes You (And How to Use It Wisely)
Lady Whistledown wielded more power than the Queen herself, yet no one knew her identity. She influenced London society not through royal decree, but through proximity, observation, and the strategic sharing of truth. In the nonprofit world, the most effective transformational leaders operate with similar invisible influence—creating lasting change not by commanding from corner offices, but by embedding themselves in the work itself. The Lady Whistledown of Nonprofit Transformation - Part 2
The Power of the Pen (and the Player-Coach)
Lady Whistledown wielded more power than the Queen herself, yet no one knew her identity. She influenced London society not through royal decree, but through proximity, observation, and the strategic sharing of truth. In the nonprofit world, the most effective transformational leaders operate with similar invisible influence—creating lasting change not by commanding from corner offices, but by embedding themselves in the work itself. The Lady Whistledown of Nonprofit Transformation - Part 2
Dear Reader, Your Organization Has Secrets
Just as Lady Whistledown observed London society from her hidden vantage point, nonprofit leaders often miss the most crucial dynamics happening right under their noses. While they're busy crafting strategic plans and measuring outcomes, the real story of their organization unfolds in hallway conversations, bathroom meetings, and the careful choreography of who gets invited to which "informal" gatherings. The Lady Whistledown of Nonprofit Transformation - Part 1
Beyond the Headlines: Why Your Revenue Portfolio Deserves a Deeper Look
The latest Giving USA report tells us that charitable giving remains stable, but if you're leading a nonprofit organization, you might be wondering why that stability isn't reflected in your own donor file. You're not alone. Across my recent work with a large federated nonprofit organization, I'm seeing a troubling disconnect between national giving trends and the reality many organizations face: declining individual giving despite what the headlines suggest.
The Wingspan Method
Someone asked me the other day what was different about me and my approach to working alongside NGOs. My answer? The Power of Lift. 🕊️ The Wingspan Method 🕊️ is a comprehensive organizational transformation methodology I developed specifically for nonprofits. Here are its key components...
Metrics with Purpose
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.
Keep it Simple. Keep Tahoe Blue
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 Five I’s of Fundraising
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.
Jameson Humane—Nurturing Connection with Shared Values and Interests
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.