Nonprofits that jump into a major fundraising campaign with poor or no planning waste time, energy and resources and often fall short of their goals. This video blog is part one of a two-part series by Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Susan Hosbach outlining of 10 pitfalls that can poison your planning research and derail your […]

It’s no secret in the nonprofit world that donor retention is suffering. The remedy? Proper donor cultivation. In this video blog, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Lou Anne Dulaney offers four smart ways to deepen your donor relationships and positively impact your organization fundraising.

So, you want to head up a nonprofit? It’s a noble calling, for sure, and not one to take on lightly. In this video blog, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Karen Kemp outlines six questions you should ask yourself and answer – honestly – before considering this position.

As a dean, your role is more important than you may realize, especially when it comes to advancement and fundraising. In this video blog, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Karen Baldwin explains that although it might not come naturally to you, there are steps you can take to step into that all-important role at your nonprofit.

Fundraising powerhouse Jerry Linzy presents “Something Funny Happened on the Way to the Gift,” a decades-in-the-making look at charitable giving, in this special extended video episode of The Beacon Podcast.

Did you know that in the United States, 91 percent of wealth takes the form of non-cash assets? That means if you don’t have a planned giving program, you’re fundraising from only 9 percent of a donor’s assets. In this video blog, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant David Snow explains that while planned giving might be […]

Donor relationships aren’t static or one-way. They need and deserve nurturing, and donors who rarely hear from your president will find it difficult to buy into his or her vision for the institution. In this video blog, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Karen Baldwin outlines three ways you, as a chief development officer, can proactively manage and enhance […]

Volunteers are a vital asset for nonprofits. They are so dedicated to your organization’s mission, they are willing to commit their time and talents to helping your nonprofit succeed. It is your organization’s duty to provide a great experience for them. In this video blog, Necie Elizabeth Pable shares her tips to create a lasting […]

“Success is 20% skills and 80% strategy. You might know how to succeed, but more importantly, what’s your plan to succeed?” Jim Rohn The success of your fundraising depends on your strategy. A good strategy can only be developed after conducting the research. Invest in the right practices in order for your fundraising to flourish.

One of the most important relationships a nonprofit CEO has is with the board. Developing a strong relationship between board and CEO is successfully built upon certain procedures and practices. Use these five tips to strengthen your nonprofit.

From receiving gifts to student recruitment, educational institutions need a strong alumni relations program to be successful. With a decades long career in alumni and advancement in higher education, Joan Bahner shares how you can grow and sustain your alumni engagement.

Growing up in northern Indiana, Senior Consultant David Snow knows about silos. While silos are an effective tool for farming, silos within a nonprofit organization result in lost opportunity. In this video blog, David shares how your nonprofit can break down the silos.

Presentations, whether before an individual or a group, require thought and preparation. You must know your audience, your setting and your story. In this video blog, senior consultant Harry Chapman provides four tips to make sure your presentation delivers.

Senior consultant Kathy Gaston shares personal experience about how taking the time to conduct a feasibility study can lead to greater campaign success. Most organizations suppose they know their constituent’s desires and capacity. Professional outside counsel, however, can assess perception, availability of campaign leaders and gift ranges in a way an internal development team cannot. […]

In this video blog, Jeff recounts a time he noticed a speaker going off script and his success in doingso. Jeff has found that while it’s important to be prepared, going off script and relating to youraudience by speaking from the heart allows you to make the necessary connection with your donors.

Jeff Jowdy shares the 3 keys to nonprofit board success in this Lighthouse Counsel video blog!

In this video blog, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy and Senior Consultant Karen Kemp discuss 11 similarities between fundraising and football.

Jeff Jowdy shares a story from his fundraising career that illustrates the 7 deadliest sins of fundraising.

What happens when you break your ankle and don’t listen to your doctors? You learn a few lessons about nonprofit leadership.

“Conversation with a Philanthropist” features Cal Turner, Jr., chairman of the Cal Turner Family Foundation (former president and chairman of Dollar General) and Jeff Jowdy, president of Lighthouse Counsel. In this inspiring interview, Cal Turner, Jr. shares insight on his philanthropic endeavors. He also discusses his experience through Dollar General and recounts a time when […]