JGA Blog

Are all “gifts” created equal? We generally say that it takes all types of gifts to move an organization forward and we want to make our donors feel as good as we can about their intent to make a gift in support of the organization.

Today’s organizations recognize the importance of good external and internal communications and how these efforts benefit fundraising efforts. Though organizational communications may seem intuitive, it is helpful to review distinct elements of successful communications to ensure your organization is maximizing its good work.

While at a client’s office several months ago, I was introduced to one of their new Advancement staff members. This person was both experienced and eager to get underway in their new work. The Vice President who had searched for and found this person is savvy, strategic, hard-working and good at setting and hitting goals.

We work in a rapidly evolving field. And one aspect of that evolution – Charitable Solicitation Registration – has become increasingly important. It is essential that we stay informed and up to date regarding it. It is our sense that many nonprofits are either not in compliance or are very uncertain about how to comply.

It’s a question I hear frequently. It’s raised by nonprofit board members, volunteers, chief executive officers, and program staff alike. It’s one for which there isn’t a simple answer. But it’s a critical question for any nonprofit organization – How can we do a better job of retaining staff members?

I recently read an article in the Economist suggesting that companies use great classic books to train their upcoming senior management as an alternative to the almost cliché, outward-bound style experiences.

JGA regularly works with clients seeking to build organization-wide ownership of their development programs. It’s a challenge many not-for-profits face.

As I write this, thousands of people across the nation are taking the ice bucket challenge. Perhaps you have been one of the participants called out by your friend, colleague, or even son or daughter! At our house, our boys have found joy in calling out their friends and parents.

A Strategic Plan is a road map to lead an organization from where it is now to where it would like to be in the future. It must be flexible, practical, written, and simple.

This past year I read a book titled “The War of Art – Break through the Blocks and Win your Inner Creative Battles.” I confess I am not one who reads many books that might be considered “self- help.” This one is different--- and worth a read. I was drawn to it by a respect for what the author has written before and so thought he might know what he was talking about. He does.