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School’s out for summer! If you embraced your inner nerd like me during your formative years, then diving into your class’s summer reading list was a highlight of the summer. Whether you prefer podcasts, audiobooks, Kindle editions, or paperbacks, you can find a wealth of resources for nonprofit professionals who want to sharpen their skills. I’m currently reading "The Happy Healthy Nonprofit: Strategies for Impact without Burnout" by Beth Kanter and Aliza Sherman. It’s a timely reminder, especially for those of us Type A personalities deeply passionate about our work, offering practical assessments to navigate away from the cycle of burnout and towards [...]

Happy May, AFP friends! I am excited to jump in on this month’s newsletter as the new IDEA (Inclusion Diversity Equity and Access) Chair for the AFP WNC Board. Earlier in April, I had the opportunity to attend AFP ICON 2024 in Toronto - this year’s global fundraising conference really focused in on rich conversations around how IDEA values show up in philanthropy and fundraising. The experience got me thinking about one of my favorite quotes by Lilla Watson* that I have posted on the whiteboard in front of my desk in West Asheville. “If you have come to help me, [...]

How many times a year are you connecting with your donors? We've all heard the magic number 7 - enough times that your donor feels valued, informed, and confident in your stewardship of their gift - enough that they’ll give again without hesitation the next time they’re asked. So here's the next big question - how many times a year are you connecting with your volunteers? You know, the ones who stuff envelopes, stock pantries, tutor kids, answer phones, and support your events… Volunteers are often the backbone of your nonprofit, helping you stretch your resources and having an intimate understanding [...]