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Strategic Questions for Long-Term Fundraising Success
As we know, the world is changing fast, and so is the way people support the causes they care about. Staying ahead of the curve is crucial for your organization's success and impact. But how can you anticipate the future of philanthropy and plan accordingly?In lieu of a crystal ball, the Blackbaud Institute analyzed…
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There Are No Doorbell Cameras in Fundraising
Character is what you do when no one's looking. Think about an unattended bowl of Halloween candy with a “please take one” sign. How do you react? Maybe it depends on who you’re with, your prior exposure to similar situations, or the amount of candy you already have. Or maybe it’s about ethics. Most of us heed the sign on…
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Think Outside the Box
The most memorable wedding invitation I ever received was not sent in the mail. Instead, my sister and her (now) husband created a wedding invitation video in the style of an awkward car dealership commercial. In the video, they went over the main details of the wedding and constantly repeated the address of the website…
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Put Me In, Coach!
Have you seen the show Friday Night Lights? Even if you haven’t, you’ve probably heard the saying “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose.” This mantra combines strategy and emotion with a desired outcome, inspiring the team, the town of Dillon, and TV fans in only a few words. Fictional coach Eric Taylor knew that a leader…
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Do Your Grants Have The Right Ingredients?
I recently bought a candy thermometer at a vintage store, mainly because it was still in the original box from the 1950s. I’ve never been a candymaker, and certainly never made any sort of candy that necessitated a thermometer, but I figured I’d give it a whirl. After a quick online search and a helpful tutorial video, I…
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Ch-ch-ch-ch Changes? Turn and Face the Strange!
In 2019, my family experienced numerous changes. Our daughter moved into the dorms, my in-laws moved in with us for a few months and then into assisted living, I was assigned a new manager and new projects, and my husband changed employers. All in a single year. On New Year’s Eve 2019, we were all looking forward to a…
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What’s Your Guiding North Star?
What did you dream of doing when you were a child? Many children dream of being a doctor, teacher, pilot, or veterinarian. What was the motivation for your dreams? Did you hear about a sick person and want to help them? Or did you have a wonderful teacher you wanted to emulate?Over the years, my children have changed their…
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Celebrating Our October Certified Professionals
Blackbaud University is celebrating the professionals who became Blackbaud Certified in Organizational Best Practices in October! Be sure to review our listing, and celebrate your colleagues by viewing their profiles, becoming Blackbaud Community friends, or just congratulating them on their awesome achievements. To all…
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Delicate Plans Lead To Strong Foundations
Insights into planned giving and the new Organizational Best Practices course Blackbaud is offering on how to comprehensively steward planned givers at your organization.In a post about planned giving, I described the arboretum my father built over time for his descendants. While I helped him plant seedlings, I never knew…
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Celebrating Our September Certified Professionals
Blackbaud University is celebrating the professionals who became Blackbaud Certified in Organizational Best Practices in September! Be sure to review our listing, and celebrate your colleagues by viewing their profiles, becoming Blackbaud Community friends, or just congratulating them on their awesome achievements. To all…