Category Archives: Resources

Nonprofit fundraising values

Values are at the heart of a nonprofit and its operations. Our question to readers: what are your fundraising values? We truly understand the importance of securing money and resources. At the same time we caution against a “money first” approach to fundraising. We believe that fundraising should be grounded in a nonprofit’s values. We offer six fundraising values for your consideration. The goals and visions of a nonprofit should first meet the needs of the community served. We all have individual dreams and a vision for a better tomorrow. When crafting or reviewing the vision and goals for your nonprofit make sure they meet community needs and are more than a vehicle for your personal aspirations. Make clear how your nonprofit will benefit your community, and keep community benefit […]

Read More

How to write targeted proposals

writing-targeted-proposalsLast week’s column focused on six basic things you should know before writing a proposal. With this column, we address three more nuanced things to consider.

Some nonprofits create a “boiler plate” proposal and send it out to as many foundations and corporations as possible, hoping to “get a hit.” That’s one strategy, and sometimes it is appropriate. Making small modifications to a standard proposal is efficient, particularly when seeking to secure sponsorships and smaller grants. In general, we suggest a more targeted approach.

Here are three things to consider:

  1. What percentage of your revenue do you project will come from foundations or corporations? We recommend building diverse revenue streams. This is important for long-term reasons such as having other revenue streams should foundation/corporation giving contract. A shorter term reason to diversify your revenue is that it signals financial health to foundations who are reviewing your proposal.

(more…)

Read More

HBCU Nation Radio Show

Here are some of the topics we have covered on The HBCU Radio Show. Prerequisites for fundraising Success – The Book When Do You Resolicit Boards Who Won’t Fundraise NonProfit Fundraising Values with Mel and Pearl Shaw Boost Fundraising by Building a Successful Alumni Relations Program Overcoming the College President’s Achilles’ Heel: FUNDRAISING Fundraising and […]

Read More

Free Tool: Assess Your Fundraising

Download our free fundraising assessment tool. Whether your fundraising for a grassroots advocacy organization, or a large college or university, the principles are the same — fundraising is 90% planning and 10% solicitation. Make this the year you grow your fundraising program. Our simple three-page tool will help you assess your organization’s readiness for a fundraising campaign. Use the […]

Read More

Free Tool: How To Solicit A Gift

Download our free two-page guide to soliciting gifts. Nonprofits often look to board members, volunteers and donors to ask their friends, family members and colleagues to consider making a meaningful gift. Don’t be intimidated — we’ll teach you what to say and do. Download our free two-page guide to soliciting gifts. Additional resources: Our book The Fundraiser’s Guide […]

Read More

Free Tool: College & University Rating

Download our college and university assessment tool. Each year, colleges and universities are rated and ranked by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, The Washington Monthly, Forbes, College Prowler, Money Magazine and more.  Our rating tool is different: It is an internal assessment designed to inspire reflections, conversation, and action. We encourage you to complete […]

Read More

Company Brochure

Positioning organizations for success… Fund development and so much more. Learn about the Saad&Shaw approach, services, clients, and history. Share with a colleague.

Read More