What is a good referee?

What is a good referee?

Lately, I noticed more donors are asking for referees or references. Either as part of the project application format or during the selection process itself. When asked to act as referee, I always decline if I feel I cannot be a good referee. So that begs the...
Where and how to find donors

Where and how to find donors

One of the questions I get asked a lot is about where and how to find donors. And my answer can never be much more than providing a starting point for further work. Because you don’t want to find just any donor, you want to find yours. Donors that share your dreams...
Read your donor contract

Read your donor contract

Many nonprofits are very relieved when a donor steps in to fund the proposed activities. It seems like a good sign. And of course, life is much easier if you have financial resources for the work you want to do. But if you do not read the contract carefully your life...
Can you submit one idea multiple times?

Can you submit one idea multiple times?

Some nonprofits are concerned they need to develop new ideas all the time. Regularly someone will ask me, now that I have submitted idea A to donor X, do I need to have a new idea for donor Z? In other words, can you submit one idea multiple times? Or do you need new...
How can you create space for flexibility in your team?

How can you create space for flexibility in your team?

Does contracting kill flexibility in your team? I have heard so often that putting everything down in a contract only leads to problems. Because then a team member is no longer flexible in their tasks and responsibilities. Some managers use this argument to avoid...