Creating a Culture of Philanthropy
A new study released shows a pervasive problem in the non-profit industry when it comes to creating a culture of philanthropy. According to Underdeveloped: A National Study of Challenges Facing Nonprofit Fundraising, there are three main challenges we face.
• The Revolving Door – high turnover among development directors
• Help Wanted – not finding qualified candidates for open development positions
• It’s Not About Just One Person – organizations depend on the development director alone, rather than the whole staff and board, for fundraising tasks

The solution to all this, according to the study, lies in a creating a culture of philanthropy in our organizations. The study recommends signs you can look for to see if your organization is up to making changes, as well as 10 strategies for improving conditions. Click here to read the full study and get on your way to stopping the cycle.

Donor Centered Leadership
How can you foster a collaborative working environment among the development office, executive director and board members? How do you hire the right person, and keep them there long enough to make an impact? A new article in the latest issue of Advancing Philanthropy summarizes the new book Donor-Centered Leadership by Penelope Burk who offers some steps to follow during your search, including:
1. Advertise Your Strengths
2. Broaden the Applicant Pool
3. Narrow the Possibilities
4. Collect Good Information
5. Offer Flexibility and Opportunity
6. Give Young People a Chance

According to Burk, “With a focused and strategic approach to hiring, training and retention, there is every reason you can aspire to a day when your donors want to give, your board members want to ask and your staff members want to stay.” You can read the article here to get inspiration.