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The team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.

by Michael Davidson

I would like to share some ideas that have helped clarify a view I have been developing about effective boards. The first was in a discussion at my synagogue that asked us to look at the difference between Descartes’ conclusion –“I think therefore I am” and the self-definition attributed to God -“I am who I am.”

Organizational Culture

by Michael Davidson

The culture of an organization is central to its effectiveness. In stewarding organizations, boards can readily pay attention to the documentable aspects of the work, i.e. finances, resources, outcomes, communication systems, benefits, etc. The culture, however, is less apparent but of equal importance to achievement of the mission.

Interview with Asking Matters Member Sara Janzen

by Brian Saber

Sara, a fellow Kindred Spirit, is a Major Gift Officer for the California Academy of Sciences. She’s been a member for just over a year, and is using Asking Matters in various ways personally and throughout her department. I was particularly fascinated to hear how she’s using Asking Matters material in the performance review process.

Mission Possible: Engaging Your Board in Fundraising

by Brian Saber

I’m often asked, “How do we get our board to help us with fundraising?” And my answer is: Not all of your board members should or are able to help you ask for financial gifts.

Asking Styles Get a Great Feature in Planned Giving

by Brian Saber

Asking Styles Get a Great Feature in Planned Giving by Brian Saber Viken Mikaelian, CEO and Author of PlannedGiving.com recently featured Brian Saber and the Asking Styles in his quarterly publication. Asking Matters President, Brian Saber, touches on a number of topics including the Asking Styles. He talks about his start in the nonprofit community, […]

Small Talk for Fundraisers

by Brian Saber

This is a guest post by K. Michael Johnson, a major gift officer at a large research university and the founder of www.fearless-fundraising.com, where he blogs about the inner game of deeper relationships and bigger asks.

Interview with Asking Matters Member Ninette Enrique

by Brian Saber

Interview with Asking Matters Member Ninette Enrique by Brian Saber I was fortunate enough to interview Asking Matters member Ninette Enrique of the St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, Connecticut in April. The school has a strong history of receiving major gifts. We discussed how she uses her Asking Matters membership to guide and motivate herself, her board […]

Fundraising is NOT Fun!

by Brian Saber

Contrary to what Arthur C. Brooks of The New York Times declared in his March 29 Op-Ed “Why Fund-Raising is Fun” – fundraising generally isn’t fun and he does a huge disservice to the field saying it is.

Interview with Asking Matters Member Kylie Pierce

by Brian Saber

Kylie’s story is fascinating. Knowing her Asking Style helped her identify areas where developing additional strengths would make her a more successful fundraiser.