Let me start with a confession: I don’t read much fiction. As I travel the country advising philanthropies of all types and sizes, I find spare moments are scarce and there is always something more productive I feel I should do rather than read for pleasure. But when my colleague Betsey Russell recently sent me […]
Why Fiction Might Be Just What Philanthropy Needs Read More »
One of my favorite quotes from the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden offers sage advice for philanthropy leaders: “You should limit the number of times you act against your nature, like sleeping with people you hate. It’s interesting to test your capabilities for a while, but too much will cause damage.” (Jenny Holzer) Think about this: What
Don’t Act Against Your Nature Read More »
Did you know that donating to a good case can help your business? I was quoted in a recent Wall Street Journal article that highlights how small companies should give to charities. Here is a summary of what it recommends: 1. Connect your cause to your company — A pet supply company will gain more traction donating
Small Business Tips for Charitable Giving Read More »
I recently stayed at the Charles Hotel near Harvard Square, and was delighted to see the “Web Cube” on my hallway on my way to my room. It’s essentially a large closet with a desk, computer, printer and free internet access, available to all guests on the floor. I assume each floor has them. What
Improve Your Philanthropic “Customer Experience” Read More »
Last year I posted a blog about why I consider the RFP process for hiring consultants to be a waste of time and resources, for foundations and consultants alike. This week, read about 5 better ways to find quality consulting help. Before you send out another RFP to retain a consultant, consider these alternatives: Continuously source
Why RFPs Waste Time: Choose a Better Approach to Finding a Great Consultant Part II Read More »
It used to be that you could scour the country and be hard-pressed to find a foundation working in the public policy arena. Fortunately, that’s changing as more and more foundations realize that the root causes of the issues they want to address are themselves rooted within the workings of policy. But while it’s more
Unlikely Allies Unite for a Policy Win Read More »