CoVantage Credit Union’s Post

This is a great example of a board that doesn’t know what it doesn’t know. Risk oversight is an ESSENTIAL activity of any board but unfortunately very few nonprofit boards talk about or even acknowledge the existential risks to their organizations (with someone being hurt on site a major one). The board not knowing what they don’t know and not properly overseeing organizational risk contributed greatly to this tragedy. Reach out today if you want your board to do better.

It took me 5+ years to create my first record-breaking gala video. Today, I’ve created over a dozen more. Here are the 10 things all of them had in common: 1/ Every video told a captivating story that resonated deeply with its audience. 2/ They all established a strong emotional hook that tugged at viewers' heartstrings, making the cause personal & urgent. 3/ They all had a clear CTA. Not multiple, but just one. Donate. 4/ The videos were seamlessly integrated into the broader event theme & marketing strategy, enhancing the gala experience as a whole. 5/ They made the people the org served the hero - then made the organization the guide. 6/ They all used genuine stories with genuine characters that the organization had helped. 7/ They all strategically highlighted the impact that the donors’ generosity has had. 8/ They avoided technical jargon, a lot of stats, & “About us” aspects. 9/ They balanced emotional content with actionable information, ensuring viewers felt moved to act. 10/ They were designed with future engagement & follow-ups in mind. But these principles didn’t just break records, they forged lasting bonds & rallied significant support for each cause. Because a great story doesn’t just push people to donate. It connects them with that organization for life.

This is a great example of a board that doesn’t know what it doesn’t know. Risk oversight is an ESSENTIAL activity of any board but unfortunately very few nonprofit boards talk about or even acknowledge the existential risks to their organizations (with someone being hurt on site a major one). The board not knowing what they don’t know and not properly overseeing organizational risk contributed greatly to this tragedy. Reach out today if you want your board to do better.

Often, we just want to be delighted. And that bar, in today's world of fads, noisy marketing and viral videos, may SEEM high. But what if its actually shockingly simple and low??? As this fellow Dublin-bar goer noted, on the stall of the washroom, there were many things to like about this spot. The setting was gorgeous (class 200+ Irish woodpanelled pub with dim lighting) and the service was efficient. But what made this spot stand out from the HUNDREDS of other pubs lined up in the Temple Bar district?? Why it was the Decorative Toilets. They had this old-timey handle pull system from an overhead water tank AND the bowl was decorated with painted roses. Standing out doesn't mean being the biggest, flashiest video. It doesn't have to be the most clever play on words in a marketing ad. Sometimes it is taking something you do in service (like thank you cards) and juujing it up with some unique sparkle. Not a huge, heavy lift that is unsustainable, but something that feels special, that is different from your nonprofit peers, and just Delights. When you have gone to 10 Irish pubs they all start to blend together. But the one with the hand-painted toilet bowls??? Not going to forget that pub for an awfully long time. How are you delighting your clients/donors/audience nonprofiteer??? #marketing #nonprofit #fundraising #engagement #donorjourney

Celebrate Mother's Day with my special, "Nominate a Super Mom: Free 4-Hour Organizing Session" GIVEAWAY! Do you know an exceptional mom who deserves a treat this Mother's Day? Nominate her (or yourself!) for a chance to win a free 4-hour organizing session. Nominations close on May 3rd. You can expect to hear from me on May 6th before we contact the lucky winner. Let's come together to show appreciation for the incredible super moms in our lives by giving them the gift of organization and peace of mind! Nominee Criteria: The nominee must be aware of the organizing service being offered. The nominee must be in service area. Process will be to declutter, categorize, and organize the space. One load of donations will be taken away with me at the end of the 4-hour session. Product recommendations will be provided (products not included). Before & After photos will be used for marketing purposes. Session must be scheduled in May 2024, expires June 1st. >>>Scan QR Code or click link in comments<<< to nominate a deserving mom! Let's make this Mother's Day extra special by giving an exceptional mom the gift of organization and relaxation!

Renlita S-3000 model creates the versatility of opening up to the outside at Javits Center.

Are you expecting everyone on your volunteer board to fundraise for your organization? If so, you might just be setting yourself up for disappointment. 😞 Not everyone is an enthusiastic fundraiser😃 ... and since there is nothing worse than an UNenthusiastic fundraiser 😟 ... encourage your board members to be ambassadors, storytellers, and connection-makers. BOARD MEMBERS: Do you have a story you like to tell that gets people excited about the mission of your organization?

In the realm of major gift & capital campaign fundraising -one thing is for certain... Volunteerism is a key to raising significant revenues, accessing advocates to further the cause has no price but has great value. It can't be done with them. I recently said to a Founder of a wonderful organization that nothing happens without a 'champion'. Often this is a passionate volunteer who freely gives of their time, talent, and treasure. But what about us who are 'paid to raise'? Do we need to give of our time as well? Absolutely. I am a better practitioner because of my unpaid involvements in organizations like Rotary International, AFP Global, among others. Today I wish to let you know about an organization that I volunteer with, that is all volunteer run -no paid staff at all. M4M www.Medals4Mettle.org was started by Dr. Steve Isenberg MD almost 20 years ago. Competitive runners like myself award medals to cancer patients, plus others with life-threatening conditions. Both children and adults who are in the throws of cancer are the recipients of medals to encourage them in their own race. to date, an astounding 70,000 medals have been given. Wow. The medals are awarded to individuals who are "running a much more difficult race," often with an unknown finish line. The mission of M4M is to appreciate the pay-it-forward concept that links the distance runner’s mettle with the mettle it takes to battle life challenges. The donor's acknowledgement of the recipient's mettle encourages the recipient and creates a human connection honouring the grit, courage, and bravery they share. #medals4mettle #doitbecause

Here is a challenge for any small museums out there. We have recently been hit by a second wave of COVID. With a small staff we have closed the building and cancelled events, including our annual fundraiser. So, is there a formula out there to anticipate and deal with COVID? Too many experts tell me COVID is like the flu, we will be effected every year. But COVID is so much more contagious and deadly than the flu. Let's face it, if the flu hits us we don't close. So any suggestions out there? How can we plan events six months in advance and anticipate an unknown shutdown from COVID? I don't know that there are any answers out there, I just wanted to vent. But thanks for any thoughts and suggestions

Today, as we celebrate Red Nose Day, it’s a perfect opportunity to reflect on the power of creative branding and its ability to make a significant impact. The success of Red Nose Day underscores the importance of differentiating your brand, engaging your audience emotionally, and maintaining consistent messaging. To learn more about what I have to say about it, you can read my blog HERE: https://lnkd.in/gx454g5V If you'd like to donate, you can do so HERE: https://lnkd.in/gKg4fcPz