Lucy Ruiz’s Post

Our them for this year is #movingtheballforward. What do we mean by this? When you work in the fundraising operations space, you understand there is no quick fix. There is no silver bullet. Its a work in progress. There is always something to do. Keep moving that ball forward. In February we are #movingtheballforward by talking about all things finance. Before you yawn or keep scrolling stick with us. This month we are talking about how about that that delicate intersection between Advancement/Development/Donor Services and the finance/accounting/business office. There is often a push-pull relationships between Advancement/Finance. We want to tell you that by building relationships with the finance team can be very beneficial. 3 Expert Tips on Building Relationships with Finance # 1 -- Acknowledge what you know and what you do not know. In many instance the acrimony that may exist between the two departments is because we do not understand each other's worlds. We are open to learning. Set up a meeting and say how do we work more cooperatively. Let me (Advancement) explain our pressure point. Finance, please explain yours. # 2 -- Try to develop a common language. Clearly define your terminology. Write out those definitions. Of course be sure to circulate this information. Developing a common language will go a long way in building a cooperative relationship. A fund to an Advancement person is very different then a Fund a Finance person. # 3 -- Meet on a regular basis to discuss what's working and what's not working. The Advancement and Finance teams should be in lock step on certain key processes e.g. reconciliation. I know some of you are cringing. Reconciliation between Advancement and Finance is a key element of Operational Excellence. Who knows you may discover your two departments have more in common than you think. Let's ditch the agree to disagree mentality or the Fundraising is Right and Finance doesn't get us. 🔔 follow for more information on #movingtheballforward 👍 in the comments if you agree 👎 in the comments if you disagree #philanthropy #nonprofitfundraising #movingtheballforward #advancement #donorrelations

Discover how Donor-Advised Funds can enhance your philanthropy and financial strategy in Mike's latest blog post. Read more to maximize your impact today! https://lnkd.in/gKQ6kPtD

Here are some thoughts on how Donor Advised Funds can act like your own family foundation for less cost, can reduce your income taxes and remove unrealized capital gains from your balance sheet! I use one for all of my own charitable giving and they really simplify things and have allowed me to eliminate thousands in capital gains taxes. https://lnkd.in/gqgZxuUF

“Stop chasing money. It’s exhausting, unsustainable, and distracts you from actually building capacity. Believe it or not, you can choose the best funding opportunities to pursue. Yes, that’s right. Choose funding - don’t chase money.” I’ve been having this conversation with executive directors, grant writers, and program designers lately. In my experience working with social impact organizations, I’ve seen a recurring theme: the relentless chase for funding often leads to mission drift and organizational fatigue. While well-intentioned, this approach, driven by the necessity to secure the following grant or donation, can divert precious time and resources away from our core purpose. I believe it’s time for a paradigm shift from chasing funders to choosing them. When we shift our mindset to choosing funders who align with our mission and values, we reclaim our focus and strengthen our organizational integrity. This proactive approach empowers us to build meaningful, long-term relationships with funders who genuinely understand and support our work. I know it’s hard to prioritize when we’re pressured to generate revenue but trust me, it’s not just about securing funds; it’s about finding partners who are as invested in our mission as we are. By strategically selecting our funding opportunities, we can plan more effectively and innovate more freely rather than constantly reacting to immediate funding pressures. This intentionality allows us to craft proposals that align with our goals, leading to more impactful and sustainable outcomes. Ultimately, choosing funders means we stay true to our purpose and cultivate partnerships that enhance our ability to drive social change. It’s a powerful shift transforming the funding landscape from a frantic chase to a collaborative journey toward a shared vision. In my own craft, when I stopped chasing money and started strategically choosing which funding opportunity to pursue, not only did I enjoy the proposals I was developing, but I also started raising more money. #missionalignment #strategicfunding #fundraisingstrategy #purposedriven #sustainableimpact #socialimpact #leadership #buildcapacity #grantwriting #missionfocused #nonprofitleadership #shiftthemindset

Does your charity have an opportunity, but want to know if it's the 'right' opportunity? There's still time to register for this masterclass on feasibility! Looking forward to this discussion with Teisha Archer and 💡 Brendan Lucas.

Metrics are your key to manage and measure fundraising success! But what are those metrics and how do they work? Check out my latest blog covering this topic! #metrics #fundraising #nonprofit #philanthropy #majorgifts https://lnkd.in/enZEVHTZ

A capital campaign case for support is a document that outlines the needs and benefits of a nonprofit’s capital request. The very best cases for support weave together the image of the nonprofit, its role in the community, and how fulfilling that role benefits its users and the community. Read more! #nonprofitfundraising #nonprofitcapitalcampaign #capitalcampaign #capitalcampaignconsultant

I've offered invaluable support to new business startups, social enterprises and charities, offering management advice across various domains like financial budgeting and control, business planning, marketing, fundraising, operations, personnel and business development. Regardless of your business' size or aspirations, my commitment remains steadfast in providing expert support for your ongoing success. If you're seeking mentoring and guidance, feel free to DM me today! #startupsupport #managementadvice

Show Me The Money – #Fundraising Tips For Founders The most important lesson for founders wanting to raise in this current crazy climate Know Your Numbers! Too many founders don’t know their MRR, Growth MOM, Burn etc. How can you ask for money if you don’t understand your own metrics? Know your numbers inside out. You should have figures such as the top-line, bottom-line, profitability ratios at the back of your head. It’s NOT about valuation or dilution. It’s about getting to the next milestone and keeping your company alive. You won’t care about 15-18% for the round when you raise a big Series A or have an exit. You have to get there first! Sign up now on the wait list. https://lnkd.in/eGBrr8DY Help us spread the word by liking and sharing this post with fellow founders.   #Money #Numbers #Investor #TFA

OK, I'm convinced that a lot of organizations just cannot be helped for real. 🤷♂️ What do you mean, Mr. Grant Money? What I mean is that some organizations are so committed to doing things the same old way that they are unwilling to make the necessary changes to make themselves more attractive to grant funding. This causes so many problems on so many different fronts because: 1. The organization is limiting their funding. 💸 2. They are making poor decisions that negatively affect the organization. 😣 3. The organization is being stubborn and unwilling to change, which is stunting their growth. 🚫🌱 Let's face the real reality. If your organization is competing against one of my boutique clients, where we are constantly pushing them to the limits to change, enhance, and grow their funding strategies every month, and your organization is clinging tight to old, outdated strategies that simply don't work now, you will not win in the game of getting funded at the same level they will. 🏆 Because you're not making the right adjustments. You know what Albert Einstein said: "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." 🧠💡 Dear, I hope that you will make a conscious decision this week not to do things the same old way expecting different results, which is insanity. I realize you have the power to make adjustments. If you do so, things will be different. 🌟✨ #mrgrantmoney #grants #fundraising #grantwriting