Women in HVACR’s Post

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

Check out this news feature from Channel 13 on our Good Scout Awards fundraiser event!

It's amazing what you can accomplish when you're surrounded by like-minded nonprofit professionals. Check out what our bi-monthly, virtual roundtables: ➡️ Fundraising Roundtable on July 11 from 9 - 10 a.m. Conversations will be facilitated by nonprofit development leaders throughout Colorado to help strengthen your organization's fundraising program. ➡️ Operations & Finance Roundtable on July 16 from 9 - 10 a.m. Strengthen your organization's operations and finance departments, all while growing your professional network. Drop ins welcome; register now! #CONonprofits #NonprofitFundraising #NonprofitFinance #NonprofitOperations

Our bi-monthly virtual roundtables are back, and this time we've got a couple Very Important Topics (VITs): 🌟 Our Fundraising Roundtable on March 14 from 9 - 10 a.m. Conversations will be facilitated by nonprofit development leaders throughout Colorado to help strengthen your organization's fundraising program. 🌟 The Operations & Finance Roundtable on March 19 from 9 - 10 a.m. Strengthen your organization's operations and finance departments, all while growing your professional network. Sign up today! #CONonprofits #NonprofitFundraising #NonprofitFinance #NonprofitOperations

I just finished putting thoughts together on how the Learning & Evaluation team is applying the Equitable Evaluation Framework (EEF) and more at The Kresge Foundation. Now to organize the #placebased #evaluation conversation. Don't miss out. Sign up with this link https://bit.ly/3K3DuTu. These conversations are going to be awesome!

Young professionals! You need a place for professional development and to cultivate relationships you will take throughout your professional lives. Check out Young Professionals of Plano!

As a parent, you always hope to see your children grow into individuals who make a positive difference. Seeing Arden recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards is, of course, a proud moment. But what’s even more fulfilling is watching the impact of his nonprofit, Sports4Kids-CA, unfold. For two years, he’s worked tirelessly to bring sports opportunities to kids who might not otherwise have access. 🏀⚽ Just yesterday, I stopped by one of his sessions at a local elementary school. Watching 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders—whom don’t have regular PE classes in their schools—get their only physical activity for the week was both heartwarming and eye-opening. It’s easy to overlook how something as simple as a weekly soccer or basketball session can make a difference, but the science backs it up. 📊 According to a study published (https://lnkd.in/g2FymJ3H ) in PLOS ONE (with over 11,000 children aged 9-13), participation in team sports leads to: 🔵 10% lower anxiety and depression scores 🔵 19% lower withdrawal and depression scores 🔵 17% lower social problems 🔵 12% fewer attention problems 🔵 20% fewer instances of rule-breaking behavior In a world where mental health challenges are rising at an alarming rate, especially among youth, providing access to sports may seem like a small thing. But over time, these small, consistent efforts can change lives—physically, mentally, and emotionally. 🌱 What might start as just a game can evolve into something much more: a foundation for resilience, confidence, and long-term well-being. When you consider the percentages from the study—those 10%, 20% reductions in mental health challenges—applied across schools, communities, and generations, the potential impact is enormous. These small actions, when repeated over time, can accumulate and create lifelong benefits for children and, ultimately, healthier, stronger communities. 💪 Thank you to everyone who has supported Arden—and to all who work tirelessly to make a difference in young lives. 🙏 #Sports4MentalHealth #PhysicalEducation #PhysicalHealth

To set the stage for how well an organization is able to weather setbacks and meet challenges head-on, it’s imperative that leaders take steps to make sure the team starts the new year off on the right foot. To help, 16 Forbes Nonprofit Council members each share one task or activity they carry out with their teams in January to ensure the new year gets off to a strong start. Learn more at https://buff.ly/4glADDO

Been thinking about the term “vision” this week as it relates to the strategic planning work I do with nonprofit clients. And what comes to mind for me (at least this week) is a rowing crew. Sharing a common purpose is inspiring and uplifting, but equally crucial is having a shared direction. Consider our nonprofit communities - all driven by the same mission to create positive change. However, achieving goals requires more than shared passion. We must also align on a shared destination, (or vision) for the not-so-distant future that can align our efforts and strategies, ensuring everyone is moving in the same direction. Just like a rowing crew that moves swiftly when every member is in sync, an organization thrives when every team member, volunteer, and supporter work together toward a common point on the horizon. Getting your community to row together, not just with a shared purpose but with a shared destination will help you actualize the future you want to create.

Kicking off 2025 with Impact! ❄️ After being snowed in, I hit the ground running with an incredible AFP - Greater Cincinnati Chapter Network & Knowledge event to jumpstart the 2025 fundraising year. 🎉 Huge thanks to Kit Brunner, CAP® and Karen Williams for sharing their expertise on value-based philanthropy. The insights and conversations were truly inspiring! Here are my top takeaways for fundraisers in 2025: 1️⃣ Good manners matter – Fundraising is relational at its core. 2️⃣ Donors have more giving options than ever. 3️⃣ A new nonprofit is created every 15 minutes – competition for support is real! 4️⃣ Meet donors where they are – younger generations crave community. 5️⃣ Step out of your comfort zone – adaptability and pivoting are key. 6️⃣ We’re in an age of information overload – tailored, meaningful messages are essential. It’s a changing landscape, but the focus remains on building authentic connections and inspiring action. Here's to a successful and impactful fundraising year ahead! #Fundraising #Philanthropy #NonprofitLeadership #AFP #ValueBasedPhilanthropy #CommunityBuilding #Networking