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How to avoid the magic fundraiser trap

Magic fundraisers are why we can’t have nice things. I’m writing this on Labor Day. Maybe that’s fitting. Because while our work can feel like a labor of love, too often, expectations far exceed what one human can do. Magic fundraisers do not exist. Recently, I saw a job posting. I’m not looking, but I […]

Filed Under: Blog, Caring for yourself, Planning Tagged With: culture of philanthropy, Fundraising profressional, nonprofit organization planning 7 Comments

Fundraising for introverts – how you can build genuine relationships

Are you an introvert? I finished the second interview of the day. I’d been gathering information to create appeals and other communications for clients. The people I spoke with were interesting and kind. I enjoyed speaking with them. And yet, I was worn out. If you understand what I mean, hello, introvert. A personality difference, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Caring for yourself, Fundraising Tagged With: donor relationships, introverts 2 Comments

Is philanthropy “women’s work”?

And what does women’s work mean? A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about the struggles of balancing work and life – especially for those of us in the nonprofit world. Many of you read it, shared it, commented, or sent me email messages. I’m so grateful to everyone. Because stress is a very real problem. And […]

Filed Under: Blog, Caring for yourself, Nonprofits Tagged With: leadership, Stress, women in nonprofits 16 Comments

Your work or a life: a painful choice no one should have to make

Feeling stressed? In the United States, recent polls found that 70 percent of American workers consider their workplace a significant source of stress, whereas 51 percent report job stress reduces their productivity. (via PsychCentral) Do we have to choose? A while back, I read this article in the New York Times by Anne-Marie Slaughter about […]

Filed Under: Blog, Caring for yourself Tagged With: employee wellness, Stress, work life balance 54 Comments

Saving the world, losing your mind

Saving the world, losing your mind… does that sound familiar to you? The Association of Fundraising Professionals says 75% of fundraisers are women.  and A Harvard Business School study shows that however lofty her professional position, family issues are still seen as a woman’s problem. (Speed reading? An article in Slate summarizes the information contained in the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Caring for yourself Tagged With: nonprofit management, women in fundraising, work life balance 11 Comments

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