David Fry

When a nonprofit special event isn’t so special!

As schools reopen, nonprofits are also gearing up for special events. Rest assured, another gala, benefit auction, 5K, bake sale, basket raffle, math-a-thon, mum sale, or something else is certain to be calling your name this fall. Special event staging shouldn’t be surprising, but after years of touting a better way, nonprofits still have much to learn relative to the true return on investment (ROI) of these so-called “special” events.... Read More

Making your nonprofit more strategic in five steps!

Is your nonprofit thinking and planning strategically? Unless you are in the minority that do, you could probably use some tips on becoming more strategic and transforming into an organization that is more accountable, respected, and sustainable. Taking the following five steps toward strategic thinking and planning will change your organization.... Read More

Five steps to ALTER your organization’s path

Most organizations and nonprofits have the desire to reach a more impactful, “preferred” future, yet find themselves on the path to a more probable one. The latter is influenced by the history and direction that has brought them to their present state. So how do you make the leap to bridge the gap between the probable destination and the preferred one?... Read More

A nonprofit development culture in four steps

What’s the status of your organization’s development culture? I ask that question when working with a new organization that wants to focus on solidifying its sustainability. The answers are across the board, with larger organizations generally more prepared. ... Read More

Four keys to captivating grant proposals

Certainly, there are potholes to avoid on the road to higher-scoring grant applications. On the flip side, my experience as a reviewer has shown there are key components of a successful grant proposal narrative. A few proactive community foundations around the State see the benefits of helping organizations within their communities become stronger and more sustainable. In partnering with them on capacity-building workshops, I’ve shared the following “four captivators."... Read More

Looking for new donors or customers?

Organizations often ask about how they can attract new customers or donors and ensure success in their sales or development programs. While trying to assess their opportunities, my first questions will normally surround their donor or customer retention rate, database management, and recognition or acknowledgment program. ... Read More

Will AI mean ‘all in’ for nonprofits?

Many nonprofit organizations and small businesses are standing on the threshold in an Artificial Intellegince (AI) doorway that will provide challenge, concern, and a sense of uncertainty looming. Given other sector issues, one would think we have enough to keep busy. ... Read More

Four steps to ensure future members

Remember WIFM? It’s the acronym for, "What’s in it for me." It seems that some membership organizations are staking their futures on the fact that WIFM doesn’t matter to their members or prospective members. Unfortunately, it does, and as nonprofits, they need to be acting now to adapt their business models and ensure that they are well-positioned to ride the waves of the future.... Read More

Your organization’s actions speak volumes

We’ve all heard the old proverb, “Actions speak louder than words.” In today’s high-tech society, the phrase takes on new meanings, including actions on social media, chats, marketing, and other communications. ... Read More

Nonprofit competition impacts new and existing nonprofits

After decades of working with and for nonprofits, there’s one major takeaway regarding nonprofit competition.  It’s not to be taken lightly.  As I shared in a recent article, there are nearly 1.85 million existing nonprofits in the United States today.  More concerning is there are 50% more charitable nonprofits today than there were just 12 years ago. As I frequently mention to potential clients, the competition keeps growing, so it should be a major consideration.... Read More