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Why we need to drop the idea of 100% board giving
A few years ago, I led a Vietnamese-community-focused nonprofit as a youthful executive director filled with equal parts optimism and adult acne. I remember though one time at a board meeting trying to get board members to donate. “Please,” I…
November 19, 2020
It’s time to expand our perspectives and conversations in fundraising
Over the past few weeks, it’s been nice to see the Community-Centric Fundraising movement growing. The Slack channel has been increasing in numbers, along with the Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram (I am not sure what Tik Tok is, but I think we have that too). What I…
September 28, 2020
Privilege, power, and personal conflicts: the forces preventing change in nonprofit and philanthropy
Candid is closed today, June 9, to allow our staff to pause and reflect on George Floyd’s death and the events following it, and grieve as needed as individuals. (Read Candid's statement on these events.) We will resume operations on…
June 9, 2020
The curb-cut effect, and why race, equity, access, diversity, and inclusion (READI) are even more critical now
"The curb-cut effect, and why race, equity, access, diversity, and inclusion (READI) are even more critical now" is reprinted from Nonprofit AF. Lately, I’ve been getting more notices from colleagues distraught by their board or team saying things like “It’s…
May 18, 2020
What are we willing to give up to end the Nonprofit Hunger Games?
Reprinted from Nonprofit AF. I know the past few weeks I’ve been pushing hard and being very critical of our sector, especially of foundations. And also, not being very funny. The urgency of this moment means we and the people…
April 29, 2020
Why nonprofit staff should not be asked to donate to the organizations they work for
This week’s topic may be polarizing and possibly rile you up, so please stare at the nearest houseplant for a few minutes (apparently, they are scientifically proven to reduce stress). Once in a while our community gets into a discussion about…
February 27, 2020
The problem with everything being all about relationships
Hi everyone, this week is Valentine’s Day, arguably the most annoying and stressed-filled day ever. I like it as much as I like infinity scarves. But at least we have #NonprofitPickupLines on Twitter. Go make that trend again. “Hey there, is your…
February 13, 2020
Time for our sector to draw a new fish!
A while ago, I read about an experiment where kids were asked to draw a fish. One group was just told to draw a fish; the other group were told the same thing, but they were also given an example…
January 15, 2020
Funders, thank you for doing these 12 awesome things
Hi everyone, after talking to an ED of color who was on the verge of quitting the field after a horrible and demoralizing experience with a small grant that left her almost in tears, I started writing a post called…
October 1, 2015