The Annual Appeal – A Labor of Love
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The Annual Appeal – A Labor of Love

Nonprofit donors are inundated with asks at the end of the year, have their own planned giving, and are enjoying the hectic holiday time. The earlier in December folks read your appeal letter, the better the chances that they’ll make you a priority. Yet, as much as this is pragmatic advice about time management, it also has bigger implications for cultivating your donor base and engaging your Board and volunteers. …

Fall Into Action: Data Collection and Analysis for Nonprofit Success
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Fall Into Action: Data Collection and Analysis for Nonprofit Success

Fall isn’t just about pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters; it’s an opportune time to collect and analyze data that can shape your nonprofit’s future. With heavy programming schedules after the summer break, organizations have a captive audience and the opportunity to gather valuable insights about participants’ experiences, preferences, and needs. …

Six Things Nonprofits Should Be Doing Now to Prepare for the New Year
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Six Things Nonprofits Should Be Doing Now to Prepare for the New Year

In working for nonprofits and collaborating with them as a consultant, I’ve repeatedly seen the same challenges pop up across a wide range of organizations. The good news is that a little strategic fall planning can help you avoid many of these challenges. Here are six things your organization should be doing this season to end the year strong…

Do You Know Your Impact?

Do You Know Your Impact?

Monitoring and Evaluation Systems Can Better Help You Understand Your Organization’s Impact Your organization is mission-driven and without a doubt, making a positive impact in your community. But can you point to clear metrics when asked how your organization is doing and how you’re making a difference? Do you know your funder’s priorities and how…

Salesforce Customization Creates a Powerful Fund Development Tool

Salesforce Customization Creates a Powerful Fund Development Tool

Among the many services Lydia Sierra Consulting (LSC) offers, one of our most impactful is Salesforce customization. Salesforce is a powerful tool to help you manage your fund development systems to meet revenue goals. When structured properly, a customized Salesforce system will allow you to operate effectively, raise funds, and connect with constituents.  Your organization…

Strategic Planning

Strategic Planning

If you’ve worked for non profit organizations, chances are you have been part of some form of a strategic planning process. Strategic planning is a term describing an activity that creates a document that serves as a path for an organization to move forward to fulfill its mission. There seems to be some mixed feelings…