Your One Goal for 2019

By: Sheela Nimishakavi, MA, MPH

In many ways, 2018 was the year of the story. Nonprofits were encouraged to share the impact of their work with supporters by using narratives that read almost like short stories. Appeal letters featured heartwarming tales of struggling protagonists who were helped along their journey by a nonprofit organization, with the donor as the hero.

But 2019 needs to be the year of questions. I’m not saying we need to throw stories out of our toolbox this year. But, if we are going to use them, we need to question the narrative. Does our story empower those we serve? Does this story unintentionally perpetuate racism, sexism, ableism, and other –ism’s? How can you be sure you’re telling a compelling true story and not disseminating poverty porn?

In addition to moving past stories and creating empowering narratives, questions can help us gain clarity of purpose and clearly articulate impact. As a donor, I want to know how my support helps. This doesn’t mean I need a log of how my $200 paid for lunches. I want to know: What change did I affect with my giving? Did I contribute to making the world a better place? What did we accomplish together and what remains to be done?

Importantly, nonprofits must keep a finger on the pulse of their field, having a ready answer to the question: Does your nonprofit treat a symptom or solve the root cause of a problem?

Both types of work are absolutely needed. Symptoms need to be treated until we can figure out how to solve the root cause of a problem, which will likely need to occur through advocacy for systemic changes. However, where does your nonprofit fall on this spectrum? What is the root cause and is anyone in your community tackling it?

If your organization goes through a facilitated strategic planning process every three to five years these questions are likely raised at that time. I would argue that this is not sufficient. Questioning what, how, and why we do our work should be a constant dialogue in our offices. Questions ensure we not only stay on track but are on the right track. Questions help us become better leaders, fundraisers, front line staff, board members, community members. Questions help us solve problems.

As you sit down to write your goals for the year, make sure to add this one to the top of your list: Ask more questions.


Is it time to retire the phrase “major gift?”

By: Sheela Nimishakavi, MA, MPH

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I took a trip up to New York City to celebrate his birthday. It was a long weekend filled with tons of laughter, friends, family and oh so much food! We’re talking the best falafels ever, pizza at the famous Juliana’s in Brooklyn, macarons from Laduree…the list goes on.

One of the highlights of this trip, though, was our tour of the Statue of Liberty. We had an amazing tour guide- shout out to Zack!- who gave us tons of fun facts. I’ll be ‘entertaining’ friends with “Did you know…” tidbits for months, I’m sure.

As we walked through the museum, Zack dove into the history of funding the massive undertaking that crafting, transporting and assembling the Statue of Liberty entailed. It was decided early on that France would fund the statue itself, but the US would be responsible for the pedestal.

Unfortunately, no one was stepping up to the charge of funding this project. The bigwigs at the time were hesitant to get involved. But, this statue representing change, hope, opportunity and freedom, resonated with the public at large.

So, when Joseph Pulitzer- yea, that Pulitzer- posted an ad in the newspaper asking for donations, the money came flooding in. These were not large gifts, though. Rather, people from all over the country gave what they could just to be a part of this amazing project. My favorite story is of two twin girls who gave their life savings- a whopping fifty cents!- to be a part of this movement.

This story got me thinking. Fifty cents doesn’t sound like very much. No one would consider it a major gift. But to these girls, it was everything they had! I’d say that’s pretty major.

And, if we call some gifts “major gifts” what are the other gifts? Minor?

No organization (I hope) has a Minor Gifts Officer.

What message does it send to donors when they know your organization has a Major Gifts Officer, but they are not being contacted by them? While we’re on the topic, can we stop calling them Major Gifts Officers?

Whether $5 or $50,000, all gifts should be treated as “major” gifts. I know it’s not feasible to spend hours of time and resources stewarding every donor. But, are there broad changes you can make to ensure that all your donors feel like their gift was “major?” Can you express so much gratitude that you make $5 feel like $50,000?

How to tackle long-term goals every single day

By: Sheela Nimishakavi, MA, MPH

The other night I was at a meeting for an organization that I volunteer with and our facilitator mentioned that the organization will be undertaking their next strategic planning process.

Now, at first I didn’t pay much attention to that statement- hey, it was 8pm on a Thursday and I was dreaming about the weekend.

But then I realized- wait, what?! I have been involved with this organization for four years and I’ve never seen or heard mention of the CURRENT strategic plan. For a document that takes so much time and effort (and $$$) to prepare, we all too often file it away until the next round of planning begins.

But, shouldn’t the strategic plan be guiding our every move?

If you think about it, the strategic planning process gathers input from everyone impacted by the work of your organization- everyone from staff and board members, to constituents and other stakeholders. All these people came together during the planning process and agreed (or agreed to disagree) that this is what your organization should focus on over the next 3-5 years.

So, your to-do list should ALWAYS have tasks that get you closer to achieving these goals. Why?

Well, it makes saying “no” 100X easier. Your nonprofit can’t be everything to everyone, but it can be SO HARD to say no when an opportunity comes your way. But, by mapping your daily tasks to the long-term goals of the organization, you have your eyes on the prize and won’t get distracted.

Did you get a call to exhibit at a children’s fair even though this year’s focus is on adults? Nope, can’t do it! Or, how about that eager board member who wants to start an art program even though that it’s not a strategic priority? Sorry, no can do- this is the plan we all agreed to.

On the flip side, it makes it easier to figure out what you SHOULD be focusing on every. single. day. You can work backwards from your strategic plan to determine your daily, weekly and monthly goals. Here’s a FREE worksheet that walks you through the process.

Lastly, if you’re trying to advance in your career, clearly indicating how you progress the organization towards its long-term goals is a wonderful way to demonstrate the value you add to the nonprofit.

So, dust off that strategic plan- pin it up on your wall, make it your screen saver, do whatever it takes to keep it front and center. AND download this FREE worksheet while you’re at it.

How do you keep your strategic goals in mind once the planning process is over? Comment below!