Talisman Point of View
On Fundraising
As a professional fundraiser, I believe it is my job to provide donors with education and opportunity. It is up to the donor to make the right gift. A fundraiser cannot "make" a donor give; fundraisers provide education, opportunity and an appropriate donor request for them to consider and/or negotiate. The bottom line is a win-win opportunity.
On Board Leadership and Development
I believe organizations should take responsibility for recruiting, orientating and supporting their Board. It is the responsibility of staff leadership to cultivate, recruit, train and engage the board members they want. Board service is not only about what they can do for us, but we can do for them. The key to success is the relationship between staff and board members including clear expectations and communication.
On Corporate Partnership
It is important to provide partnership opportunities for corporate donors and enough lead time for them to budget appropriately. I develop corporate partnership programs to engage corporate donors in a nonprofit's mission and work. True partnership includes sponsorship, employee involvement, foundation support, board service, mentoring and other opportunities to provide support. True corporate partnership can help the corporations meet their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, share the success with their stakeholders and make a difference in their communities - a positive, triple bottom line.
On Leadership
Leadership, whether it is a Director, Manager, Board Chair or CEO, sets the vision, tone and creates or maintains the culture of an organization. The relationships teams have with their leaders make the difference between a high performing team and mediocrity. In addition, there are new models of leadership that supersede traditional organizational charts, experience and age. Leaders who are adaptable, flexible and open to change in workforce and community needs will help their employees and organization excel and leave a positive legacy. I coach leaders and their teams on an individual basis and facilitate workshops on leadership and management.
On Coaching and Mentoring
Recently, coaching has become a buzz word in professional development. Used more widely in the for-profit community, some nonprofit leaders have worked with coaches. I coach executive and board leadership on issues that are challenging their personal success and that of their organizations. I am proud to mentor those in the non-profit field to help them succeed. I share my network of resources freely and encourage others to do the same.
I work with staff and leadership to develop skills to manage and lead organizations through change and team building. We customize sessions to meet the needs of the individuals and goals for the organization. Working with staff, I build on the strengths of volunteer leaders. Board training, retreats and workshops are facilitated to create a shared vision and strategy.
On Strategic Forecasting
I believe the successes or challenges faced by a non-profit organization can be traced back to their ability to plan, adapt, implement and communicate. I work with clients to review their goals, staff, organizational strengths and challenges, community needs and human and financial resources. I collaborate with clients to create a strategy for growth, change and success.
On Foundation Giving
Research, research, research....and great writing skills. This is the key to successful foundation donor relations. I review each client's program and operations to determine the best opportunities for foundation giving. I work with staff to establish initial meetings, craft the most compelling and succinct foundation proposals, program pieces and case files to submit proposals on time, schedule site visits and engage foundation program officers. I encourage clients to cultivate relationships with foundation staff similar to major gift programs.
On Special Events
I believe the real key to success is turning "diners" into donors. Event success cannot be measured solely by its net result. Special events need to raise awareness and money as well as expand the individual donor base. I work with clients to engage and focus committees on tickets and sponsorship as well as cultivating potential guests through newsletters, phone outreach and post-event feedback.
On Professional Development
It is vital that professionals in the independent sector seek and obtain the training and education necessary to succeed. I am an advocate for continuing education and encourages organizations to fund and support staff learning opportunities. In addition, she looks outside the nonprofit sector for training, new voices and ideas.
