Blog

If you’re tired of constantly begging for donations and frustrated with inconsistent funding, it’s time to try a different approach: corporate fundraising.But here’s the truth: every business will not give to your cause. You can’t just blast emails or send generic proposals and hope for the best. To win corporate funding, you need to target the right businesses, the ones that truly align with your mission.So how do you identify them? There are six levels of alignment every nonprofit founder should research:<ol><li>Businesses that benefit from the work you do. </li><li>Businesses that serve your target audience. </li><li>Businesses that share a similar mission to yours. </li><li>Businesses that benefit from the people or community you serve. </li><li>Businesses that would want the value you have to offer. </li><li>Businesses that will look good by being associated with your mission. </li></ol>The businesses that tick all six boxes? Those are your sweet spot, the ones most likely to become transformational partners.Here’s the thing: once you identify these aligned businesses, you’re already 30% of the way to winning your first corporate funding. That’s real progress, not wasted time or repeated “no’s.”Next, you need a strategic engagement plan, what I call the Value First Approach™. This isn’t about asking for money right away. It’s about showing the value you bring first, delivering results, and building a relationship. Only after that do you make the ask, and that’s when funding transforms from transactional to transformational.I teach nonprofit founders exactly how to do this, from identifying aligned businesses, to crafting your value offer, to strategically engaging and securing partnerships. This approach lets you stop begging for donations and start building consistent, long-term funding relationships that scale your mission.If you’re ready to stop struggling and start attracting corporate partners who truly value what you do, it’s time to take the next step.Want to learn the full 6-step alignment method and start securing corporate funding? My Corporate Fundraising Blueprint course shows you exactly how. Learn more here &gt;&gt; <a data-mce-href="https://csrstrategist.com" href="https://csrstrategist.com">https://csrstrategist.com</a>

Stop Begging for Donations: 6 Classes Of Businesses You Should Be Reaching Out To For Funding

Yesterday, I had a founder tell me: “I think the only way forward is to fire my board. They’re disengaged, passive, and honestly… useless. Once I bring in new people, things will finally change.”I’ve heard this same line from dozens of founders and executive directors. And I get it. When your board feels more like dead weight than a powerhouse, the natural reaction is: replace them.But here’s the uncomfortable truth: Firing your board (or waiting out their tenure) will NOT fix your nonprofit.It only keeps you stuck in a cycle of stagnation, replacing faces while the same dysfunction repeats itself.Why? Because the problem isn’t just who is on your board. The problem is why they disengaged in the first place. Why Boards Go Passive (And Stay That Way) When most people join your board, they’re motivated. They’re passionate. They believe in your mission.So why do they slowly start skipping meetings, pulling away, and becoming inactive? Here are the big reasons I see over and over:<ul><li>Lack of strategic leadership – Too many founders treat their board like volunteers or a “rubber stamp” committee. If you’re giving orders instead of collaborating, you’re setting yourself up for disengagement. </li><li>No accountability – If one board member gets away with skipping meetings, everyone else sees the standard. Before you know it, “busy” becomes the excuse culture. </li><li>Weak recruitment – Bringing in family, friends, or unqualified people just to “fill seats” sets you up for burnout and withdrawal later. </li><li>Founder as “chief everything officer” – If you’re executing programs, raising money, and leaving the board out of the real work, they’ll check out. </li><li>Unrealistic fundraising expectations – Telling board members they must raise $15k each year is the fastest way to scare them off. They’re not salespeople. Fundraising requires strategy and support, not arbitrary quotas.</li></ul> So What’s the Solution? If firing isn’t the fix, what actually works? A board audit.Think of it as a diagnostic tool for your leadership and your board. It has three parts:<ul><li>Audit yourself as a leader. How has your leadership style contributed to disengagement? Are you inviting ideas, or just giving instructions? </li><li>Audit the board as a whole. What gaps exist in skills, diversity, or expertise? What’s missing that prevents your board from being effective? </li><li>Board members audit themselves. Each member asks: Am I ready to step up and fully commit? Or is it time to step down gracefully? </li></ul>This process does something magical: it fixes the root issues, strengthens those willing to step up, and makes space for new members who bring real value. And all without burning bridges or damaging your nonprofit’s reputation. The Hard Truth (But The Hope Too) Firing your board feels like a shortcut. But shortcuts rarely build strong organizations.If you want a powerhouse board, one that fundraises, gives, and helps you scale, you can’t just swap people in and out. You have to fix the system that broke them in the first place.That’s how you stop repeating mistakes and start building a board that actually drives your mission forward. Want to go deeper? I put together a free 6-step guide that shows you how to transform your board into a team that steps up, fundraises, and builds with you.Grab your copy here: <a data-mce-href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/get-the-board-transformation-guide" href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/get-the-board-transformation-guide">https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/get-the-board-transformation-guide</a>

Why Firing Your Board Won’t Fix Your Nonprofit

Last week, I watched a nonprofit founder try to convince a group of strangers to donate.She spoke passionately. She explained the need. She even teared up a little.But in the end? No one gave.And I wasn’t surprised.Because this founder didn’t know the three hidden reasons most nonprofits struggle to raise money.The same three reasons that quietly drain your time, rob your confidence, and cost your mission thousands of dollars every single month.I’ll break them down for you. And once you see them, you’ll never look at fundraising the same way again. Reason #1: You Don’t Know Your Funding Audience Here’s the hard truth: not everyone will give to your mission.But many founders behave like they will. They beg, over-explain, and hope that someone, anyone, cares enough to donate.And every “no” chips away at their confidence.The fix? Find your ideal funders.These are the people who already have a reason to give:<ul><li>People in your personal network. </li><li>Businesses benefiting from the work you do. </li><li>People who overcame the very problem you solve. </li><li>People who’ve given to causes like yours before. </li><li>Influence multipliers who can connect you to hundreds more. </li><li>People who want recognition or association with your mission. </li></ul>When you target these categories, fundraising stops being a guessing game, and starts becoming predictable. Reason #2: You Depend on Generic “Donate Now” Buttons You think a heartfelt post and a “click here to donate” will bring in consistent money.But here’s the problem: emotions fade, and vague asks don’t convert.Donors want clarity. They want to know exactly what their money does.That’s why you need what I call the Irresistible Funding Offer.It has two parts:<ol><li>Value Offer – A product or service your nonprofit sells that’s aligned with your mission. (Yes, nonprofits can sell, strategically.) Example: a resource that prevents homelessness, sold to fund your homeless outreach. </li><li>Impact Offer – A crystal-clear statement of transformation. (“$100 empowers two people off the street.”) </li></ol>When you combine these two, your donor doesn’t just see an appeal… they see impact + value. That’s when giving becomes exciting. Reason #3: You Don’t Have a Repeated System Most nonprofits operate like this:<ul><li>One day, apply for a grant. </li><li>Next week, plan a fundraising event. </li><li>Next month, try crowdfunding. </li></ul>The result? Chaos. Sporadic effort. Unpredictable income.But if you want consistent money, you need a fundraising system:<ul><li>A plan that spells out exactly how you’ll raise money. </li><li>A team to execute it. </li><li>A process you repeat consistently. </li></ul>That’s how you stop guessing and start generating predictable funding. The Question That Should Haunt You If fundraising can be as simple as one plus one equals two…Why are you still treating it like random math, hoping it somehow adds up?Until you fix these three issues, your audience, your offers, and your system, you’ll keep struggling.But the moment you align them, raising money stops feeling like begging and starts feeling like momentum. Here’s Your Next Step If you’re ready to stop struggling and start raising money consistently, I can help.I’ll work with you to:<ul><li>Identify your ideal funders, </li><li>Create your Irresistible Funding Offer, </li><li>Build your repeatable fundraising system. </li></ul><a data-mce-href="https://idealfunders.com/build-your-fundraising-system" href="https://idealfunders.com/build-your-fundraising-system">Click here to book your Jumpstart Call for just $197</a>. Let’s build your funding system, so you can focus on your mission.Because fundraising isn’t the problem.The problem is how you’ve been taught to do it.

3 Hidden Reasons You Struggle to Raise Money (and How They’re Costing You Thousands)

I know what it feels like to carry the weight of your organization on your shoulders, feeling like you’re doing everything alone. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to. I’ll show you the tools, processes, and strategies to turn your board from a passive group of names into a powerhouse team that shows up, contributes, and helps your nonprofit thrive.Let’s talk about the challenge many nonprofit founders face: passive, disengaged board members. Maybe you’ve experienced it yourself. Your board doesn’t step up, doesn’t fundraise, doesn’t contribute the way you hoped. And it’s exhausting. Many board members join for the title, for the recognition, or simply to be part of a group, but they forget the responsibility that comes with the role.The truth is this: if your board isn’t actively engaged, your organization will struggle. You’ll struggle to raise money. You’ll struggle to grow programs. Your nonprofit may even stay stuck at the starting line. Board members aren’t staff, but in many ways, they are your first team. If they don’t put in the energy to build the organization, growth will be limited, and you’ll continue carrying the heavy load alone.But there’s a better way. The nonprofit world is collaborative. It’s a people’s world. You need people who are committed, capable, and ready to help you achieve your mission. That’s why I created a step-by-step approach to transform your board and get them fully engaged. Here’s how it works:Step 1: Board Reactivation The first step is to reactivate your board. Many organizations have members who have become passive over time. Some of these members still have value, they’re willing to contribute if guided properly. Others may have outgrown the role or no longer have the energy to contribute. Board reactivation is about identifying who is still willing and capable, letting go of those who aren’t, and refocusing on building a team that’s ready to show up.Step 2: Board Recruitment Once you’ve reactivated your current board, it’s time to fill the gaps. A powerhouse board needs the right mix of skills and expertise. During your board audit, you’ll identify what’s missing, maybe professional fundraising experience, marketing knowledge, or financial oversight. Then, you bring in the right people through a careful recruitment process: applications, interviews, onboarding, and yes, even background checks when needed. The goal is to create a team that complements one another and stays engaged for the long haul.Step 3: Strategic Planning Next, you get your board involved in strategic planning. People who plan together execute together. You guide them through shaping the organization’s programs, fundraising, marketing, and budgeting. This isn’t just about participation, it’s about creating ownership and accountability. When your board sees the bigger picture and understands what it takes to win, they’re more likely to step up and give their best.Step 4: Team Building Your board’s role isn’t to do all the work, it’s to provide leadership, oversight, and strategy. That means equipping them with teams to execute. For example, a board member responsible for fundraising shouldn’t be out there cold-calling alone; they need a team to implement their strategies. This approach ensures every area of the organization, marketing, partnerships, fundraising, has capable teams working alongside engaged board members.Step 5: Board Execution Finally, you move into execution. This is where your board, supported by their teams, starts producing results. You hold your board accountable, they hold their teams accountable, and together, the organization begins to thrive. Over time, as systems, staff, and processes are put in place, board members can focus on governance while the organization grows sustainably.Friend, this process works. It transforms passive boards into active, committed, and results-driven teams. It allows you to stop being the “chief everything officer” and start leading a team that’s actually building the organization with you. And the best part? Once your board is engaged and executing with you, fundraising becomes more effective, programs expand, and your mission reaches more people than ever before.If you’ve been struggling with disengaged board members, I want you to take action today. Don’t continue doing everything alone. Learn the exact step-by-step process I’ve used to transform boards and help nonprofit founders like you raise money sustainably.<a data-mce-href="https://idealfunders.com/transform-your-board" href="https://idealfunders.com/transform-your-board" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Click here to transform your board and start building the organization your mission deserves.</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;

Transform Your Board, Transform Your Nonprofit: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Powerhouse Team

Let’s be honest with each other for a moment.You’re doing incredible work. The kind of work that changes lives, shifts communities, and leaves footprints that matter. But even with all that impact, raising money still feels like a constant uphill battle, doesn’t it?You’re not alone. Over 70% of nonprofits in the U.S. are struggling financially. Think about that: out of 2 million nonprofits, more than 1.4 million are struggling to raise money consistently. That means founders like you are pouring their hearts into their mission but still going to bed at night wondering how to keep the doors open.And the truth is, it’s not because your mission isn’t powerful. It’s not because people don’t care. It’s because most nonprofits are operating without a fundraising system.Instead, founders are chasing random donors, hopping from one strategy to another, sending “please donate” messages, or writing grant after grant with little to no return. It’s exhausting. It feels like gambling. And it’s unsustainable.The solution? You need a system. A process that brings in money predictably and consistently, not just once, not just by luck, but over and over again.That’s why I want to walk you through the five steps to building a fundraising system that guarantees your nonprofit’s financial sustainability. Follow these steps, and you’ll never look at fundraising the same way again.&nbsp; &nbsp; Step 1: Identify Your Ideal Funders Not everyone is meant to fund your mission. And the more time you spend chasing people who aren’t aligned, the more you’ll feel like you’re begging instead of building.Your ideal funders are people and organizations who already have a reason to care about your mission. They have the propensity (interest in your cause), the affinity (alignment with your mission), and the capacity (resources to give).These funders fall into categories, people who benefit directly from your mission, people who look good by associating with your cause, organizations already invested in solving the problem you address, and more.When you focus on your ideal funders, you stop explaining endlessly, stop begging, and start connecting with people who want to give. That’s when fundraising becomes easier, more natural, and far more effective.&nbsp; &nbsp; Step 2: Create Irresistible Offers Here’s the harsh truth: “Donate Now” buttons and emotional appeals aren’t enough anymore. Donors want to see impact, and they want to know what’s in it for them.That’s where offers come in. Yes, even nonprofits can create offers and they can be just as irresistible as any business offer.There are two main types:<ol><li>Value Offers: These give people something useful while also funding your mission. Example: A STEM nonprofit selling a $15 resource that helps parents guide their kids into better career choices. Every purchase funds the mission and creates direct value for families. </li><li>Impact Offers: These are tied to specific, tangible transformations. Example: $100 provides a child with a backpack and resources for a successful school year. </li></ol>When you combine a value offer with an impact offer, you create something truly irresistible. Imagine saying: “When you buy our career guide for your child, you also empower another child with a backpack and school supplies for a successful year.” That’s a win-win that makes donors excited to give.&nbsp; &nbsp; Step 3: Develop Your Fundraising Plan Wandering from strategy to strategy will keep you stuck. What you need is a step-by-step plan that guides your fundraising efforts and builds momentum.Think of it as a roadmap. For example:<ul><li>Start with awareness — let potential funders know you exist. </li><li>Move to relationship building — ask for advice, not money. </li><li>Transition to partnership — acknowledge their input and invite them into your work.</li><li>Then make the ask — clearly, confidently, and at the right time.</li></ul>Without this kind of plan, you’ll keep spinning your wheels. With it, you’ll create consistency and results.&nbsp; &nbsp; Step 4: Build and Equip Your Fundraising Team Let me be real with you: you can’t do this alone. Fundraising is not a one-person show.You need a team, even if it’s just one or two people to start. Someone to handle emails, someone to work on grants, while you focus on one-on-one relationships with funders.And don’t forget your board. Your board should:<ul><li>Expose your nonprofit to their networks. </li><li>Make introductions. </li><li>Fundraise directly (if able). </li><li>Steward donors by thanking, checking in, and strengthening relationships. </li></ul>When your team and your board are activated, you stop carrying the entire weight of fundraising on your shoulders.&nbsp; &nbsp; Step 5: Launch (and Relaunch) Your Fundraising Campaigns This is where your plan comes to life. Launching a campaign isn’t about one email blast or one event, it’s about consistent execution and follow-up.<ul><li>For prospects who don’t give right away: follow up with stories, stats, and impact. Keep building the relationship. </li><li>For donors who already gave: steward them. Thank them, show the results of their gift, and invite them to give again. </li></ul>Consistency is key. Campaigns aren’t one-time events; they are cycles of outreach, follow-up, and stewardship. Done right, they keep your nonprofit funded year after year.&nbsp; &nbsp; Final Thoughts for You, Founder If you’ve been struggling, it’s not because you’re not good enough. It’s not because your mission isn’t worthy. It’s simply because you’ve been trying to raise money without a system.The five steps, identify your ideal funders, create irresistible offers, develop a plan, build your team, and launch consistently, give you that system. A system that brings in money predictably, sustainably, and without the endless stress.Your mission is too important to leave to chance. You don’t have to beg, scramble, or gamble anymore. You can build a system. And when you do, fundraising becomes less about survival and more about growth.Founder to founder, I want you to know this: You can do this. Your mission deserves it. And the world needs what you’re building.If you are ready to raise money, i have put together a process to get you started. You can learn more here: <a data-mce-href="https://idealfunders.com/creating-offers" href="https://idealfunders.com/creating-offers">https://idealfunders.com/creating-offers﻿</a>

The Five Steps to Building a Fundraising System That Guarantees Your Nonprofit’s Financial Sustainability

If you’re still sending out donation appeals without a clear offer, you’re actually doing it wrong. I need you to hear this, because it could be the one thing standing between your nonprofit and true financial sustainability.Gone are the days when people gave just because you told an emotional story or asked them to be generous. Gone are the days when words like donate now could carry the weight of your fundraising campaign. The landscape has shifted.Today, donors ask one simple question before they give: “What’s in it for me?”And if that question isn’t answered, they’ll scroll past your appeal or click away from your page.Now, don’t misunderstand me. People still care about impact. They still care about your mission. But in this age, they give for only two reasons:<ol><li>They get something in return. That doesn’t always mean a physical gift. It could be recognition, access, influence, or even just the satisfaction of knowing they’re part of something bigger. </li><li>They see the clear transformation their gift creates. They want to know that their single donation, regardless of its size, is making a meaningful impact. </li></ol>That’s it. Those are the two reasons.And this is where most nonprofits fall short. Too many organizations are still leaning on emotional appeals, hoping generosity alone will do the work. Too many are sending out vague calls to action like donate today, without showing donors the value they receive or the transformation they’re making possible.But here’s the good news: when you shift your focus to creating a strong offer, everything changes.An offer is not the same thing as an ask. An ask says, “Please give.” An offer says, “Here’s what happens when you give, for you, and for the people we serve.”See the difference?When you create a strong offer, donors don’t need to be convinced. You don’t have to over-explain. You don’t have to beg. The offer itself attracts them, because it’s irresistible.And this is the difference between fundraising that barely scrapes by and fundraising that builds long-term financial sustainability.So, I want you to do this: stop sending generic appeals. Stop banking on generosity. Start building strong offers. Offers that help your donors see both what they gain by giving and the transformation their single gift can create.Because here’s the truth: once you nail your offer, donors will find you. Funders will seek you out. Why? Because you’re showing them exactly what they’re looking for: value, clarity, and transformation.That’s the game changer. That’s how you stop struggling and start building a nonprofit that thrives.If you are ready to start raising money consistently, here's where to start: <a data-mce-href="https://idealfunders.com/creating-offers" href="https://idealfunders.com/creating-offers">https://idealfunders.com/creating-offers</a>

Corporate Fundraising Strategist

Blog

Stop Begging for Donations: 6 Classes Of Businesses You S...

Why Firing Your Board Won’t Fix Your Nonprofit

3 Hidden Reasons You Struggle to Raise Money (and How The...

Transform Your Board, Transform Your Nonprofit: A Step-by...

The Five Steps to Building a Fundraising System That Guar...

Why Your Donation Appeals Aren’t Working And What To Do I...