Blog

Category :: Fundraising

The Joy of Presenting

Thursday, 24 July 2008

How do you start a nonprofit organization? And how do you raise money for a nonprofit?

I spent today and yesterday leading two different workshops on these topics for the annual Iota Phi Theta Summer Leadership Conference.

As always, my presentations were fast-paced, interactive and fun. Success in starting a nonprofit depends a great deal on leadership, and how that leadership prioritizes and implements its work. Successful fundraising depends on being aware of the fundraising process and constantly working to build relationships with people and institutions that would be interested in funding your work.

I really enjoy leading trainings like these. I ask a lot of questions and do my best to tap into the knowledge of people in attendance. Rather than just talk about these subjects, I usually throw in some interactive exercises where participants can practice and experience the different subjects we’re discussing. Action makes for good reflection. While I do present much of the information, it’s really just the beginning framework to start a conversation, which I then facilitate. Ultimately, I hope to foster a dynamic learning environment that engages people in the subject matter and gives them the tools to then make positive changes in their communities.

I’m leading several other trainings later this summer and fall that are open to the public and welcome you to attend.

Comments: 0 | Categories: Leadership Fundraising |

Engaging Philanthropy

Saturday, 21 June 2008

I’ve been raising money for a long time. While I’m extremely grateful for the $3+ million I’ve raised over the last 11 years, I often wonder if there aren’t more engaging philanthropic alternatives from the traditional foundation.

I’m happy to report I’ve found one in Los Angeles: Los Angeles Social Venture Partners (LASVP). Rather than depending on one large donation at the start like most foundations, LASVP has a venture philanthropy approach where participants pool their money together, jointly decide what entrepreneurial nonprofit organizations they want to support, and then engage those partners in a working relationship to strengthen the nonprofits they invest in.

I’m excited to now be a part of LASVP as a David Rimer Fellow and will work closely with one of the LASVP grantees, KIPP Charter School. Having worked for a charter school in Harlem, NYC, I’m looking forward to getting more engaged with this charter school here in LA. Through this experience, I expect not only to provide needed resources to KIPP, but also learn through the process as I collaborate with other LASVP partners on this project.

Comments: 0 | Categories: Fundraising |

Welcome to my Blog!

Thursday, 15 May 2008

Greetings,
Welcome to my new website! In addition to describing the services I provide, background on my experience and my past clients, I’m excited to launch a blog where I will share with you valuable lessons I’ve learned about nonprofit management over the last 11 years. Every week, my goal is to capture a bit of wisdom I’ve learned that will hopefully be a resource to you and your organization. Over time, I hope to build an online library that you can access anytime, on a series of different topics. If there are certain areas you would like for me to address, or questions you have, please email them to me. If you would like to discuss any of these areas in greater detail, please contact me. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Cheers,
Ron

Comments: 0 | Categories: Leadership Fundraising Facilitation Board Development |

Fundraising 101: The Ask

Thursday, 15 May 2008

The best fundraising advice I ever received was from a seasoned fundraising veteran name Susan. Shortly after I launched my first nonprofit organization, she said “Your job is to ask. The person you ask’s job is to decide. If you don’t do your job and ask, the other person will never have the opportunity to decide.” The key moment in the fundraising process is the ask. Get comfortable with it. Remember, it is your job. And if you don’t do your job, the person you ask will never do their job – decide on whether or not to give your organization money.

Comments: 0 | Categories: Fundraising |

< Back

Let Me Feed You..

RON MILAM CONSULTING