Field Notes
Articles for Nonprofit Leaders
Straight talk from a nonprofit executive who's been in the seat. Practical guidance on fundraising, boards, staffing, and campaigns.
Pricing Guide
How Much Does a Nonprofit Fundraising Consultant Cost? A 2026 Guide
Hourly rates, monthly retainers, project fees, and capital campaign costs — with realistic budget benchmarks.
Hiring
When to Hire a Fundraising Consultant (and When Not To)
The four moments in an organization's life when a consultant pays for itself — and the three when they won't.
Boards
The 7 Board Development Mistakes I've Watched Nonprofits Repeat for 20 Years
Why “we just need to recruit better board members” is almost never the real problem.
Major Gifts
Building a Major Gifts Program From Scratch: A Realistic 12-Month Plan
What actually happens month by month when you commit to a major gifts practice.
Capital Campaigns
Are You Actually Ready for a Capital Campaign? A Candid Readiness Check
Feasibility studies get sold too early. Here's how to know if you're campaign-ready before you spend $50K to find out.
Grants
How to Choose a Grant Writer Who Actually Wins Money
Most “grant writers” are proposal typists. Here's how to spot the difference.
Leadership
The Executive Director Burnout Nobody Warns You About
After 23 years in nonprofit leadership, here's what I've learned about staying in the seat without losing yourself.
Fundraising
Nonprofit Donor Retention Benchmarks (and How to Beat Them)
The average nonprofit keeps only 43% of its donors year over year. Six practices that push retention past 70%.
Strategy
Nonprofit Strategic Planning That Actually Gets Used (Not Shelved)
A lean, honest 90-day strategic planning process nonprofits can complete without a $40K binder.
Fundraising
How to Write a Nonprofit Case for Support Donors Actually Read
The structure, language, and mistakes to avoid when writing the document every major-gift ask depends on.
Operations
Choosing a Nonprofit CRM in 2026: An Honest Buyer's Guide
How to size a donor CRM to your organization, what actually matters in a demo, and the hidden costs to plan for.
Leadership
How to Hire a Nonprofit Executive Director (Without Blowing Up the Organization)
A board's step-by-step guide to running an ED search — from posting to onboarding — and the mistakes that derail most searches.
Fundraising
The Nonprofit Annual Report That Actually Raises Money
Most annual reports are expensive brochures donors skim once. Here's how to build one that renews gifts and opens new ones.
Fundraising
The Year-End Fundraising Campaign Playbook (October–December)
A week-by-week playbook for the three months that decide most nonprofit budgets.
Planned Giving
Planned Giving for Small Nonprofits: Starting Without a Full-Time Staffer
You don't need a planned giving officer to build a legacy program. Here's the lean version that works.
Digital
The Nonprofit Website That Actually Converts Donors
A redesign won't fix a broken donation page. Here's what actually moves conversion — from homepage to receipt.
Operations
The Donor Database Cleanup Nobody Wants to Do (But Everyone Needs)
Dirty data quietly costs nonprofits five and six figures a year. Here's the 90-day cleanup plan.
Boards
Setting Board Giving Expectations Without Losing the Room
How to introduce a clear board giving expectation — even a minimum — without alienating longtime members.
Fundraising
Corporate Sponsorship That Actually Works (Not Logo Placement)
Most sponsorship decks are gala menus in disguise. Here's how to build a program that renews and grows.
Digital
Nonprofit Email Fundraising: What Still Works in 2026
Open rates are down and inboxes are crowded. Here's what nonprofit email programs are doing to raise more.
Leadership
The First 90 Days of a New Development Director
A week-by-week onboarding plan for a new development director — what to do, leave alone, and say no to.
Fundraising
Are Nonprofit Fundraising Events Still Worth It? An Honest Look
Galas cost more than they used to and net less than most boards think. When events are worth running — and when not.
Leadership
Nonprofit Succession Planning: The Conversation Boards Keep Avoiding
The lean succession plan every board should have on file — before they need it.
Finance
How Much Should a Nonprofit Keep in Reserves? A Practical Answer
The 'three months of operating' rule is too simple. A more honest framework for cash on hand.