Tom Ralser, Author at Convergent Nonprofit Solutions

10 Jul Donors v. Investors: 5 Differences You Need to Know

Posted at 11:29h in Results: Arts & Culture, Results: Athletics, Parks, & Recreation, Results: Education & Research, Results: Environmental & Animal Services, Results: Foundations & Public Benefit, Results: Health Services, Results: Housing & Shelter, Results: Human Services by Tom Ralser

Over 20 years ago, the idea of discussing “investors” and “return on investment” in relation to nonprofit organizations seemed preposterous. Today, however, it is not uncommon to hear both terms used widely throughout the sector....

12 Jun 3 Steps to Become Less Reliant on Government Funding

Posted at 12:23h in Fundraising, Results: Arts & Culture, Results: Athletics, Parks, & Recreation, Results: Education & Research, Results: Environmental & Animal Services, Results: Foundations & Public Benefit, Results: Health Services, Results: Housing & Shelter, Results: Human Services by Tom Ralser

Many nonprofit organizations have been solely dependent on government funding for so long that the idea of pursuing private sector funding can be a bit intimidating. Where do you even begin?I recently had the opportunity to talk about effective fundraising processes at the National Coalition...

14 Jan Reversing Disastrous Fundraising Trends

Posted at 18:43h in Fundraising by Tom Ralser

As the Donors Churn, an article in the Winter 2016 issue of Advancing Philanthropy, caught my eye for several reasons. One was the use of the word churn, usually reserved for what stock brokers (remember them?) did to turn an easy commission. Another was the...

02 Dec Communicating Your EDO’s Value – Expert Advice from an Economic Development & Site Selection Consultant

Posted at 20:33h in Conferences, Economic Development, Outcomes, Results: Economic Development by Tom Ralser

During the IEDC Annual Conference in Anchorage, I was honored to participate in the panel session, "Because We're Worth It: Communicating Your EDO's Value." One of my fellow panelists, Allison Larsen, CEcD, is Principal of the successful economic development and site selection consulting firm TadZo. While...

15 Oct “Asking Rights” Q&A from the 2014 BoardSource Leadership Forum

Posted at 16:41h in Conferences, Fundraising by Tom Ralser

By Tom RalserMy 2014 BoardSource Leadership Forum presentation in Washington D.C. surfaced some very good questions. The capacity crowd, after hearing me drone on for over an hour on Outcomes That Increase Funding, asked a few questions that might be of interest to you as...

24 Feb Donor Vs. Investor: An Important Distinction

Posted at 18:25h in Fundraising, Results: Arts & Culture, Results: Athletics, Parks, & Recreation, Results: Chambers of Commerce, Results: Economic Development, Results: Education & Research, Results: Environmental & Animal Services, Results: Foundations & Public Benefit, Results: Health Services, Results: Housing & Shelter, Results: Human Services by Tom Ralser

Throughout this blog you’re bound to see many posts where we refer to “investors” and nonprofit “investments.” Don’t worry though; you are in the right place. This blog is meant to help nonprofits get a better understanding of the fundraising process, and we believe that...