With Spring Event season in bloom, campaign season may be on your next horizon. Campaigns are not for the faint-hearted. They require planning, super organization and compelling donor-focused communications—not to mention lots of meetings and committee conversations. 

Campaign fundraising can involve long stretches of busy days that challenge our hearts, senses and minds. I am constantly inspired by colleagues who navigate this landscape—from veteran strategists to bright-eyed newcomers who bring fresh energy and digital expertise. These connections sustain us through moments of campaign fatigue. 

Our Consultant Chelsea Tibbitts has worked at M. Gale for over a year. She shared her reflections on partnering with resilient nonprofits and witnessing the power of thoughtful fundraising. She has seen how well-executed campaigns can drive impactful change and much more.

When people hear the word “philanthropy,” their minds often jump to wealthy individuals writing large checks or major fundraising campaigns for nonprofits. While fundraising is a key component, philanthropy is much more than just raising money. It is a mindset, a culture, and a commitment to mission achievement. 

At its core, philanthropy is defined as the voluntary action taken for the common good. It encompasses not just financial donations, but also time, talent, advocacy, and resources dedicated to advancing a cause. It is the bridge between a nonprofit’s vision and the tangible change it seeks to create. 

In 2025, your partners at M. Gale are leaning into celebrating and advancing American generosity in all its forms.  People and communities across the country have always pulled together to help those in need. Today, whether it be helping a widespread crisis like the devastating wildfires in and around Los Angeles rendering thousands homeless, a neighbor experiencing illness, a family member, classmate or colleague in need, generosity is all around us.   

As someone deeply connected to the nonprofit sector, I’ve learned that the heart of our success lies in how we treat our supporters.  Yet, one crucial lesson stands out: donor retention is far more vital than simply attracting new supporters. While attracting donors is important, nurturing the relationships we already have is where true impact lies.  As many of us who are front-line fundraisers have heard at some point in our careers, acquiring a new donor requires more resources than stewarding and retaining an existing one. 

To engage nonprofit staff leadership in the fundraising process, you must create a culture of philanthropy. The organization needs to make the decision to tie annual performance goals to leadership’s success while educating the entire organization on the importance of funding to accomplish its mission. Once the top of the organization buys in and truly supports the fundraising effort, it will be apparent to the staff that fundraising is an important key to success. Granted, the level of engagement will depend on a lot of factors, including the size of the organization. The common thread is that development staff should form partnerships with the leadership team so that no person feels as if they are working alone. As partners, the director of development and leadership should have clearly defined roles and responsibilities, while the director of development builds trust through accountability, protecting leadership’s time, and attaining results.

In the world of philanthropy, the phrase "thank you" carries more weight than just polite words. It’s a powerful acknowledgment of the generosity, time and effort that makes positive change possible.  

November kicks off a time of year when we focus on gratitude and perhaps say “thank you” a bit more. It’s the perfect time to cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation that lasts long after the holiday season.  

The bond between development and finance is like a friendship for the ages—one that’s built on mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to the greater good. According to a recent survey by the Nonprofit Finance Fund, 86% of nonprofit leaders know that when these two departments work together, great things happen. Their collaboration ensures accurate financial reporting and the strategic use of resources, which boosts fundraising efforts, strengthens donor trust, and sets the stage for long-term success.

Leaders play a crucial role in guiding their organizations. Their ability to stay focused on their mission, while adapting to changing circumstances contributes significantly to the organization's ability to manage change. 

In the world of nonprofits, fundraising plays a pivotal role in driving their missions forward.  Navigating the complex landscape of fundraising requires not only dedication, but strategic expertise.  This is where consultant coaching comes into play.   

I’m sure you’ve heard the words, “quiet or silent” and “public or community” to describe capital campaign phases. And likely, these terms have inspired a variety of responses from your stakeholders and perhaps even yourself. In my experience, these labels can be confusing, and in some cases downright frustrating for board members, volunteers, donors and nonprofit professionals. So, what do they mean, and do they even matter?  

Every year the Giving USA Foundation, The Giving Institute and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy provide the most comprehensive, long-standing, and most vigorously researched resource in U.S. charitable giving, Giving USA: The Annual Report on Philanthropy.

Nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in addressing societal challenges, providing support to vulnerable communities, and driving positive change. To effectively fulfill their missions, however, nonprofits must maintain strong financial health. So, let’s explore eight key strategies that can help nonprofit organizations establish and maintain robust financial foundations, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.

Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in addressing societal challenges and fostering positive change. At the heart of these organizations lies your board of directors, a group of dedicated individuals who guide the mission and vision of your organization. Effective nonprofit board development is essential for ensuring your organization not only survives but thrives in your pursuit of meaningful impact.

With 2024 upon us, M. Gale is celebrating its 15 year anniversary!

To help us look back and commemorate the years appropriately, our team conducted an interview with our fearless leader and namesake.

The Board of Directors are a major key to success in any organization. They’re the backbone, providing guidance and vision for how to accomplish your goals. 

What good is technology when the humans who oversee it make fundamental mistakes and cannot get it right?

In the past year, AI discussion has seemingly exploded across news outlets, social media, conferences and more. Which ones are best for your needs?

Whether or not you believe in New Year’s resolutions, I hope you don’t miss the opportunity for a fresh perspective this month.

As we near the final months of 2023, what better time to share what I’ve learned?