Mission

My mission is to help organizations, communities, donors and volunteers attain their fundraising, digital communications and public relations goals in the most efficient, thoughtful, high-quality manner possible. I am an independent nonprofit fundraising and communications expert with extensive hands-on experience working across Texas and beyond.

History

I began my career in nonprofit fundraising in the mid-1980s in Austin, Texas. At first, I was a volunteer. Then I was hired as a professional fundraiser, building my knowledge through continuing education and hands-on experience. With two university degrees, I am proficient at research and writing. To read more about my background, see this page on my website.

Carolyn’s Nonprofit Blog was launched in 2011. Based on personal interests and experiences, it shares my work in the “trenches” of nonprofit organizations small and large, both the wonderful and the challenging moments. The challenges I discuss are meant to help readers learn that while missteps happen naturally in life, one can recuperate and even thrive once you deal with and move past them. Never say never!

I both design and implement major gift campaigns and nonprofit communications programs. I am not part of a large firm, but have retained my independence. I am known for untangling seemingly impossible fundraising efforts, some of which have suffered from unhelpful, expensive guidance provided by large firms. If I need outside contractors for such things as bulk mailings, those are fairly easy to find today. The rest I can do myself, making use of technology when appropriate and genuinely helpful.

Included in Carolyn’s Nonprofit Blog

• In-depth primary articles.

• Occasional posts on more narrowly-focused recent topics are found under, “Carolyn’s Posts.” I call these my “thought pieces.” You can sign up to receive them directly to your inbox!

Throughout Carolyn’s Nonprofit Blog, I share links to other experts and sources (more than 1,600 outside resources). They are provided for the sake of discussion, but do not necessarily represent endorsements. I do think including them makes my blog even more helpful and interesting, however. Photographs not taken by me, personally, are courtesy of Adobe.

Context Matters

Because each nonprofit organization is unique – as is each nonprofit professional – you should tailor your activities accordingly. I stand by the information I convey in Carolyn’s Nonprofit Blog. But you must always consider the context in which you are operating before applying new concepts.

Ethics

In all cases, professional ethics underpin my work. Please refer to the Ethical Fundraising section of the National Council of Nonprofits website for guidance and resources. As they suggest, I do not engage in percentage-based fundraising nor compensation. This is a commonly asked question. It is generally considered unethical to accept work and be compensated based on a percentage of funds raised. To do so suggests a critical misalignment whereby personal gain overshadows the nonprofit’s mission and the worthy project for which funding is being sought.

I also agree with the Apra Statement of Ethics that requires members to act with integrity and honesty, and to avoid any acts, omissions, or practices that could harm supporters, beneficiaries, your organization or the general public.

If you are seeking information about nonprofit training, credentials and more, see my Professional Development Resources page.

How I Work

I agree with the Dalai Lama, “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.” That is one reason I joined the nonprofit sector long ago. Belief in a worthy mission, one that embraces compassion for others, will ensure the survival of humanity.

I also believe in the acceptance of and respect for differences. I celebrate multiple approaches and points of view. I believe diversity – mental, physical, and cultural – inspires creativity and new approaches to solving society’s greatest challenges. Innovative approaches to nonprofit fundraising and communications – and a “can do” attitude – are hallmarks of my work. And everyone matters. Major gift fundraising is not just an “elitist” endeavor.

I work with people of all backgrounds, cultures, and political viewpoints. I believe you should never give up on a worthwhile idea. Having helped struggling nonprofits achieve significant goals, I know that rethinking a problem and sticking to the work at hand leads to success.

I believe kindness matters. As Aesop said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted” (Greek author, 620 BC – 564 BC).

Privacy

This blog is designed and hosted on WordPress. I am the sole owner, writer, designer and manager. To read the WordPress privacy statement, please follow this link. I do not share my email follower list with anyone.

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Looking for my social media links and other platform work? Follow the link to Linktr.ee.

Carolyn’s Nonprofit Blog is composed entirely by me free of charge as a public service. There are no other authors nor co-authors.

All rights reserved.