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INSPIRATIONAL TRAINING
Articles, Videos, Podcasts
Keep up with the latest trends with practical and inspirational content about topics like leadership, fundraising, organizational development, board engagement, governance, capacity building, and much, much more. You'll also find content about how to find and work with the best nonprofit board retreat/training facilitator, or the best strategic planning facilitator so your day is a resounding success.
For the podcasts, use your favorite podcast player and search for the title names.
Tom's Blog
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Why Forcing Board Members to Ask for Money Is a Terrible Fundraising Strategy
Fundraising: Should Board Members be Required to Raise Money? In the next few minutes, I want you to read about a common—and deeply flawed—fundraising practice: forcing board members to ask people for money.
We’ve all seen it. A give-or-get policy.A fundraising quota.A subtle (or not-so-subtle) push for every board member to “make the ask.”
It sounds reasonable on paper.In practice, it’s a disaster. Learn more about why now!
Why Face-to-Face Fundraising is More Effective than Grants and Galas for Small Nonprofits
Why is Face-to-Face Fundraising is More Effective than Grants and Galas for Small Nonprofits.
Most small nonprofits spend less than 10% of their time raising money in face-to-face settings, yet 65% of all money raised comes from this fundraising channel.
How much time are you spending?
Learn how you can do more face-to-face fundraising now!
When Your Nonprofit Hits an Avalanche Wash (experiences a disaster)
When Your Nonprofit Hits an Avalanche Wash (experiences a disaster).
Hey, bad things happen at nonprofits. So when the avalanche of disaster strikes, it may be a surprise, but if you're strong, you'll survive and may even find that some good comes of it.
Learn how to deal with it here!
The True Value of Volunteers: The Most Underrated Asset in Your Nonprofit
The True Value of Volunteers: The Most Underrated Asset in Your Nonprofit.
When you strip a nonprofit down to its essentials, you’re left with just three things that actually get the work done:
Board members, Staff, Volunteers. That’s it.
And yet, of those three, volunteers are often the most undervalued—and the most powerful—asset a nonprofit has.
Learn how to make them your most valuable asset now!
Why Fundraising is a Lot Like Fly Fishing
Fly Fish for donors! Yes—you should absolutely fish for big donors.
But it’s also just as fun—and just as important—to fish for small donors.
Because small donors have a funny habit of turning into big donors over time.
Step Back and Look at the Big Picture of Your Nonprofit
As a nonprofit, it's easy to get stuck in the weeds because we are managing so many things with so few resources. But just as important as those little details are, it's also important to focus on big picture things too. What are they? Learn more now!
Why Listening to Your Beneficiaries Is the Key to Real Impact
Listen Closely to Your Donors and Clients. Why?
So many times, nonprofits assume they already know what people need. We design programs based on good intentions, past experience, or internal conversations—and then we push those solutions out into the world.
But here’s the truth:
We don’t always know what people need unless we ask them.
And more importantly, unless we listen. Learn more now!
Cloudburst: A Rainmaker’s Guide to Fearless Fundraising and Exceptional Donor Stewardship by Tom Iselin
Tom's New Book on Fundraising -- "Cloudburst."
Why I Wrote Cloudburst .
After decades of building nonprofits, raising tens of millions of dollars, and working alongside boards, staff, and donors of every size, I saw a recurring problem:
Too many good organizations struggle—not because their missions aren’t worthy, but because their fundraising systems are broken, outdated, or fear-driven.
Cloudburst was written to change that.
Learn more now!
Wonder More About Your Wonders
It's been said, "There is no shortage of wonders, just shortage of wonder." We often focus on all the troubling things going on at our nonprofits. Take some time to focus on the good. Learn more now!
Even on the Coldest Days, Learn to Enjoy the Process
Sometimes you’re going to be cold.
Sometimes you might literally have a cold. Sometimes you’re tired. Sometimes you’re run down. Sometimes you’re staring at a full calendar and wondering how you’re going to get through the day.
Yet, you still show up. Why? Learn more now!
That’s real life.That’s real work.
Nonprofit leadership isn’t always inspiring moments and big wins.
It’s Great to Be Back at The Hunger Coalition
The Hunger Coalition -- Fond Memories!
Coming back to The Hunger Coalition feels surreal—in the best way. I can’t believe how much this place has grown.
We used to operate out of the basement of a bank in Ketchum. Now we have a massive warehouse that serves thousands of families across the Wood River Valley. Learn more now!
Improve Work Productivity -- Relax More!
Improve Work Productivity -- Relax More!
I’m not here just to talk about hot springs or cold rivers.
I’m here because I want to encourage you to slow down.
To step away from work.To stop thinking about everything on your to-do list.To take time to relax and reset.
Why? It will help you regain perspective, restore energy, protect your passion, and avoid burnout!
Learn more now!
Take Time to Relax
1:29. Find time out of your busy day to relax. Put away your To-Do list, get out of the office, and do something that will stoke your energy and passion. Additional Resources: Articles Finding the Best Strategic Planning Facilitator – 7 Things to Look For Find the Best Board Develop Facilitator and Trainer - 9 Things to Look For Best Board Retreat and Strategic Planning Facilitation: Checklist for Hosting the Best Board Retreat and Strategic Planning Session Ever! Tom's Bo
Why Praise and Gratitude Matter More Than Ever for Your Volunteers
Volunteers -- Show them Praise and Gratitude!
Volunteers are nonprofit gold. They provide time, money, expertise, and influence. It's important to show them you care, or they might leave to help a nonprofit down the block.
Learn how to show more praise and gratitude now!
Relax, Mediate, Chill Out to Improve Work Productivity
Improve Work Productivity.
You need to take care of yourself in order to do the noble work in front of you. Make quality time for you and your family. Learn more now!
Want to Make Inspired Change? Then Let's Talk Today!
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