@jpoisner.bsky.social
Fundraisers: when you're asking people to donate, you're inviting them to feel happy. moneywise.com/news/top-sto...
Cornell researchers have found the secret to happiness and it only costs $400. Here’s how 1 simple exercise can lead to living a richer life
It's simpler than you might think.
moneywise.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Fundraisers: when you're asking people to donate, you're inviting them to feel happy. moneywise.com/news/top-sto...
This advice I originally shared in 2014 about the importance of teamwork for nonprofits is as true today as it was then.
www.poisner.com/articles/why...
www.poisner.com/articles/why...
Why Organizations Go Off Course Lesson 11 - Jonathan Poisner Strategic Consulting
Why Organizations Go Off Course Lesson 11: Focus on the Team March 2014 By Jonathan Poisner, www.poisner.com I’m in the process of writing a long article entitled: Why Organizations Go Off Course. The article details a series of lessons I learned while growing the Oregon League of Conservation Voters (OLCV), buttressed by my observations of […]
www.poisner.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:52 PM
This advice I originally shared in 2014 about the importance of teamwork for nonprofits is as true today as it was then.
www.poisner.com/articles/why...
www.poisner.com/articles/why...
In case you missed it, my October email newsletter, complete with scary nonprofit quotes.
mailchi.mp/poisner/help...
mailchi.mp/poisner/help...
Helping Organizations Thrive
Check out my latest e-newsletter, Helping Organizations Thrive.
mailchi.mp
November 4, 2025 at 6:11 PM
In case you missed it, my October email newsletter, complete with scary nonprofit quotes.
mailchi.mp/poisner/help...
mailchi.mp/poisner/help...
In honor of Halloween, the 4th edition of Scary Nonprofit Quotes. www.poisner.com/2025/10/scar...
Scary Nonprofit Quotes 2025 - Jonathan Poisner Strategic Consulting
October 31, 2025 For the last few years (with one exception), I’ve taken time to compile some of the scariest nonprofit quotes I’ve heard in the last year and sharing these spooky statements with my a...
www.poisner.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:50 PM
In honor of Halloween, the 4th edition of Scary Nonprofit Quotes. www.poisner.com/2025/10/scar...
Let's be clear: they are following the Nazi playbook. www.nytimes.com/1939/02/04/a...
Goebbels Ends Careers of Five 'Aryan' Actors Who Made Witticisms About the Nazi Regime (Published 1939)
www.nytimes.com
September 18, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Let's be clear: they are following the Nazi playbook. www.nytimes.com/1939/02/04/a...
What happens immediately after a fundraising ask? www.poisner.com/2025/09/afte...
After the ask - Jonathan Poisner Strategic Consulting
What happens following the ask during a donor meeting. Here's a practical guide.
www.poisner.com
September 18, 2025 at 6:13 PM
What happens immediately after a fundraising ask? www.poisner.com/2025/09/afte...
My September email newsletter, including an article about what happens AFTER a fundraising ask. mailchi.mp/poisner/help...
Helping Organizations Thrive
Check out my latest e-newsletter, Helping Organizations Thrive.
mailchi.mp
September 17, 2025 at 9:12 PM
My September email newsletter, including an article about what happens AFTER a fundraising ask. mailchi.mp/poisner/help...
In the war against cancer, Trump and his Republican lackeys stand firmly on the pro-cancer side. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/14/m...
Trump Is Shutting Down the War On Cancer
www.nytimes.com
September 16, 2025 at 8:25 PM
In the war against cancer, Trump and his Republican lackeys stand firmly on the pro-cancer side. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/14/m...
Some thoughts I have about using a Funding Needs document instead of a budget with potential major donors. www.poisner.com/2025/09/need...
Needs versus budget fundraising - Jonathan Poisner Strategic Consulting
Another consultant recently reminded me of a concept that’s been implicit in fundraising materials I’ve generated for clients, but that I’ve never written about. The concept: the needs you present don...
www.poisner.com
September 10, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Some thoughts I have about using a Funding Needs document instead of a budget with potential major donors. www.poisner.com/2025/09/need...
Stop with the jargon and acronyms. Full stop. www.philanthropy.com/commons/phil...
Word Jumble: When Nonprofits Talk Fancy, America Tunes Out
Our language is packed with elite-sounding jargon. It is ineffective — and dangerous — amid today’s heightened distrust of institutions and growing hostility to the sector.
www.philanthropy.com
September 8, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Stop with the jargon and acronyms. Full stop. www.philanthropy.com/commons/phil...
I know too many younger people writing fundraising appeals for nonprofits who don't get the necessity of designing for the eyes of older donors (which is probably most of their donors!). Here's some excellent guidance from Lisa Sargent on the topic. sofii.org/article/how-...
How to write for your most generous eyes and hands
The SOFII collection aims to be the most comprehensive, best organised, and most inspiring collection of fundraising related content from around the world.
sofii.org
September 5, 2025 at 6:11 PM
I know too many younger people writing fundraising appeals for nonprofits who don't get the necessity of designing for the eyes of older donors (which is probably most of their donors!). Here's some excellent guidance from Lisa Sargent on the topic. sofii.org/article/how-...
Florida: Let's make communicable diseases great again! www.cnn.com/2025/09/03/h... #GOPIdiots #Lunaticsincharge
Florida plans to end vaccine mandates statewide | CNN
Florida will move to end all vaccine mandates in the state, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced Wednesday.
www.cnn.com
September 3, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Florida: Let's make communicable diseases great again! www.cnn.com/2025/09/03/h... #GOPIdiots #Lunaticsincharge
Nonprofit lesson of the week: don't let your board focus on magic pots of money. www.poisner.com/articles/why... #Fundraising #Nonprofits #Boards
Why Organizations Go Off Course Lesson 8 - Jonathan Poisner Strategic Consulting
Why Organizations Go Off Course — Lesson 8: Don’t Pursue Magic Pots of Money July 2013 By Jonathan Poisner, www.poisner.com I’m in the process of writing a long article entitled: Why Organizations Go ...
www.poisner.com
September 3, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Nonprofit lesson of the week: don't let your board focus on magic pots of money. www.poisner.com/articles/why... #Fundraising #Nonprofits #Boards
Are you a fan of both board games and nonprofits? Check out this article I just wrote with lessons for nonprofits from one of my favorite board games, Wingspan. www.poisner.com/2025/08/wing...
Wingspan lessons for nonprofit leaders - Jonathan Poisner Strategic Consulting
Four years ago, I wrote about Ticket to Ride, a board game I had become “addicted to” during the pandemic. My article identified lessons from playing the game that could be applied to nonprofit leade...
www.poisner.com
August 29, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Are you a fan of both board games and nonprofits? Check out this article I just wrote with lessons for nonprofits from one of my favorite board games, Wingspan. www.poisner.com/2025/08/wing...
My August edition of Helping Organizations Thrive, including a special article about lessons nonprofits can learn by playing the game Wingspan. mailchi.mp/poisner/help...
Helping Organizations Thrive
Check out my latest e-newsletter, Helping Organizations Thrive.
mailchi.mp
August 28, 2025 at 5:12 PM
My August edition of Helping Organizations Thrive, including a special article about lessons nonprofits can learn by playing the game Wingspan. mailchi.mp/poisner/help...
The dismantling of the CDC and it being turned into another weapon in RFK Jr's long war against vaccines is a tragedy that will play out over decades with hundreds of thousands of deaths and countless more unnecessary hospitalizations/serious illnesses. www.reuters.com/business/hea...
US CDC chief exits after weeks in role, three top officials resign
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez has left the agency less than a month after being sworn in, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed on Wednesday, and three senior officials have resigned.
www.reuters.com
August 27, 2025 at 11:30 PM
The dismantling of the CDC and it being turned into another weapon in RFK Jr's long war against vaccines is a tragedy that will play out over decades with hundreds of thousands of deaths and countless more unnecessary hospitalizations/serious illnesses. www.reuters.com/business/hea...
Eight traits that nonprofit boards should look for in an Exec. Director. In my experience, these traits are just as important as experience in determining who will help an organization thrive. What traits am I missing from the list? #Nonprofits www.poisner.com/2012/06/nonp...
Nonprofit leadership traits - Jonathan Poisner Strategic Consulting
In doing their hiring processes, most boards focus on what skills they want their Executive Director to have. In my experience, it’s equally if not more important to identify the traits or personality...
www.poisner.com
August 18, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Eight traits that nonprofit boards should look for in an Exec. Director. In my experience, these traits are just as important as experience in determining who will help an organization thrive. What traits am I missing from the list? #Nonprofits www.poisner.com/2012/06/nonp...
Does your nonprofit waste time rehashing past decisions? Here's why that's a problem and some steps you can take to address it. www.poisner.com/articles/why...
Why Organizations Go Off Course Lesson 6: Don't Rehash Past Decisions - Jonathan Poisner Strategic Consulting
Why Organizations Go Off Course — Lesson 6: Don’t Rehash Past Decisions January 2013 By Jonathan Poisner, www.poisner.com I’m in the process of writing a long article entitled: Why Organizations Go Of...
www.poisner.com
August 14, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Does your nonprofit waste time rehashing past decisions? Here's why that's a problem and some steps you can take to address it. www.poisner.com/articles/why...
Here's an update to a 2023 blog I wrote with lessons for nonprofits from home remodeling. www.poisner.com/2023/01/home...
Home Remodeling Lessons for Nonprofits - UPDATED - Jonathan Poisner Strategic Consulting
What does house remodeling have to teach us about nonprofit leadership? Quite a lot, it turns out.
www.poisner.com
August 11, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Here's an update to a 2023 blog I wrote with lessons for nonprofits from home remodeling. www.poisner.com/2023/01/home...
I walked 10.3 miles today for Oregon Shores' Surf and Sand Virtual Walk and Run! I created this video about why I did this. Your donations to defend Oregon's coastal ecosystems and communities would be very much appreciated. (Apologies for the funky editing). givebutter.com/Surf_Sun/jon...
Surf & Sun Virtual Walk & Run 2025
Step up for coastal conservation
givebutter.com
August 9, 2025 at 10:22 PM
I walked 10.3 miles today for Oregon Shores' Surf and Sand Virtual Walk and Run! I created this video about why I did this. Your donations to defend Oregon's coastal ecosystems and communities would be very much appreciated. (Apologies for the funky editing). givebutter.com/Surf_Sun/jon...
An always important reminder for nonprofit staff and board: don't lose touch with your deeper purpose. www.poisner.com/articles/why...
Why Organizations Go Off Course: Lesson 3 - Jonathan Poisner Strategic Consulting
Why Organizations Go Off Course — Lesson 3: Don’t Lose Touch with your Deeper Purpose July 2012 By Jonathan Poisner, www.poisner.com I’m in the process of writing a long article entitled: Why Organiza...
www.poisner.com
August 7, 2025 at 10:37 PM
An always important reminder for nonprofit staff and board: don't lose touch with your deeper purpose. www.poisner.com/articles/why...
Nonprofiteers: Looking for new ideas for your organization? I've written more than a dozen reviews of books that relate to various aspects of nonprofits. You may wish to check them out and then get ahold of one or more of the books that look to be helpful. www.poisner.com/articles/rev...
Reviews - Jonathan Poisner Strategic Consulting
What Your Donors Want and Why, by Tom Ahern (reviewed July 2025) Ahern came to my attention because I somehow got on his email list, which he uses to send fairly over-the-top emails aimed at pitching ...
www.poisner.com
August 6, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Nonprofiteers: Looking for new ideas for your organization? I've written more than a dozen reviews of books that relate to various aspects of nonprofits. You may wish to check them out and then get ahold of one or more of the books that look to be helpful. www.poisner.com/articles/rev...
Fundraisers: I recently reviewed Tom Ahern's book, What Your Donors Want and Why. It was chock full of practical tips. Check out my review for some highlights. www.poisner.com/articles/rev...
Book Review: What Your Donors Want and Why (Ahern) - Jonathan Poisner Strategic Consulting
At least once per year, I tried to do something that will help refresh my thinking when it comes to fundraising. I found that recently when reading What Donors Want and Why (2019) by Tom Ahern. Aher...
www.poisner.com
July 31, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Fundraisers: I recently reviewed Tom Ahern's book, What Your Donors Want and Why. It was chock full of practical tips. Check out my review for some highlights. www.poisner.com/articles/rev...
On Aug. 9th, I'm walking 10 miles on Portland's Wildwood Trail for Oregon Shores Surf & Sand Virtual Walk & Run. I'm seeking at least 20 people who'll match my $25 summer 2025 donation to Oregon Shores so as to help fuel their conservation advocacy for Oregon's coast. givebutter.com/Surf_Sun/jon...
Surf & Sun Virtual Walk & Run 2025
Step up for coastal conservation
givebutter.com
July 30, 2025 at 6:01 PM
On Aug. 9th, I'm walking 10 miles on Portland's Wildwood Trail for Oregon Shores Surf & Sand Virtual Walk & Run. I'm seeking at least 20 people who'll match my $25 summer 2025 donation to Oregon Shores so as to help fuel their conservation advocacy for Oregon's coast. givebutter.com/Surf_Sun/jon...
Something I wrote up last week on varying approaches to making strategic decisions by using various quadrant tools (importance-urgency, impact-effort, or impact-achievability). www.poisner.com/2025/07/thre...
Three quadrant tools for being strategic - Jonathan Poisner Strategic Consulting
About a decade ago, I posted a blog that suggested how to apply a matrix approach in organizational decision-making. The blog examined a time-management technique originally generated by Stephen Covey...
www.poisner.com
July 28, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Something I wrote up last week on varying approaches to making strategic decisions by using various quadrant tools (importance-urgency, impact-effort, or impact-achievability). www.poisner.com/2025/07/thre...