Why We Give: Blog | Whywegive

Why We Give.net

A blog for nonprofit leaders featuring fresh voices and perspectives about the relational work of leadership that inspires abundant, sustainable, and meaningful philanthropy.

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Fundraising
Relational Work
Nonprofit Leadership

Apr 1
2 min

"Help! My Board Members Won't _____________."

Nearly 90% of nonprofit executive directors share some dissatisfaction with board members. They won’t help with fundraising, they meddle,...

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Before Dusting Off Your Strategic Plan...Do This First

Otto Reinisch

Mar 11
2 min

Before Dusting Off Your Strategic Plan...Do This First

The best nonprofit leaders did for us what strategic planning never could in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. They took risks, they...

36 views0 comments

2021: A Planned Giving Opportunity Unlike Any Other

Otto Reinisch

Jan 14
2 min

2021: A Planned Giving Opportunity Unlike Any Other

In 2021, nonprofit organizations – like yours – will receive more than $45 billion in charitable bequests. Isn’t it time to move past the...

11 views0 comments

Lessons from Ebeneezer Scrooge About What Your Donors [Really] Want This Christmas

Otto Reinisch

Dec 14, 2020
2 min

Lessons from Ebeneezer Scrooge About What Your Donors [Really] Want This Christmas

A Christmas morning encounter between Ebeneezer Scrooge and two solicitors provides powerful lessons about generosity and what donors...

5 views0 comments

From the Crucible: Your Journey Toward Values-Based Leadership

Otto Reinisch

Nov 30, 2020
3 min

From the Crucible: Your Journey Toward Values-Based Leadership

Here is an effective strategy every nonprofit leader can follow to become the dependable, inspired source of hope their organization needs.

9 views0 comments

Pandemic Update: Turning Chaos Into Meaningful Growth

Otto Reinisch

Oct 7, 2020
2 min

Pandemic Update: Turning Chaos Into Meaningful Growth

As nonprofit organizations adapted to a new reality, the danger was - and still is - in becoming something its leaders never intended.

11 views0 comments

Your Donors [Finally] Are Talking About Planned Giving. Here's How to Join Their Conversation

Otto Reinisch

Jul 28, 2020
3 min

Your Donors [Finally] Are Talking About Planned Giving. Here's How to Join Their Conversation

In the midst of today's COVID-19 pandemic, there’s never been a better – or easier – time to help your donors talk about estate planning.

21 views0 comments

Leading in Crisis: The 'New Work' of Nonprofit Boards (Part III)

Otto Reinisch

Jul 1, 2020
2 min

Leading in Crisis: The 'New Work' of Nonprofit Boards (Part III)

The final task in completing the ‘new work’ of nonprofit boards is to identify and monitor the critical indicators of meaningful success.

15 views0 comments

Leading in Crisis: The New Work of Nonprofit Boards [Part II]

Otto Reinisch

Jun 25, 2020
2 min

Leading in Crisis: The New Work of Nonprofit Boards [Part II]

Today’s challenges require nonprofit boards to re-think how precious, scarce resources can keep their organization relevant.

24 views0 comments

Leading in Crisis: The New Work of Nonprofit Boards [Part I]

Otto Reinisch

Jun 16, 2020
2 min

Leading in Crisis: The New Work of Nonprofit Boards [Part I]

Nonprofit organizations remain relevant only when they provide what matters to constituents. Make room for the new work of nonprofit boards.

46 views0 comments

Good News: Your Strategic Plan is Obsolete

Otto Reinisch

Jun 8, 2020
1 min

Good News: Your Strategic Plan is Obsolete

Starting Next Week: A new blog series will look at how the 'new work' of nonprofit boards will help organizations thrive in the 'new normal'

12 views0 comments

5 Best Practices for Saying "Thank You" After Giving Tuesday

Otto Reinisch

May 7, 2020
2 min

5 Best Practices for Saying "Thank You" After Giving Tuesday

5 Best Practices for saying thank you after Giving Tuesday to set your organization apart and win new friends over as regular donors.

63 views0 comments

A Kansas Farmer: The Power of Hope and Everyday Heroes

Otto Reinisch

May 1, 2020
2 min

A Kansas Farmer: The Power of Hope and Everyday Heroes

Today, be the leader who uses the power of story to inspire hope through the work of everyday heroes who show "humanity at its best".

26 views0 comments

Isolation, Loneliness, and a Leader's Greatest Challenge

Otto Reinisch

Apr 14, 2020
2 min

Isolation, Loneliness, and a Leader's Greatest Challenge

The opportunity for this generation of leaders is to discover how technology (social media) can be used to support face-to-face interaction.

78 views0 comments

Values are Forged in the Crucible of Crisis - Not the Boardroom

Otto Reinisch

Apr 2, 2020
3 min

Values are Forged in the Crucible of Crisis - Not the Boardroom

Values-based leadership begins when nonprofit boards discern values that ignite passion as they "open the door into the organization's soul"

35 views0 comments

How Nonprofit Leaders Build Trust in Times of Crisis

Otto Reinisch

Mar 27, 2020
3 min

How Nonprofit Leaders Build Trust in Times of Crisis

In the midst of uncertainty, here’s how nonprofit leaders become a reassuring ‘voice’ that earns the trust of their constituents.

35 views0 comments

A Special Message for Nonprofit Leaders in a Time of Uncertainty

Otto Reinisch

Mar 17, 2020
3 min

A Special Message for Nonprofit Leaders in a Time of Uncertainty

Today, the question for faith-based nonprofit leaders – now, as it always has been – is not IF your organization will survive, but HOW.

12 views0 comments

Do your gift acknowledgement letters do these three things?

Otto Reinisch

Mar 5, 2020
2 min

Do your gift acknowledgement letters do these three things?

The most important letter your donors receive is a timely, personalized gift acknowledgement letter. They accomplish these three things.

67 views0 comments

Be the Authentic Leader You're Called to Be

Otto Reinisch

Feb 24, 2020
2 min

Be the Authentic Leader You're Called to Be

Values-based leadership is guiding, often walking alongside, others in a discovery of the potential inside each of us.

37 views0 comments

Does Your Nonprofit Board Act More Like Owners...or, Stewards?

Otto Reinisch

Feb 17, 2020
2 min

Does Your Nonprofit Board Act More Like Owners...or, Stewards?

Truly great nonprofit boards make the most of their service by acting as faithful stewards of what is entrusted to them.

33 views0 comments

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