Nonprofits' Most Pressing Issues: The C-Level Exec’s Point of View

By Joe Boland

“Use strategy as the basis of your argument,” he added. “As far as application is concerned, your brand is not universal. What are our four or five audiences, and how do we communicate differently to each? Your branding and fundraising should be principles-based and outcome-based.”

Harrison added that donors want to understand your work and how it’s relevant to them. But that’s harder than it sounds. “Stop being arrogant and focusing on what’s important to us; focus on what’s important to donors,” Harrison said. “Are you going to give donors what they want, or what you want?”