7 strategy errors you can’t afford.
A big donor once admitted why they don’t invest.
The reason might surprise you.
This institutional funder told me the most common problem isn’t the idea, pitch deck, or nonprofit leader. Instead, the number one reason they say no is when the organization has no plan to pull off its vision.
In other words, no clear strategy.
So your strategic plan can make or break your fundraising. And make or break your team’s ability to turn a theory of change into impact.
Avoid these 7 mistakes.
Your plan is your funding lifeline.
💪🏽💛
The daily bonus
As you think about nonprofit strategy, the first section of our strategic planning process at Mighty Ally is Team.
As in: first who, then what.
That’s why I loved this cheat sheet from Wouter Durville. ⤵
According to Patrick Lencioni, many teams are held back by 5 key issues.
Here's how you can turn these dysfunctions into functions:
1. Absence of trust
→ The issue: Teammates play it safe. Walls up. Masks on.
→ Flip it: Share stories. Get real. Let guards down.
2. Fear of conflict
→ The issue: It's all “yes” and there’s no challenge.
→ Flip it: Encourage debate. Cherish diverse opinions.
3. Lack of commitment
→ The issue: Nodding heads. Empty agreements.
→ Flip it: Voices heard. Decisions solid.
4. Avoidance of accountability
→ The issue: Missed goals. Finger-pointing.
→ Flip it: Set clear standards. Embrace feedback.
5. Inattention to results
→ The issue: Personal agendas. Team goals sidelined.
→ Flip it: Celebrate collective wins. Align ambitions.
Sneak peek
Coming up in tomorrow’s newsletter:
Creating content for fundraising is difficult.
But you might have enough already.