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4 Ways Outsourcing Your Development Work Can Provide Value

4 Ways Outsourcing Your Development Work Can Provide Value

Three Nonprofit Leaders Share the Benefits of Enlisting Outside Support for Development Assistance By: Melissa Lagowski CEO/Founder/Queen Bee Big Buzz Idea Group For nonprofits with a small development department—or perhaps none at all—outsourcing is a valuable option. In our work at Big Buzz, we provide support with fundraising, events, communications, database management, marketing and more, offering a deeply impactful value to nonprofit organizations. But you don’t have to take our word for it. This month, we talked to three client partners to hear (directly from them) about the value they saw in outsourcing development work. Here are the main benefits...

Time to Assess Your Year-End Campaigns

Time to Assess Your Year-End Campaigns

By: Sarah Pollock Nonprofit Account Manager Big Buzz Idea Group In the last quarter of what has been a very unpredictable year, everyone is fighting with full force towards their year-end campaigns. With a drastic change in the economy, this year has included more asks and more widespread campaigning from nonprofits, and funding sources, themselves, have to be as strategic as the askers. Though workloads have increased, sifting through donor lists and segmenting campaign asks – tasks which always seem to end up on the back burner as tedious and time-consuming – need to become your immediate goal. The development strategy needs to face three questions: How many donor lists do you currently have? How many times has each donor been asked for a...

Financial Planning for Uncertain Times

Financial Planning for Uncertain Times

By: Melissa Lagowski CEO/Founder/Queen Bee Big Buzz Idea Group Does your organization have a reserve fund? According to an annual survey conducted by the National Council of Nonprofits, less than 25% of the survey participants had six months of reserves. The majority had less than three months of operating reserves, and 10% had less than 30 days cash on hand. Many nonprofit organizations have budgets that have them eking through the year with a minimal surplus or worse yet, a financial loss. Why any board member would disregard fiduciary responsibilities and approve a negative budget is beyond me, but that...

Virtual Fundraising: 18 Ideas for Nonprofit Revenue

Virtual Fundraising: 18 Ideas for Nonprofit Revenue

By: Melissa Lagowski CEO/Founder/Queen Bee Big Buzz Idea Group COVID-19 has wreaked havoc with nonprofit organizations this year, and many organizations have been forced to cancel or postpone their fundraising initiatives. We have seen organizations focus on their individual giving campaigns, and we have heard some greatly inspiring stories about donors who have really stepped up for causes close to their hearts. But on the other side, there are also many NPOs that are not traditional 501c3 organizations. Many of these other organizations do not have access to grants, donations or governmental funding, so what are they to do during...

Big Buzz Has COVID-19 Resources For You!

Big Buzz Has COVID-19 Resources For You!

Many of our partners have been working tirelessly to provide relevant and valuable information to help various nonprofit organizations navigate the ever-changing waters regarding COVID-19. Forefront COVID-19 Resource Page  COVID-19 Response Funds Network for Good COVID-19 Resources National Council of Nonprofits COVID-19 Resource Page Bloomerang COVID-19 Resource Page Council of Nonprofits Resources Financial and Strategic Preparedness for COVID-19 Webinar Center for Disaster Philanthropy COVID-19 Arts Community Resources Northstar Meetings Group – How to Monetize Virtual Events   We will continue to update this page as more and more resources become available. Thank you to everyone for their hard work in...

Why You Need to Establish Gratitude as a Pillar at Your Nonprofit

Why You Need to Establish Gratitude as a Pillar at Your Nonprofit

By: Melissa Lagowski Founder, CEO and Queen Bee, Big Buzz Idea Group With Thanksgiving upon us, it seems like everyone is talking about gratitude. (To be fair, it’s always top of mind around here-gratitude is one of our core values at Big Buzz!) Is there anything better than feeling appreciated? For nonprofits, acknowledging the contributions of those people directly tied to your organization is important. A simple, inspirational gesture of appreciation cultivates a sense of community, generosity and support for your mission. WHO to Thank Think about all of the people who are a part of your organization. They keep...

To Be Successful, Nonprofits and Associations Must Be Forward-Thinking

To Be Successful, Nonprofits and Associations Must Be Forward-Thinking

By: Melissa Lagowski Founder, CEO and Queen Bee, Big Buzz Idea Group “Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” ~Albert Einstein Do you feel like your organization is in a rut? Does it seem like no matter what you do, your budget hasn’t seen growth and programs don’t expand as you had anticipated? Are you still struggling with staffing shortages or failing to fill those seats on the Board with engaged leaders? It is not uncommon for nonprofit organizations to rollover their same plan from year to year, but the reality is that if you...

Spend Less. Do More. Your Guide to Effective Outsourcing

Spend Less. Do More. Your Guide to Effective Outsourcing

By: Melissa Lagowski President, Founder and Queen Bee, Big Buzz Idea Group When I first became an Executive Director, I was so excited! I couldn’t wait to roll up my sleeves and dig into the work to make my organization and the community prosper and thrive. But it didn’t take long to realize that running an organization as a team of one was exhausting, though I couldn’t fully understand why the task seemed so daunting. After many years, as I reflect on my first nonprofit role, it now seems so clear: executive directors are expected to wear many hats. How...

Fundraising: Creating a Straighter Path to Revenue Growth

Fundraising: Creating a Straighter Path to Revenue Growth

By Guest Blogger: Sherry Quam Taylor Consultant, QuamTaylor LLC Nonprofit organizations are often staffed with sacrificial leaders striving hard toward achieving admirable missions, full of passion and great ideas to make an even greater impact in the world. At the same time, many are struggling to grow beyond their initial successes. Research indicates that 74% of the 1.4 million charitable organizations registered in the U.S. never reach the $500,000 mark in revenue, and most of these never hire more than five employees (Source: Urban Institute’s Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy). This begs the question: Why is the $500,000 mark such...

Check Out These Recent Posts

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  • Employee Retention Tax Credit Yields Powerful Opportunity
  • Client Spotlight: Illinois Theatre Association
  • The 3 Mistakes I Made Managing a Nonprofit

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Insights Blog Archive

  • Client Spotlight: Hope For The Day
  • Board Nominating: A Better Way
  • Tips for Virtual Event Success
  • How to Rewire Your Brain with Positive Thinking
  • Re-Imagine the Possibilities to Better Serve Your Mission
  • Fundraising: Creating a Straighter Path to Revenue Growth
  • Boost Your Daily Productivity
  • Four Pillars to Attracting and Retaining Ideal Employees
  • 6 Tips for Healthy Collaboration with Your Board Chair
  • Big Buzz Idea Group Launches Additional Services
  • Leadership Starts with You
  • 4 Ways Outsourcing Your Development Work Can Provide Value
  • To Be Successful, Nonprofits and Associations Must Be Forward-Thinking
  • Are You Leaving Money On The Table?
  • Does Your Mission Have a Compelling Voice?
  • Meet Big Buzz, the Creators of Ribfest Chicago
  • Conference Call Hero – 6 Tips to Master the Art of Video and Audio Conferencing
  • The Taxman Cometh (Yes, Even For Your Exempt Organization)
  • Cross-Train Your Team for Better Outcomes
  • Tips to Ensure Event Safety
  • Life After COVID-19: Next Steps for Your Nonprofit
  • 3 Reasons Why Your Organization Should Use Canva
  • Something Good: Building Your Team’s Connection
  • Team Culture Exists Beyond the Office Walls
  • Tips For Meaningful #GivingTuesday Follow-Up
  • 5 Secrets to Streamlining Your Administrative Tasks
  • 4 Productivity Tips to Elevate Your Nonprofit
  • Want To Retain Your Employees? Wellness in the Workplace Matters!
  • 6 Tips for Cultivating Gratitude in the Workplace
  • Outsourcing: The Only Solution To Staffing Shortages
  • How to Manage Your Organization During an Election Year Without Violating Your Nonprofit Status
  • Word of the Year: Manifestation
  • Crisis Management: Are You Ready?
  • 5 Reasons to Outsource Instead of Rely on Volunteers
  • Silver Linings Discovered Amidst a Pandemic
  • 2020: A Lesson in Gratitude
  • Chart a Path for Nonprofit Success
  • 10 Tips to Cultivate Sponsor Relationships
  • Time to Assess Your Year-End Campaigns
  • Lessons Learned in Nonprofit Management
  • Making a Case for Strategic Planning
  • 6 Tips for Recruiting Ideal Board Members
  • Nonprofit Event Venues 101
  • Four Step Process to Building Better Buy-In
  • The Hidden Costs Behind Your Fundraiser
  • Should You Ever Cover Board Member Expenses?
  • Optimize Your Contact List for Nonprofit Growth
  • The Compelling Case to Renew
  • Leveraging E-Newsletters For Nonprofit Growth
  • Seven Tips to a More Productive Year for Your Organization
  • Spend Less. Do More. Your Guide to Effective Outsourcing
  • New Year’s Resolutions for Board Members
  • How To Secure More Donor Dollars
  • How to Keep Your Visuals On-Brand
  • Put Some Zing in Your Zoom (Or Any Other Virtual Meeting)
  • How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media to Meet Goals
  • Interim Directors Provide Strength in Times of Transition
  • 9 Lessons Learned from Our First Virtual Conference
  • SPONSORSHIP 101: Growing Nonprofit Revenues
  • Transparency and Nonprofit Organizations
  • Networking for Personal and Professional Growth
  • Clearer Communication Is the Secret to Better Outcomes
  • Engage Your Board – Start with Recruiting and End with A High-Performance Culture
  • Keep Your Mission in Mind to Maximize Results
  • The 3 Mistakes I Made Managing a Nonprofit
  • Promotion Ideas to Benefit Your Nonprofit – Part II
  • Fostering Board Engagement in Virtual Times
  • Why Nonprofits Need to Evaluate Their Budgets Every Year
  • 3 Questions to Ask If You Hope to Grow Your Membership
  • Big Buzz Has COVID-19 Resources For You!
  • 50 Content Promotion Tactics: How to Drive Traffic to Your Next Article
  • Financial Planning for Uncertain Times
  • Board or Bored Leadership – Enter the Magnificent Seven
  • Becoming a Virtual Event Planner in an Instant
  • Holding On When You Feel Like Throwing In the Towel
  • Why Is My Organization Not Growing?
  • Should Sponsorships Include Membership Dues?
  • Goal-Setting For Successful Events
  • Four Tactics to Resolve Nonprofit Staffing Shortages
  • A Job Gone Wrong
  • Post-Pandemic Event Lessons
  • How to Develop Your Nonprofit’s Audience Persona
  • Organic Methods to Cultivate Sponsorship Leads
  • The Birth of a New Vision
  • Employee Retention Tax Credit Yields Powerful Opportunity
  • Grateful for Nonprofit Leaders
  • How to Secure Mega Sponsorships For Your Fundraising Event!
  • Celebrate You and Avoid Nonprofit Burnout
  • Why Identifying and Communicating Your Core Values Is Important
  • 7 Tips for Managing Hybrid Events
  • Please Send a Hi-res Copy of Your Logo
  • DIY Event Photos
  • Why Your Nonprofit Needs Brand Guidelines
  • Fresh Funding Ideas Are Blooming
  • How to Hire a Consultant
  • Why You Need to Establish Gratitude as a Pillar at Your Nonprofit
  • Cyber Security: How To Protect Yourself In Today’s “Connected” World
  • The Benefits of Outsourcing
  • Never Overlook the Value of Gratitude
  • Cancelling or Postponing Your Events in Light of COVID-19
  • 3 Tips For Maintaining Your NPO’s Digital Assets
  • Our Top Five Free Online Tools for Nonprofit Management Teams
  • Real Progress Requires Intention: What Do You Want to Achieve in 2020 for Your Nonprofit?
  • Budgeting for Your Nonprofit in Uncertain Times
  • Is Your Marketing Missing the Mark?
  • Make Your Nonprofit Stand Out: Creating Impressions for Impact
  • Talk to Me! Prioritizing Internal Communications During Times of Transition
  • 5 Tips for Prioritizing Your Mental Health in the Workplace
  • The Need to Go Beyond Surveys
  • Client Spotlight: Cyberjutsu
  • If You’re Feeling Hopeless of Late, Remember That Your Work Matters and You Do, Too
  • Client Spotlight: Illinois Theatre Association
  • Securing Help from Your Board: Are You Ready?
  • Nonprofit Form 990: Friend or Foe?
  • The Board’s Hot (Summer) Topics
  • Self-Care: A Necessity for Successful Leadership
  • Organizational Operations Versus Organizational Strategy
  • Communication Tips to Advance Your Organization
  • Take Time to Evaluate Your Events
  • SPONSORSHIP 101: To Package or Not to Package
  • 11 Tips to Make Your Newsletter More Readable
  • Defining Your Value: Reclaiming Relevance to the Community You Serve
  • What’s Your Nonprofit’s Story
  • Innovative Approach to Volunteer Recruitment
  • 5 Ways to Generate Sponsor Leads
  • Promotion Ideas to Benefit Your Nonprofit – Part I
  • Virtual Fundraising: 18 Ideas for Nonprofit Revenue
  • Implementing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Your Nonprofit

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