Columns Fundraising

What would a first-time visitor notice about your organization today?

Columns Principal and Partner, Scott Sikes, shares why a "Summertime Spruce Up" can make a lasting impression on both those you serve and those who support your mission. (It’s also a great way to engage your board members!)

Summertime Spruce Up No matter how large or small your nonprofit (or for-profit) organization's facility or facilities are, summertime is a great time to approach your organization's facilities with a fresh set of eyes. Imagine walking or driving to your facility/facilities as if you're a newcomer.

BOARDROOM BASICS: Recruit The Right Leaders

Columns Fundraising Partner Mark Wilkison shares:
“Your organization is only as good as the board that surrounds it, so it’s imperative that you recruit the best and the brightest.”

If your board isn’t engaged, don’t just ask:
“How do we motivate them?”

Ask instead:
Did we recruit people who were ready to lead?

Because donors don’t just invest in a mission.
They invest in leadership.

Need help strengthening your board and fundraising foundation? Columns can help you define clear expectations and recruit the right leaders. Learn more at ColumnsFundraising.com.

We’re pleased to welcome Jason Chandler to Columns Fundraising.

Jason brings 25 years of leadership experience across philanthropy in higher education, hospital systems, and health and human services. Most recently, he served as President of the Gwinnett Hospital System Foundation for 17 years, leading fundraising efforts that supported major initiatives for Northside Hospital in Gwinnett County - including bringing open-heart surgery to the county and expanding services in cancer care, NICU, graduate medical education, and advanced medical technology.

Over the course of his career, Jason has helped secure more than $100 million in philanthropic commitments and has held leadership fundraising roles at Belmont University and Emory University’s School of Medicine. A graduate of the University of Tennessee with a master’s in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, he is also deeply engaged in his community, serving in leadership and board roles with several local organizations.

Outside of work, Jason is a family man, longtime drummer, fisherman, and self-described lover of history, creative writing, and all things space-related.

Jason shared, “I’m excited to join Columns because of the team’s wise counsel, real-world experience, strong values, and real commitment to making a difference. We all want to make the world we share a better place. I look forward to contributing, continuing to learn, and helping elevate the practice of philanthropy.”

Please join us in welcoming Jason to the Columns team!

BOARDROOM BASICS: Make Expectations Clear

If you want a stronger board, start with clear expectations.

Columns Fundraising Principal and Partner Mark Wilkison notes, “First and foremost, a prospective board member needs to know how much it’s going to cost him or her. Have a job description for every board member, and put it all in writing. When board members understand what’s expected - time, giving, and involvement - it cuts down on disappointment on both sides.”

Practically, try creating a clear Roles & Responsibilities document (aka board member contract), including:

✅ term length and renewal limits
✅ meeting attendance expectations
✅ committee expectations
✅ board giving expectations
✅ fundraising involvement expectations

Need help crafting a board member job description? Our consultants are here to guide you as you build a better boardroom. Visit Columnsfundraising.com to get in touch.