Posted on Wednesday, 13th January 2010 by chris wignall

When I began work in my role at Catalyst one of the things I was told about representing a donor was “You’ll never pay for lunch and no one will tell you the truth.” My experience so far largely contradicts both of those points, but there have been some exceptions. I’m usually quite happy to [...]

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Posted on Monday, 21st December 2009 by chris wignall

This is the time of year when the majority of charities are scrambling to get last minute donations from donors before the end of the calendar year. While most North Americans are trying to enjoy a little extra time off, many Executive Directors, Development Officers, and CEOs are spending hours trying to access and accomodate [...]

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Posted on Tuesday, 15th December 2009 by chris wignall

Thanks to the good folks at Strive: We encourage each of you to assess how long you ought to stay on the board.  Here are some questions and a rating system to help you decide. Use the following questions to honestly rate yourself from 0 to 5 (with 5 representing a firm ‘yes’ response and [...]

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Posted on Saturday, 12th December 2009 by chris wignall

What a great idea!! Playpumps International has come up with a way for African villages to access desperately needed clean water by rigging a pump with a children’s merry-go-round. As the children laugh and play together they provide life-giving water for their entire community. The perfect photo op is so many ways. It even gathered [...]

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Posted on Tuesday, 8th December 2009 by chris wignall

When I work with students in our high school leadership program one of the things we talk about at some length is the challenge of figuring out the context in which each of us can be at our best; and how to respond when reality doesn’t match our ideal. The thing that truly excellent mentors [...]

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Posted on Wednesday, 7th October 2009 by chris wignall

Once a year, at a conference for foundation leaders, I get to have breakfast with Fred Smith Jr. He is one of the clearest thinkers, most generous mentors, and best connected leaders I’ve been spoiled to connect with. Breakfast with Fred is a highlight for me every spring. Breakfast with Fred is also the name [...]

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Posted on Tuesday, 29th September 2009 by chris wignall

Again this week I’ve had conversations about the need for charities to find new ways to generate revenue. I really believe that if we can’t find our way past being entirely dependant on donors we are putting our future at risk. During a meeting last night one strong leader referred to the idea that non-profits [...]

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Posted on Tuesday, 29th September 2009 by chris wignall

In a couple hours I’m meeting with about 100 high school students inviting them to join in our Leadership Program where they’ll be challenged to discover, explore, and take action on their dreams of doing good for others. I really love the time I get to spend with tenagers in this program. One of the [...]

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Posted on Friday, 18th September 2009 by chris wignall

I just got home from a meeting with young adults who are considering how to become more involved in the work of Opportunity International. It was the first gathering for the group and I am really excited about what could emerge from this. Opportunity is ahead of the curve simply by acknowledging the value and [...]

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Posted on Tuesday, 15th September 2009 by chris wignall

A: CHANGE?!?!?!? (Feel free to substitute your favourite denomination, political affiliation, corporate entity, nonprofit organization, or other suitable target where Baptists appears in the title). Change is both difficult and inevitable. At the Willow Creek Leadership Summit this summer Gary Hamel observed quite pointedly that being obsolete is simply a matter of changing more slowly [...]

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