Tonic Magazine Articles
Is Your Fundraising Stuck in a Rut?
Last updated November 22, 2014 Whether you’ve been fundraising for 2 years or 20 years, it’s easy to feel like your fundraising efforts are stuck in a rut. Even worse, sometimes it’s more than a feeling - sometimes your fundraising IS stuck in a rut. If you’re doing...
Building Sponsorship Relationships
Last updated November 14, 2014 If you are lucky enough to have a sponsorship relationship with a local business, then it is really important that you recognise it's value and invest in building a strong, lasting relationship. It's not enough to accept the cheque, send...
Collaboration Not Competition
Last updated November 7, 2014 Over the last few years it has become obvious that small organisations need to work more collaboratively if they want to survive in the changing marketplace. There is constant chatter about collaboration rather than competition, and even...
Facebook Basics for Non-Profits
Last updated October 24, 2014 More and more non-profits are recognising that Facebook is a legitimate marketing and communication tool, but many are still unsure about how to use it well. And to be fair, if you don't use Facebook in your personal life, it's...
10 Ways to Celebrate Diversity
Last updated October 17, 2014 Diversity is important in any team, but especially in your governing body. Instead of tolerating the differences, make a real effort to celebrate diversity for what it brings to your organisation. Here are some simple ideas to get you...
Why Diversity is Important
Lasted updated October 17, 2014 So often we talk about ‘managing’ diversity in a team, but the term 'managing' implies that differences are something we need to tolerate and work-through, rather than something to seek-out and celebrate. With an attitude like that, no...
Trustees and Fundraising – Whose job is it anyway?
Last updated October 9, 2014 To ensure the smooth and effective running of your organisation, it is important that everyone has clearly defined roles and responsibilities, including members of your Board. For most aspects of your organisation this is easily achieved,...
The Secrets of Good Storytelling
Last updated October 9, 2014 There’s an old fundraising saying that suggests three simple steps to the fundraising process. First you have to get someone to open their heart. Second, you have to get them to open their mind. And then lastly you can ask them to open...
Best Practice for Non-Profit Boards
Last updated October 3, 2014 No two Boards operate in exactly the same way; however there are several practices that are common amongst the most effective Non-Profit Boards. As you become comfortable in your role as Trustee, consider how many of these practices are...
Non-Profit Board Responsibilities
Last updated October 3, 2014 In carrying out its role, the Non-Profit Board is responsible for a range of tasks. While some of these tasks may be delegated to the CEO, the Board is ultimately responsible should the tasks not be carried out competently. It is important...
Non-Profit Governance Models
Last updated October 12, 2018 When it comes to governing a non-profit organisation there are several models that Boards can use, depending on the organisation's size and stage of development. Truth be told, many Non-Profit Boards govern with a mixture of models, and...
Expectations of Non-Profit Trustees
Last updated October 3, 2014 Contrary to popular belief, being an effective Trustee for your organisation takes more than showing up for a few meetings. Amongst other things, it's your job to help steer the organisation, make sure it's adequately resourced, and ensure...
The Role of the Non-Profit Board
Last updated October 3, 2014 Often people end up on a non-profit board with plenty of passion, but no real understanding of what they've signed up for. If you happen to be one of them, and are wondering just what it is that a Board does - take a deep breath and...
Governance Terms and Definitions
Last updated October 3, 2014 If you're new to Governance, it's not okay to feel like everyone is speaking a foreign language. Unless someone has taken time to explain the terms, it's no surprise that you're feeling a little confused. But before you run screaming for...
Evaluating Your Event
Last updated October 12, 2018 Whether it's a gala, an auction, your AGM or national conference - events are supposed to get easier each time you do them. Unfortunately, unless you evaluate the event on paper, it will be just as hard the next time around. Taking time...
The Charity Auction
Last updated October 12, 2018 Auctions are a really fun way to raise funds and, if done well, can literally raise you tens of thousands of dollars. Of course not every auction needs to be a grand affair, you can hold auctions of all sizes and styles, depending on how...
Writing a Successful Press Release
Last updated October 12, 2018 Writing a press release is one of the easiest ways to get free publicity, but how do you make sure your press release gets published? 1. Make it newsworthy There are 97,000 non-profit organisations in New Zealand, and they're all a 'good...
Why should we bother with Fundraising Events?
Last updated September 9, 2014 Often I hear people complaining that there's no point hosting a fundraising event because they make little money for a lot of effort. While in some cases that may be true, fundraising events are not just about the dollars. Holding a...
Powerful Presentations
Last updated October 12, 2018 Without a doubt, the most effective way to market your organisation is by talking with people face-to-face. Whether it's an interview with a single company director or a presentation to a crowd of 300, having the opportunity to share your...
Let’s Get This Meeting Started
Last updated August 20, 2014 Whether you're running a meeting, facilitating a workshop or just having a get-together with your team, it can be useful to have a few activities to help people engage with you (and each other) right from the outset. Not every activity is...