Many nonprofits are run by good-hearted volunteers with the best intentions and no nonprofit training. This is why I consistently see nonprofits remain in a beginner's level of functionality, always reinventing the wheel and burning out their most devoted supporters.

I specialize in fortifying nonprofit boards, their processes, and structures. Firmly believing that a robust framework of policies and procedures underpins successful fundraising endeavors, I advocate for several key systems:

• Board Training and Development: Having trained neurosurgeons, retirees and many other well-intentioned volunteers who landed in their role with little preparation for the demands, I love to help those with little training in nonprofit management to become the leaders their nonprofit organizations and Executive Directors need.

• Gratitude-Focused Donor Retention: The word “fundraising” often elicits feelings of inadequacy and fear in many board members and nonprofit leaders who otherwise believe strongly in serving their organization’s mission. What if I were to tell you, there is a better way to strategically empower your fundraising systems? Starting with the sad truth that very few donors ever receive a personal communication of thanks, I’ll help you feel great about regularly connecting with your existing donors in a way that makes them want them to keep giving generously. You may never need to make a formal ask, as long as you engage in a systematized gratitude program.

• Legacy-Giving Fundraising: From simple upgrades on your website of tools that make it easy for your donors  to give from assets, to broadening your fundraising department's communications to include conversations that help your donors give more generously, let me help you take your fundraising to a higher, more productive level.

• Succession Planning: Ensuring the healthy and sustainable future of a nonprofit's mission, I advocate for systematic succession planning and strategic recruitment of new leadership including staff and volunteers.

• Board, Volunteer and Staff Coaching to become better fundraiser...and you will stop fearing the word "fundraising"!  We begin by erasing fundraising from the first step. It's not the second, third or even fifth! Start by building your board's, volunteers' and staff's confidence in public advocacy, and see your organization's retention rate of your critical donor base sky rocket! The key is not to teach them about fundraising, but to build their confidence in speaking proudly about the organization they serve and the reason they are asking for everyone's support.

A. Courtney begins with one-on-one conversations with each board member, discussing personal biases, concerns and fears. Educating each Board member about the importance of their advocacy before any fundraising takes place is the key. 

B. The second phase is bringing together all board members and staff together to participate in simple role-playing conversations guided in advocacy about the what and why about your nonprofit's mission.

• Through this process, Courtney Johnson educates and strengthen's the group's skills in using advocacy and communication as a critical tool for retaining their donors. 

• Financial Policies and Board Bylaws Review. Thoroughly review and update your board bylaws and policies to ensure they align with your nonprofit's goals and legal requirements.