Doing More With Less Is Not a Strategy

Doing More With Less Is Not a Strategy

Doing More With Less Is Not a StrategySarah Barton
Published on: 03/11/2026

"Do more with less" isn't resourcefulness --- it's a documented cycle that weakens organizations. Here's what the research says and what to do about it.

nonprofit starvation cycleoverhead mythfundraising investmentnonprofit capacitysustainable fundraising
Your Board Isn't Unwilling. The Expectations Are Vague.

Your Board Isn't Unwilling. The Expectations Are Vague.

Your Board Isn't Unwilling. The Expectations Are Vague.Sarah Barton
Published on: 27/10/2026

"My board doesn't fundraise" is the most common thing I hear about boards. Here's why vague expectations produce vague effort --- and one activity that changes it.

nonprofit boardboard fundraisingboard engagementboard rolesnonprofit governance
The Ask That Doesn't Feel Like an Ask

The Ask That Doesn't Feel Like an Ask

The Ask That Doesn't Feel Like an AskSarah Barton
Published on: 13/10/2026

The fundraising ask feels uncomfortable because the framing is off. Here's the reframe that changes everything --- and the three learnable skills that make donor conversations feel invitational instead of transactional.

how to ask for donationsnonprofit fundraising askasking for money nonprofithow to ask for gifts without feeling awkwardnonprofit donor conversations
AI Is a Tool, Not a Magic Bullet (Ask Anyone With a CRM)

AI Is a Tool, Not a Magic Bullet (Ask Anyone With a CRM)

AI Is a Tool, Not a Magic Bullet (Ask Anyone With a CRM)Sarah Barton
Published on: 07/10/2026

"I feel like I'm cheating" is what people say about AI. But the real risk is the same one as with CRMs --- paying for capability you never learn to use.

AI for nonprofitsnonprofit technologyCRMfundraising toolssmall team capacity