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Reach out and say hi!

𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐱 𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞.

We also can't expect the power dynamics in corporate partnerships to change.

Through a series of meetings, some research, and lived experience, Rickesh Lakhani and I have produced a resource to share with nonprofits who want practical thought starters and conversation prompts to support better corporate partnerships.

𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒓𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖.

Access it here: https://www.bridgeraise.com/powerdynamics/

I am sure I am not the only one that needs to power down and get some rest over the holiday season!⁣
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Last week there was a lot going on - and frankly it felt like life was happening to me. And not in a good way.⁣
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So, I reached out to a group of women who always have my back. ⁣
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They sent back suggestions and love. 🥰⁣
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🔹 Block your calendar for an actual break - I know you are thinking of things you can do quietly while the office is closed. Don't! Take a break!⁣
🔹 Watch stand-up comedy videos on YouTube.⁣
🔹 Bath, candles, and a holiday romance book (IYKYK).⁣
🔹 Get outside! I know it's cold - do it anyway.⁣
🔹 Boundaries - you know what they are, use them!⁣
🔹 Listen to some inspirational podcasts - Rachel Rogers, Hina Khan, Lewis Howes, Gretchen Rubin if you need some ideas.⁣
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The most important thing isn't on that list. It was what I did first - I reached out. ⁣
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And you can do that too. I'm here if you need. Your people are all around you.⁣
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Just ask. You'll feel better that you did. ⁣
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❄️ All that said - BridgeRaise is closed from December 22nd - January 2nd. If you NEED me though - not for a business problem, but for a friend problem, reach out, I'll respond.⁣
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Wishing you a restful break. ⁣
Cheers to 2023! 🎉⁣
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At BridgeRaise, we love all our clients, past, present and future.

As a team, we feel excitement all over when they share a win. 🥰

A thrill when we see breakthroughs on calls and in social media way after.

And we really can’t pick favorites.

So, this year, each member of the team picked a new charity for our BridgeRaise holiday giving.

I'm proud to donate on behalf of our team to the following:

❄️ Alzheimer's of Canada
❄️ Music Counts
❄️ Environmental Defense
❄️ Native Women’s Transition Centre

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season. ⛄

Are you counting down to year-end and wondering how to raise more money from your corporate sponsors and partners? 💰

If this sounds like you then the information I am sharing is just what you need!

Watch the full video at the link below to learn the 4 things TO DO ✅ and the 1 thing NOT TO DO ❌ to maximize your year-end for your charity or nonprofit.

Need some additional ideas? I have a download that will give you a number of ideas on how you can say thank you a little more creatively. You can find the link to it in the YouTube video description.

🔔 And while you are on YouTube make sure to "Like" and "Subscribe" so that you are alerted to when future videos all about raising more money from corporate partnerships go live.

📱Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzyPgdYkPCE

You've got this and I can help!

4 Do's and 1 Don't to Maximize Corporate Partnership Revenue Are you counting down to year-end and wondering how your nonprofit is going to raise more sponsorship from your corporate sponsors and partners? In today's v...

This time of year looks different for each of us, for some of us there is time and space to learn, reflect, and putter around. If that's not you, I hope whatever this time of year is for you it has what you need.

For those of you who are thinking about what they are going to listen to, I've done a little round up of some of the great conversations I have had this fall.

📝 Let me know what you think!

The Road to Seven Podcast - How to Build Confidence in Yourself as an Entrepreneur.
Which beliefs are holding you back from building your dream business? Listen to my interview with Shelagh Cummins on the Road to Seven Podcast where I talk about how I started my entrepreneurial journey, the goals I had set and the reasons for wanting to be self-employed.

🎧Access the Podcast Here: https://www.theroadtoseven.com/theroadtosevenpodcast/how-to-build-confidence-in-yourself-as-an-entrepreneur?

Lesson Learned from Hockey Canada

It is tempting to make this conversation all about the horror, yet instead my conversation was about the opportunity. If you haven't already, I'd love you to listen to my episode on The Intersection Hub podcast with Kimberley MacKenzie.

🎧 Access the Podcast Here: https://www.intersectionhub.ca/podcast/episode/78dab483/s03e05-lesson-learned-from-hockey-canada?

The Fundraising Talent Podcast - Are Nonprofits Underestimating the Value They Afford their Corporate Sponsors?

In this podcast, I had the pleasure of discussing my desire for charities to recognize that they may be vastly underestimating the value they bring to their corporate sponsors and that, in doing so, they may prohibit themselves from building mutually beneficial relationships that can bring far more value than simply financial support.

🎧 Access the Podcast Here: https://fundraisingtalent.podbean.com/e/are-nonprofits-underestimating-the-value-they-afford-their-corporate-sponsors/

One of my favourite parts of the holiday season is seeing how different companies, big and small incorporate cause into their products and services. You know I love building a great cause partnership- here I'm celebrating those built by others 🙂

1. Futurpreneur - This shopping guide brings together so many of my favorite things, check it out, and definitely added Drizzle and some Better Basics to my stocking stuffers! https://www.futurpreneur.ca/en/shoplocal/

2. Trans Canada Trail - My love for socks is well known, in fact I talk about my socks during the opening time on many a coaching call. Can't wait for these ones to be gifted to me! https://greatsox.com/products/trans-canada-trail-merino-wool-mesh-hiking-socks

3. Oshki Wupoowane - The Blanket Fund - acknowledgement of harm and 100% net proceeds to Indigenous Peoples. Hudson Bay shares their story: https://www.hbcheritage.ca/things/fashion-pop/hbc-point-blanket

4. Various Charities - Axed - this one is a special share because it's a small business, with clearly a big heart, and there might be a familial connection to the BridgeRaise team so shout out! https://axedthrowing.com/12months/

📣 I know there are ones I have missed, so share them in the comments. I might have a few more gifts to buy.

🎄The holiday overwhelm that is starting right now is REAL!

And I have so much compassion and support for all of you who are living it. 🤗

So when a client of mine recently got an email from her staff who is responsible for the annual holiday greetings - the dread on her face said it all!

Did this colleague realize that this is the BUSIEST TIME OF YEAR for fundraisers??

As you know, we love and support regular outreach by our clients to their corporate prospects and partners. It is one of the many ways we support our clients on their path to more revenue.

😲 So, imagine my client's SHOCK when I said, don't worry about it. Skip the big, complex process. It's too much right now.

WHAT!!!!!

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't saying ... not to do anything. I was saying ... perhaps there is another option.

📱 Watch this video to learn what I suggest you do to help reduce the holiday greeting overwhelm. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh1y5yu2-yA

While on YouTube make sure to hit like and subscribe!

Last year, we shared a blog post about how is an opportunity for Corporate Partnerships as well, not just for individual giving.

It's a good one. You can read it here ✍️ https://www.bridgeraise.com/giving-tuesday-for-corporate-fundraising/

It highlights all the reasons we love Giving Tuesday for Corporate Partnerships - it can be low cost, it's a great opportunity for charities of all sizes and it's part of a larger movement.

Giving Tuesday is also a great opportunity to engage with your Corporate Partners on a high-profile day 👏

🔹 Comment on their social media to share gratitude and note specifically (where possible) what they've given to your organization for the world to see and celebrate.

🔹 Post a thank you post on your organization's social media noting the impact of your Corporate Partner's support - be specific!

🔹 Send a personalized email to your Corporate Partners noting the specific impact of their support, notes of gratitude and a gentle nudge for continued partnership and support for organizational goals in future years. The more transparency, the better.

How will you show your gratitude to your Corporate Partners tomorrow on ? Drop your ideas in the comments 👇

Today's the day! The Black Friday Bundle for Nonprofit Organizations is HAPPENING! ⏰

I am proud to be partnered with 25 other amazing consultants and folks in the nonprofit space to bring you over $2,500+ in resources for your nonprofit for just $97!

From training videos on finding grants, to mini-courses to Digital book bundles and more - this package seriously has it all!

Not to mention, BridgeRaise's own Corporate Fundraising Time-Saving Templates. 🕦

Set yourself up for success in 2023 with curated resources from the pros to help you raise more money! ✨ https://bridgeraise--outintheboons.thrivecart.com/black-friday-bundle-for-nonprofits/

Being a great charitable partner of a company requires understanding what their measures of success are. Without knowing this, you can't possibly provide them with an Impact Report that matters and is useful.

With that in mind, our friends at Accelerist have published an excellent report that offers important insights into what CSR professionals are reporting on today. 💡

Check out this article, written by our very own Samantha Brown over on our LinkedIn that breaks down some of key insights from this report for charity and nonprofit leaders to consider 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7001152728416583681

It was my pleasure to be invited to speak on a panel on Trends and Innovations in Fundraising at this year's CharityVillage Conference.

For all of us in fundraising it is no surprise that the pandemic has sped up innovation, and has provided different opportunities in the industry.

I'll be speaking on a panel with Rebecca Alfred, Wen-Chih O'Connell, hosted by Mary Barroll about trends and innovations in fundraising and the new opportunities and priorities that are being created because of it.

Don't miss out, get your tickets at https://charityvillageconference.com/

Multiple conversations, proposal submission, and now we are stuck waiting for an answer....

This was the starting point of one of our client coaching calls, and they were just letting me know they were going to keep waiting.

Hmmmmm. I felt we could do better.

Our client really felt like it was a yes on a 20K proposal when they finished the call a month or so ago.

They'd followed every step perfectly - A+ student of the BridgeRaise method. Aligned prospect, introductory meeting, timely follow up, and a conversation to review the proposal.

And then crickets.

We'd also given then several social media and email next steps to keep things warm.

And no meaningful response.

So, my advice... It's time to ask for a no.

WHAT!?!? We don't just keep trying, or sitting with this proposal open on our prospect list?

NOPE! We ask for no. 🙅‍♀️

So, we crafted a next step email together that asked them to make a decision, and told them when we would re-launch a new conversation on a new proposal if the answer to this one was no. We took control of the situation.

And they said yes. It was yes to less money, but also way less expectations. They were just going to send over a 10K cheque, no reporting or work required.

And our client sent me the email saying:

"This is our first corporate gift from them. Definitely worth celebrating!....

The advice to provide them with firm language I think helped them to make a final decision, so thank you for that! We will need to do more of that sooner" so we can be efficient with our time.

For me, this is a win on so many levels. A new funder, at a level that is significant for this organization, the door is open for the future, and the client has clarity.

I'm also super proud of this client for taking this bold action - feels a lot more like equal partners doesn't it? A far superior place to build from. ✨

Thoughts? Do you feel that a no can be a win? Let me know in the comments 👇

📅 Mark your calendars for the Black Friday Bundle of your fundraising dreams!

I bet when you think about Black Friday, you don't think about nonprofit! Well, that's about to change because I am proud to be partnered with 25 other amazing consultants and folks in the nonprofit space to bring you the Black Friday Bundle for Nonprofit Organizations!

Some friends and I have joined together to bring you over $2,500+ in resources for your nonprofit. But for you, it's just $97!

Here's just a few of the included goodies in the bundle:
📚 Digital Book Bundle: Raise It! The Reluctant Fundraiser's Guide to Raising Money Without Selling Your Soul by Cindy Wagman ($67)

📧 3-part Storytelling Email Templates by Jess Campbell of Out in the Boons ($59)

💰 How to Find Grants for your Nonprofit Video Training by June First Firm ($158)

💻 Mini Social Ads Course: Get Visible Reach In A Week with $3/Day by Positive Equation ($27)

🕦 Corporate Fundraising Time-Saving Templates by yours truly at BridgeRaise ($89)

The bundle drops on Friday! ✨ Stay tuned!

🙌

"BridgeRaise became an extension of our small fundraising team and supported us to build a corporate partnerships framework that is not only scalable but has become an integral part of our fundraising strategy. When supporting us with materials and developing assets, BridgeRaise adapted to our organizational voice, showing much care and consideration for our work. Lastly, they pushed us to step into our ‘stretch zone’, so we could explore what could be possible in working with corporate partners. We have lots of gratitude for Heather and her team, for supporting us in building this momentum, keeping us accountable, and growing this key revenue stream."

~Tammy Ebuen, Future Possibilities for Kids

Here are three main items the BridgeRaise team looks at when we start a Strategic Assessment:

Number 1️⃣: We look at the sector.
We look at other organizations that might be considered your competitors, or that might be considered organizations doing particularly cool things in your sector and we summarize the highlights that you need to know.

Number 2️⃣: We look at the trends.
We examine the ways that companies are giving to charities, and the most important things that are going on in the sector. Then, we pull out the nuggets that are most important for YOUR success.

Number 3️⃣: We check your first impression.
How are companies seeing you when they come to your website, social media, LinkedIn? We make sure that you're ready to be seen and that you are looking like the organization they WANT to partner with.

Want to learn more about a Strategic Assessment that sets you up for Corporate Partnership success? Visit 📲 https://lnkd.in/g4R_dnkE

Questions? Let's start a conversation. Send me a DM here!

Purpose-driven brands are now the norm.

☝ A great run down on this from what I hope will be your morning coffee article today, written by the Canadian Marketing Association.

If your purpose is engrained in your company culture and in your business, it stands the test of time, as seen in this article by brands like Vaseline, BRITA Group and Nike.

There's a lot I could say about the importance of leading with purpose and authenticity... A LOT.

Wanna know the three pieces to takeaway for your Corporate Partnership strategies? Grab your coffee and head on over to my LinkedIn to hear my thoughts ☕️ https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nelsonheather_bridgeraise-socialpurpose-corporatepartnerships-activity-6996447442112045056-V6qU?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Questions? Something that piqued your interest? Send me a DM. 📩

I have a question for you...

How do you know me?

A. Am I your go-to corporate fundraising consultant, who helps your charity raise more money from companies with ease and confidence?

B. Am I a hockey, baseball, soccer mom that laughs, tailgates, and cheers with intensity for your kids and mine?

C. Am I someone who you went to school with in Ottawa as a kid, or at Queen's for undergrad, or Schulich for business school?

D. Did we meet on some adventure in some other country? I've been to a few 😉

E. Are you related to my DH (this is a surprisingly large number, )

G. Did I miss a good one...Let me know below.

Whatever it is, wherever we met, I'm glad you are here.
Comment below! 👇

Last week, I had a lot to say about Hockey Canada.

Not only as a "Hockey Mom" and fan of the sport, but as a Corporate Partnership Specialist who was watching the impact of the situation in real time. Every hour, it seemed, one more from their impressive roster of Corporate Sponsors dropped.

Today, you can catch me on The Intersection Hub Podcast with Kimberley MacKenzie where we dive into more about what we can all learn from these corporate sponsorships and the importance of transparency, no matter which side of the Corporate Partnership relationship you sit on. Join me and Kimberley in this timely conversation.

Give it a listen at 🎧 https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-intersection-hub/id155296

RESPECT. LISTEN. UNDERSTAND. COMMUNICATE.™

Will you tune into the event on October 17th?

The youth movement is focused on building a country and world where all young people positively transition into a successful adulthood. Led by our friends at The Students Commission of Canada and presented by RBC Future Launch in collaboration with EnsembleCO, this year's National Presentation's will be held virtually and in-person.

Students Commission of Canada will bring together young people from coast to coast to coast to imagine the country they want for the next 10 years. Let's take a moment to listen to the voice of the youth of Canada.

Learn more at 🍁 https://lnkd.in/eW_-4R4V

This month has been seriously back to school for me, my friends. 📚

I have been reading all the reports, and learning all the most important information so that I can share it with you. Leaning hard into being your corporate partnership expert! I even did my first LinkedIn Live event last week to provide some takeaways from all my learnings.

So here I am again, sharing this knowledge in a digestible fashion - and I want you to ask yourself: Are you ready for a recession? Or a tightening? Or really any sort of reduction in revenue to the nonprofit sector?

If you want to confirm that you are, or start making sure you are, here’s the key things that I want to offer up.

1️⃣ Maintain your fundamentals, in particular your relationships. Make sure you are sharing how the current times are impacting your organization.
2️⃣ Be active in your outbound corporate prospect research and outreach efforts
3️⃣ Don’t forget to reinforce multiple relationships between your organization and the company including C-suite connections.

The BridgeRaise team is armed and ready with a number of other resources you need in your arsenal if you are considering growing your prospect pipeline and/or increasing your outreach.

Let's make sure you're 'future proof'. Book a free consult and learn how the BridgeRaise team can support you in your future proof strategies.

📲 https://calendly.com/heatherbridgeraise/exploratory-conversation?back=1&month=2022-09

Joe Waters recently caught my attention with his insights on sending 'cold' emails to prospects, and I think there are some great points that are worth sharing!

Generally speaking, neither I nor Joe would recommend sending cold emails to prospective partners.

However, if you HAVE TO send that cold email, here are a few tips Joe has shared to improve your chances of 'hitting the jackpot', so to speak:

🔹 Structure Matters - What’s what's in it for them? And what is your and the call-to-action?
🔹 Keep it Short - 150-250 words max. I'm serious!
🔹 Have a Strategy & Plan - If the prospect responds your next step is easy. But what if they don't? What's your plan?

Do you send cold emails? Do you go into them with a plan?

Let me know in the comments ⬇️

Is your charity ready for 3.0 corporate partnerships? Connecting purpose and politics, to stand out by being a purpose driven brand is where CSR is moving.

This can lead to charities being left out or left behind as companies who have made a commitment to purpose are focused on finding the best way to make an impact.

This panel with Paul Klein, Melody Gaukel and Jacob Brower, hosted by Meredith Dault was an insightful discussion and explanation of how this is taking form in the CSR sector.

As companies make this shift, how can charities ensure that they have a meaningful role in this purpose drive approach? Find out my recommendations over on my LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelsonheather/

It's National Tree Day today! 🌲

Did you know that the Ontario Greenbelt has 721k acres of protected wetlands, grasslands, and forests protected? There is so much to learn about the intent and the impact of the Greenbelt - including that in a warming climate, the protected tree cover within the Greenbelt keeps ambient temperatures down, meaning that local residents like myself get to enjoy their cooling effect.

When I'm not building and stewarding Corporate Partnerships with the BridgeRaise team, I assure you that I'm out exploring all that our region has to offer it's nature lovers - From the RBG to the Bruce Trail, it's quality time for me to reconnect with myself and my family.

How will you celebrate today? 🌳 I want to hear all about it in the comments (and I bet you can't recommend a trail in the Hamilton/Halton area that I haven't explored!) 👇

Is this the anniversary of you starting something new? It is for me.

Having a school aged kid (Grade 9!!) and a parent that was a teacher, it is deeply ingrained in my being that September is a time to start something new.

So, it is no surprise that I began my entrepreneurship journey in September, 6 years ago.

When War Child Canada and Royal Botanical Gardens welcomed me into their fundraising departments to support them in growing their corporate revenue.

It was a fun juggle, balancing my previous in-house knowledge with my new role of consultant.

And because it was new - I was nerv-cited.

And I was, and am, extraordinarily proud of our success exceeding our financial targets and building great relationships - my first time doing so as a consultant!

It was also a tremendous opportunity to validate approaches that I had used successfully at Food Banks Canada. An important step along the way.

We have many more clients, proof points and models at BridgeRaise now, then we had then, but a few things hold true.

Working with great people and causes we care about is imperative
Supporting values-aligned corporate partnerships is our core work
Celebrating our milestones is a special part of the journey

So, is this September a time for you to look back and celebrate where you are at? I'd love to celebrate with you. Comment below - they all count!

Follow along on our journey to more aligned Corporate Partnerships
📹 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdN11-nDC9H_epMoTjGiXw/about
💻 www.linkedin.com/company/bridgeraise/
📱

We love sharing resources about impact measurement, along with our tips on how to get started! ✨

A few quick tips for understanding partner and prospects ESG, SDG and KPI are:

▪️ Following them on social and seeing what they share
▪️ Checking out the “Sustainability” or similarly titled page on their website
▪️ Connect with your contacts on LI and note if they present at any conferences or symposiums about corporate ESG
▪️ Reading the report and sending a congrats note to any of your supporters who may be acknowledged in it!

You've got this! ✨

Read our full article on The Importance of Measuring Impact here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:ugcPost:6975778114572361728?updateEntityUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_updateV2%3A%28urn%3Ali%3AugcPost%3A6975778114572361728%2CFEED_DETAIL%2CEMPTY%2CDEFAULT%2Cfalse%29