Insights & Sounds
Michael Fedor on Agility, Storytelling, and Education’s Future
Michael Fedor, higher education executive, award-winning author, and former Vice President of Advancement & Strategic Initiatives at Central Penn College, has built his career at the intersection of leadership, storytelling, and education. In a recent address in...
Expanding Your Fundraising Programs: Combining Traditional Techniques with A.I. Innovation for Success
Nonprofits can expand their major donor and grassroots donor programs by blending traditional fundraising methods with AI fundraising tools. Traditional techniques, such as personalized engagement for major donors and emotionally driven campaigns for grassroots donors, remain vital for building relationships and securing donations. However, incorporating AI-driven tools, like donor segmentation, predictive analytics, and wealth screening, allows organizations to enhance efficiency, personalize outreach, and better target potential donors. Using AI-powered platforms for communication and data analysis can streamline operations, optimize fundraising efforts, and increase donor engagement, ultimately helping nonprofits fulfill their mission and achieve sustainable growth.
Appreciative Inquiry Will Be Your New Favorite Planning Technique
Traditional approaches to change management focus on identifying and fixing problems, but there’s a better method that has been around for decades and is gaining popularity. It is a more people-centric approach called Appreciative Inquiry that’s proving to be a game-changer.
Agility and Growth Through Blue Ocean Planning
In 2024, competition is fiercer than ever in just about every industry. To stand out, companies need to shift from competing solely in overcrowded markets to creating new demand through innovative strategies called blue ocean planning.
Leading Institutional Transformation: Central Penn College Strategic Plan
Central Penn College’s 2020-24 Strategic Plan was candid and transformative for an aging institution of higher education. Built on six months of stakeholder interviews and guided by Blue Ocean Strategy and Appreciative Inquiry, the plan confronted the college’s past with honesty while charting a bold new course. By implementing more than 90 percent of its objectives, Central Penn achieved new enrollment growth, expanded academic programs, secured permanent athletic facilities, and strengthened community partnerships. This story reveals how transparency, collaboration, and courage turned an honest reckoning into lasting institutional progress.