Fulcrum YouTube
Fulcrum LinkedIn
Fulcrum FacebooK
Mentorship is not meant solely for the growth of nonprofit leaders themselves. It should be intentionally extended to staff and board members, recognizing that organizations are strengthened when experienced and successful leaders actively share their insights, guidance, and lessons across all roles.
Join Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world. Visit us on the web at: fulcrumleader.com.
#LEADforGOOD
#FulcrumLeader
#nonprofit
#nonprofits
@Christopher "Chris" Looney
@The Five Tool Fundraiser
@AltruList
… See MoreSee Less

Effective nonprofit leaders understand what motivates staff, volunteers, donors, program participants, and community members, and they intentionally adapt their approach to connect with those motivations in meaningful ways.
Join Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world. Visit us on the web at: fulcrumleader.com.
#LEADforGOOD
#FulcrumLeader
#nonprofit
#nonprofits
@Christopher "Chris" Looney
@The Five Tool Fundraiser
@AltruList
… See MoreSee Less

It’s unlikely that potential supporters will be inspired to support your organization when first introduced to it. It’s more likely that they’ll be moved to give after hearing about your organization at least seven times from seven different methods or people.
Join Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world. Visit us on the web at: fulcrumleader.com.
#LEADforGOOD
#FulcrumLeader
#nonprofit
#nonprofits
@Christopher "Chris" Looney
@The Five Tool Fundraiser
@AltruList
… See MoreSee Less

Setting clear boundaries is essential for nonprofit leaders, protecting personal well-being, sustaining healthy team dynamics, and supporting long-term organizational effectiveness.
Join @Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world.
#LEADforGOOD
Visit us on the web at: fulcrumleader.com.
#FulcrumLeader
#nonprofit
#nonprofits
@Christopher "Chris" Looney
@The Five Tool Fundraiser
@AltruList
… See MoreSee Less

A streamlined audit process is more than a compliance exercise for nonprofit organizations. It is a reflection of strong governance, disciplined management, and respect for the resources entrusted to the mission.
When audits are approached intentionally, they become clearer, faster, and far more useful for leadership and boards.
An optimized audit process typically includes six key elements.
Planning
Strong audits start early. Clear timelines, roles, and expectations reduce surprises and allow staff and auditors to work efficiently.
Internal controls
Well designed controls protect assets, ensure accuracy, and build confidence. When internal controls are strong, audits move more smoothly and issues are easier to address.
Compliance requirements
Understanding and documenting compliance with laws, regulations, and funder expectations is essential. Proactive compliance reduces risk and builds credibility with stakeholders.
External auditors
Auditors should be partners in accountability, not adversaries. Clear communication and timely access to information improve both the process and the final product.
Prepare report
The audit report is not just a document for filing. It provides insight into financial health, controls, and opportunities for improvement.
Follow up
The process does not end when the report is delivered. Addressing findings, strengthening controls, and tracking progress are what turn audits into value added tools.
A streamlined audit process saves time, reduces stress, and strengthens trust with boards, donors, and regulators. Most importantly, it allows nonprofit leaders to stay focused on mission rather than distractions.
Good audits do not slow organizations down.
They help them move forward with confidence.
… See MoreSee Less

“You are not a failure until you start blaming others for your mistakes” -John Wooden
Join Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world. Visit us on the web at: fulcrumleader.com.
hashtag#LEADforGOOD
hashtag#FulcrumLeader
hashtag#nonprofit
hashtag#nonprofits
Christopher "Chris" Looney
The Five Tool Fundraiser
AltruList
… See MoreSee Less

What a meaningful and energizing conversation with Christina Romero on the latest episode of Mastering Fundraising. Christina is a remarkable fundraising leader whose approach to social capital, authenticity, and trust has shaped lasting relationships throughout the Santa Ana College Foundation community.
During our conversation, Christina shared valuable insights on how fundraisers can build deeper donor connections grounded in personal meaning, trust, and genuine care. Her perspective is both practical and inspiring, and I am grateful she joined the podcast to help all of us grow in our work.
Key takeaways from the episode include:
• Social capital is built through presence, consistency, and sincere curiosity about donors
• Authenticity builds trust, and trust shapes donor decisions more than any strategy or campaign
• The Trust Triangle helps fundraisers understand how connection, credibility, and care work together
• Donor love languages and operating systems help explain what motivates each person to give
• Personal equals professional, especially in fundraising, because people invest in people
• Fundraisers who are not naturally outgoing can still succeed by practicing intentional listening, personalized touchpoints, and value based communication
• Small actions like remembering details, affirming donor values, and offering sincere gratitude make a large impact on long term donor loyalty
Christina, thank you for sharing your expertise, your warmth, and your passion for building authentic donor relationships. You are a gift to this profession and to your community.
If this conversation speaks to you or your work, I invite you to check out the full episode and subscribe to Mastering Fundraising for more conversations with leaders who are strengthening our sector.
🎧 Listen to the episode here: youtu.be/pqUKrDxxgaI
… See MoreSee Less

“Executives owe it to the organization and to their fellow workers not to tolerate nonperforming individuals in important jobs.” -Peter Drucker
Join @Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world.
#LEADforGOOD
Visit us on the web at: fulcrumleader.com.
#FulcrumLeader
#nonprofit
#nonprofits
@Christopher "Chris" Looney
@The Five Tool Fundraiser
@AltruList
… See MoreSee Less

One of the nonprofit CEO’s most critical responsibilities is identifying and recruiting future board members. As stewards and supervisors of the organization and its chief executive, the right board members provide not only financial commitment but also visible advocacy, making their selection essential to the CEO’s effectiveness and long-term success.
Join @Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world.
#LEADforGOOD
Visit us on the web at: fulcrumleader.com.
#FulcrumLeader
#nonprofit
#nonprofits
@Christopher "Chris" Looney
@The Five Tool Fundraiser
@AltruList
… See MoreSee Less

All nonprofit leaders have weaknesses. Even Superman has kryptonite. The best nonprofit leaders know their weaknesses and surround themselves with staff and volunteers that turn those weaknesses into strengths.
Join @Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world.
#LEADforGOOD
Visit us on the web at: fulcrumleader.com.
#FulcrumLeader
#nonprofit
#nonprofits
@Christopher "Chris" Looney
@The Five Tool Fundraiser
@AltruList
… See MoreSee Less

When hiring fundraisers, nonprofit leaders should consider evaluating candidates against these seven “F”s: 1) the person focused; 2) fast; 3) friendly; 4) flexible; 5) knows the fundamentals; 6) has a successful record of fundraising; and 7) is fun.
Join @Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world.
#LEADforGOOD
Visit us on the web at: fulcrumleader.com.
#FulcrumLeader
#nonprofit
#nonprofits
@Christopher "Chris" Looney
@The Five Tool Fundraiser
@AltruList
… See MoreSee Less

All nonprofit leaders feel overwhelmed from time to time. The burden of responsibility is heavy and the climb to success is steep. It’s necessary and appropriate from time to time to take a break, catch your breath, hit the reset button, and recharge your batteries.
Join @Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership (Fulcrum), an exclusive membership community of senior nonprofit executives, where the mission is to build stronger nonprofit leaders, leading to a better world.
#LEADforGOOD
Visit us on the web at: fulcrumleader.com.
#FulcrumLeader
#nonprofit
#nonprofits
@Christopher "Chris" Looney
@The Five Tool Fundraiser
@AltruList
… See MoreSee Less



















