Layne Gray's fundraising blog

I am passionate about all things philanthropic, altruistic, fashionable & socially responsible. I also like pugs.

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The Vivanista Fundraising Summit presents volunteers leaders and nonprofit professionals with two and a half days of in-depth training and expert-led interactive discussions on how to improve charitable fundraising and build better communities.

The Vivanista Fundraising Summit presents volunteers leaders and nonprofit professionals with two and a half days of in-depth training and expert-led interactive discussions on how to improve charitable fundraising and build better communities.

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This is a great article about how to improve traffic to your nonprofit website.  The difficult truth about it is that 'If no-one is paying attention to you it's because your message is not compelling'.

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My pug, Molly, absolutely goes bananas when she watches this commercial on television. It's hilarious - she barks, howls and whimpers...all within the short time it takes for the pug to run through (over?) the door. 

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Love this french video - the cats are too cute!

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My big book

I've decided to write a book on fundraising.  I know, I know, there's lots of books out there in the nonprofit world - some of the people I really admire have written books.  Darian Rodriquez Heyman for nonprofits, Kay Sprinkel Grace for boards, but there's nothing specific that volunteer fundraisers can call their own.  So I've decided to write it since I am the self-proclaimed expertess (sort of like what a princess is to a queen, I am to a real expert). 

The book's focus is on producing live, charitable events. It's going to have chapters on the various steps an Event Chair goes through when planning a fundraising event.  But I've been playing around with the idea of having a parallel fictional story about a gal who is planning the social behemoth of 'the season'.  A little bit campy, a tad bit self-deprecating, and a whole lot of smarmy pseudo-gossip.  Sex In The City meets Nonprofits for Dummies. 

Yes, I do realize I am not going to become rich and famous off this effort.  But I DO hope to help volunteers who want it with respect to their fundraising efforts.

Stay tuned - I'll be trying out some of the chapters here on my own little Tumblr account!

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Dear Coco was a hit at this fundraiser; she's trying to win first place in the photos (she's the one with her back facing the camera)!

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Everyone fundraises at some point in their lives. Whether for the girl scouts, their alma mater, a church or their favorite museum. But not everyone knows how to raise funds.

Layne Gray

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We answered a question of 'top 3 things to start with in a fund in need'.

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Vivanista has started answering questions from members regarding charitable fundraising. These videos are specifically targeted to volunteer organizations, although nonprofit development staff could benefit, as well.

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Love this site - they have an algorithm that posts all sorts of articles that pertain to nonprofits. It's a great source of relevant articles.

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Everyone fundraises at some point in their life, may it be for the Girl Scouts, one's alma mater, a church or a favorite museum. But not everyone knows how to raise funds. Vivanista helps volunteer groups improve their charitable fundraising.