You can watch this video for one of two reasons: 1) to hear Rachel muse about how organizations differentiate themselves; or 2) answer the question Why the heck is she dressed up like Julia Child? Rachel: We’ve entered the holiday zone and I’m just whipping up some of my famous Indian pudding for the office party. This is also the time to reflect on the past year. We here at Reflection...

The first Smiles Video was in 2011. Then last year. And now 2015. It hasn't been that many years, and it hasn't been consistent, but it feels like the start of a tradition. Anyway, each time we've had a lot of fun reviewing the folks we've worked with in the previous 12 months. We hope you can share in a little of their happiness.

Allison Picott is the founder and principal of Advancement Advisers. We invited her to share a couple of the steps she took before switching her career from law into nonprofit development.   Let’s face it.  No one goes into development for the money.  That being said, it is important that anyone contemplating a job in development must first ask themselves, “Can I afford to take a job in development?” This...

As a University of Michigan alum (GO BLUE!), I absolutely love this video that was sent to me a few years back. The University did such a great job of capturing shots of memorable places on campus and stringing the holiday theme throughout.  It's a perfect marriage of warm feelings for the holiday season and warm feelings about the U-M experience - all wrapped into one short yet powerful video....

This is a short sequel to our Tips for Filming Outdoors post from last month. http://reflectionfilms.wistia.com/medias/dpc4ehflda?embedType=iframe&videoWidth=640 Rachel: Last time, I talked about filming interviews outdoors. One of the most important things to consider when selecting an indoor location is the size of the space. A bigger space gives a better sense of location. Generally,...

Last week I had the pleasure of hearing Maura King Scully and Tracey Palmer speak at Philanthropy Day on Cape Cod.  They shared a lot of great takeaways - some were more technical, and others more conceptual.  I've shared below a couple of ideas that resonated with me the most. When crafting any donor communications material, it is important to get into the mindset of donors and anticipate key questions...

Not too long ago, I came across this video by Em Ford,"YOU LOOK DISGUSTING," which was featured on my Facebook feed. This captivating piece brings together social media and film, two areas that I am deeply invested in both my work and personal life. This content really hit home for me. A few times I caught myself on the verge of tears. Em Ford is a beauty YouTuber, blogger and filmmaker. On her blog,...

I'm guilty of eavesdropping. The other night on my way back home from an event on design-driven education, I overheard a conversation on the T where a woman was saying to the young man next to her something along the lines of: “You’re not going to be making lots of money, but you are going to be doing something that you feel really good about with other people who feel the same way.” In...

Carla C. Cataldo, Principal of Proposals, Etc., has more than twenty years of experience in fundraising and non-profit work. She helps nonprofits, cities and towns raise more money, and helps for-profit companies access Workforce Training Fund grants. She answers two questions on how development professionals can hone their focus to raise more funds. Q. How should busy fundraising professionals spend...

October is both Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In recognition of both of those causes we offer a Throwback Thursday. First, we share one of Rachel's blog posts from last year on unexpected moments of disclosure and connection, in which she learned from two women - one a good friend, the other a business acquaintance - about their respective histories with domestic violence...