{"id":124,"date":"2022-12-13T12:01:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-13T12:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/?p=124"},"modified":"2022-11-08T00:01:48","modified_gmt":"2022-11-08T00:01:48","slug":"a-nonprofit-arts-leaders-christmas-carol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/2022\/12\/13\/a-nonprofit-arts-leaders-christmas-carol\/","title":{"rendered":"A Nonprofit Arts Leader’s Christmas Carol"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

To the tune of \u201cHere We Go A-Wassailing,\u201d to kick off your nonprofit holiday season<\/strong> (with apologies to all)…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Here we go soliciting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To everyone we see!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give a hundred thousand,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll get a tote bag free!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give and give<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unto us;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give again<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before Christmas!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be a donor and when you do,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll ask you once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every day, we\u2019ll just ask you once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Now it is December and<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s time to ask once more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s an urgent email<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With words you\u2019ve seen before:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give and give<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give again,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To our year-end<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Big campaign,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t give,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll close our doors,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And it will be your fault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of business and it\u2019s just all your fault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Every day until year\u2019s end,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We text you every hour!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just reply with YES and<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They won\u2019t shut off the power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give and give,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give today,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give tomorrow,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Come what may!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We solicit until we drop,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though it fails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every year, all this \u00fcber-nagging fails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Welcome to the holiday over-solicitation season!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now stop singing, get back on the phone, and start dialing for dollars!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m going to take some time off for the holidays because I get to do that. I’ll be back on January 6, 2023. In the meantime, please don\u2019t over-solicit your donors; it\u2019s the number one reason they give for not donating a second time. Don\u2019t listen to the desperation. Just do the work.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As always, if you need me (or just want to say \u201chi\u201d), just email me at alan@501c3.guru<\/a>. No, really. Go ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Based in Kirkland, Washington, <\/em>Alan Harrison<\/em><\/a> is a writer and speaker specializing in nonprofit organizations, strategy, the arts, and life politics. His columns appear regularly in major publications. Contact him directly at <\/em>alan@501c3.guru.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re feeling generous or inspired, just click on the picture of the carolers above. Or, if you don’t know what a caroler is, just click here<\/a>. You don\u2019t have to, of course, but if you can afford it and find some value here, please provide the desperate need for caffeine.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alan is always looking for good opportunities to write and consult for nonprofits that need a hand. And, of course, that elusive <\/em>Perfect Opportunity\u2122.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

BIG NEWS: Alan\u2019s new book, \u201cScene Change: Why Nonprofit Arts Organization Must Stop Producing Art and Start Producing Impact\u201d will be published within the next eleven months by Changemakers Books<\/a>. Stay tuned for information on how you can buy a\u00a0copy.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

To the tune of \u201cHere We Go A-Wassailing,\u201d to kick off your nonprofit holiday\u00a0season (with apologies to all)…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,20,32,25,26,18,17,27,1],"tags":[41],"class_list":{"0":"post-124","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-arts-and-culture","7":"category-board-of-directors","8":"category-charity","9":"category-development-and-fundraising","10":"category-giving-tuesday","11":"category-nonprofit","12":"category-nonprofit-arts-organizations","13":"category-philanthropy-and-donors","14":"category-uncategorized","15":"tag-fundraising","16":"entry","17":"has-post-thumbnail"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1103,"url":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/2024\/11\/26\/the-2024-carol-for-nonprofit-arts-organizations\/","url_meta":{"origin":124,"position":0},"title":"The 2024 Carol for Nonprofit Arts Organizations","author":"Alan Harrison","date":"November 26, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"The holiday tradition continues because we know you won\u2019t read it.","rel":"","context":"In "Arts and Culture"","block_context":{"text":"Arts and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/category\/arts-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Happy-Badgering.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Happy-Badgering.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Happy-Badgering.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Happy-Badgering.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Happy-Badgering.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1591,"url":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/2025\/11\/25\/the-2025-final-never-to-be-repeated-carol-for-nonprofit-arts-organizations\/","url_meta":{"origin":124,"position":1},"title":"The 2025, Final, Never-To-Be-Repeated, Carol for Nonprofit Arts Organizations","author":"Alan Harrison","date":"November 25, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Every year about this time, another carol and generally, you don't read it. But this will be the last one ever, so please make it count.","rel":"","context":"In "Arts and Culture"","block_context":{"text":"Arts and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/category\/arts-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Christmas-Carolers.jpg?fit=1000%2C667&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Christmas-Carolers.jpg?fit=1000%2C667&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Christmas-Carolers.jpg?fit=1000%2C667&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Christmas-Carolers.jpg?fit=1000%2C667&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1683,"url":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/2025\/12\/30\/scene-change-3-just-named-to-kirkus-reviews-25-best-indies-of-2025\/","url_meta":{"origin":124,"position":2},"title":"“SCENE CHANGE 3” Just Named to Kirkus Reviews’ “25 Best Indies of 2025!”","author":"Alan Harrison","date":"December 30, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"If you're serious about succeeding as a nonprofit arts organization, you're going to want to pick up the trilogy at your favorite bookstore.","rel":"","context":"In "Arts and Culture"","block_context":{"text":"Arts and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/category\/arts-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Scene-change-3-with-sky.jpg?fit=1200%2C640&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Scene-change-3-with-sky.jpg?fit=1200%2C640&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Scene-change-3-with-sky.jpg?fit=1200%2C640&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Scene-change-3-with-sky.jpg?fit=1200%2C640&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Scene-change-3-with-sky.jpg?fit=1200%2C640&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":543,"url":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/2023\/09\/19\/if-your-nonprofit-arts-organizations-audience-is-comprised-solely-of-ticket-buyers-you-missed-the-point-the-boat-and-your-chance\/","url_meta":{"origin":124,"position":3},"title":"If Your Nonprofit Arts Organization\u2019s Audience Is Comprised Solely of Ticket Buyers, You Missed the Point, the Boat, and Your Chance","author":"Alan Harrison","date":"September 19, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Have you stuck by your audience? Are you stuck with your audience? Would you like to get unstuck?","rel":"","context":"In "Arts and Culture"","block_context":{"text":"Arts and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/category\/arts-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ripped-ticket1.jpg?fit=1100%2C648&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ripped-ticket1.jpg?fit=1100%2C648&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ripped-ticket1.jpg?fit=1100%2C648&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ripped-ticket1.jpg?fit=1100%2C648&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ripped-ticket1.jpg?fit=1100%2C648&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":627,"url":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/2023\/11\/28\/nonprofit-arts-organizations-in-2024-theres-going-to-be-a-lot-of-noise-take-advantage\/","url_meta":{"origin":124,"position":4},"title":"Nonprofit Arts Organizations: In 2024, There\u2019s Going to Be a Lot of Noise. Take Advantage.","author":"Alan Harrison","date":"November 28, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Take the time to understand that your art is not your company\u2019s product. Impact is, whether you want it to be or not.","rel":"","context":"In "Arts and Culture"","block_context":{"text":"Arts and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/category\/arts-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/man-5545037_1920.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/man-5545037_1920.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/man-5545037_1920.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/man-5545037_1920.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/man-5545037_1920.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1517,"url":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/2025\/10\/07\/a-punchy-outspoken-argument-for-how-nonprofit-arts-organizations-should-be-run\/","url_meta":{"origin":124,"position":5},"title":"“A PUNCHY, OUTSPOKEN ARGUMENT FOR HOW NONPROFIT ARTS ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD BE RUN.”","author":"Alan Harrison","date":"October 7, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"\"An example-driven new map to success in the realm of nonprofit theater.\" \u2014 Kirkus Reviews.","rel":"","context":"In "Arts and Culture"","block_context":{"text":"Arts and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/category\/arts-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Scene Change, Scene Change 2, and Scene Change 3 - 3 books to improve your arts organization","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/3-book-titles.jpg?fit=1200%2C606&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/3-book-titles.jpg?fit=1200%2C606&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/3-book-titles.jpg?fit=1200%2C606&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/3-book-titles.jpg?fit=1200%2C606&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/3-book-titles.jpg?fit=1200%2C606&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/124","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=124"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/124\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":192,"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/124\/revisions\/192"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=124"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=124"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=124"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}