<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Erica McWhorter]]></title><description><![CDATA[Erica McWhorter is the Principal behind Excelevate, a consultancy built to help you help others.]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 01:01:51 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.excelevate.org/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[The Active Pipeline Dilemma: Solving Grant Tracking Chaos and Fragmented Workflows]]></title><description><![CDATA[Is your funding records system trapped between a monster spreadsheet and a messy digital shoebox of inbox drafts and sticky notes? When records fall out of sync, qualified opportunities get lost in the shuffle. Discover how to solve grant pipeline chaos through clean operational design. Learn why separating your permanent repository from your active daily queue protects staff capacity, eliminates administrative friction, and keeps your organization focused on revenue momentum.]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/the-active-pipeline-dilemma-solving-grant-tracking-chaos-and-fragmented-workflows</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa8813c657220a882767a2e</guid><category><![CDATA[Fundraising]]></category><category><![CDATA[Systems & Process]]></category><category><![CDATA[Strategy]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:00:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_a5c3b4de990144a79ffecf482d2e4885~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[You're Spending 90% of Your Time Chasing 10% of Your Revenue]]></title><description><![CDATA[Is your nonprofit development team exhausted from chasing cold leads while revenue stays flat? Discover why 70-80% of your funding comes from your top funders and how to transition from a hunting to a gardening mindset. Learn how to identify your organization's unique "Success Formulas" by matching historical funding sources to project types, and get a free Funder Prospecting Checklist to focus your capacity on relationships that drive sustainable growth.]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/your-spending-90-of-your-time-chasing-10-of-your-revenue</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4d4a6024d6803bed6ac11e</guid><category><![CDATA[Fundraising]]></category><category><![CDATA[Systems & Process]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:00:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f9eff2_68cb4387747949a0889b9a3841024c72~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stop Planning, Start Pivoting: The Low-Hanging Fruit of Fundraising Strategy]]></title><description><![CDATA[Stop letting complex strategic plans sit in a drawer while you struggle with cash flow. Discover how to shift from exhaustive strategic overhauls to active, real-time pivots. Learn the difference between a Defensive posture (protecting your funding base) and an Offensive posture (scaling your fundraising successes). Uncover the low-hanging fruit of fund development and build long-term financial resilience for your nonprofit using small, high-impact capacity adjustments.]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/stop-planning-start-pivoting-the-low-hanging-fruit-of-fundraising-strategy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4c149dfa58f0a255d871af</guid><category><![CDATA[Strategy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Fundraising]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 22:31:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_078403d225604b958f98091c949063ce~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA["I had no idea": 3 'Aha' Moments from the Strategic Funding Tracker Beta Test]]></title><description><![CDATA[I knew this tool would organize pipelines, but I didn't anticipate the strategic clarity it would unlock. Here are 3 "Aha!" moments from our Strategic Funding Tracker beta cohort.]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/strategic-funding-tracker-beta-aha-moments</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c6b6f5653657f03d62e32f</guid><category><![CDATA[Strategy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Fundraising]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:42:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f9eff2_1432547fc9f84c36ba0f57249a8f5174~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_683,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Must Reads - Unicorns Unite]]></title><description><![CDATA[Unicorns Unite by Jassamyn Shams-Lau, Jane Leu, Vu Le "Take risks. Faster.” –p. 43 Colorful and playful cover of "Unicorns Unite," showcasing a whimsical design with unicorns and vibrant colors, offering insights into building strong nonprofit partnerships by Jessamyn Shams-Lau, Jane Leu, and Vu Le. Unicorns Unite: Harnessing Courage, Respect for Our Capacity &#38; Differences, and Thinking Outside the Box to Tackle Partnership Challenges in the Nonprofit Sector. First, Know This Title: Unicorns...]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/must-reads-unicorns-unite</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699caaa43633f91285edd91a</guid><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:47:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f9eff2_5ed1a4d7cc9d4cc184a8a6e0d84eefb1~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Your Fundraising Report Misses the Target (And How to Hit It Every Time)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Stop reporting activity and start telling a data-story that inspires your board to action. See the difference between a list and an insight.]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/board-data-storytelling</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69332aad138c033374d2f2bd</guid><category><![CDATA[Strategy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Fundraising]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 01:44:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f9eff2_56ce2508027c49adabdf65c3dae712a5~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Want to Diversify Your Funding? Stop Guessing.]]></title><description><![CDATA[You can't diversify if you don't know your funder dependency. Learn the critical analysis step that must come before prospecting. Free checklist inside!]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/funding-diversification-guess</link><guid isPermaLink="false">692f8e64d566b35f04b08769</guid><category><![CDATA[Fundraising]]></category><category><![CDATA[Strategy]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:33:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f9eff2_3962ff41f2ca472a9d045e5652be8124~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lessons Learned]]></title><description><![CDATA[Learn 2 non-negotiable strategic lessons from 2025 on system building, and mature movement action to prepare for 2026.]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/2025-lessons-learned-funding-strategy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69377a0608b2ad15d701e320</guid><category><![CDATA[Lessons Learned]]></category><category><![CDATA[Strategy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Fundraising]]></category><category><![CDATA[Systems & Process]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:45:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f9eff2_a6ba0c340a5e4477bb01808187ff637f~mv2.avif/v1/fit/w_740,h_493,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[You Don't Have a "Data Problem." You Have a "Clarity Problem."]]></title><description><![CDATA[Your scattered funding data is a clarity problem, not a character flaw. Announcing the beta test for the Strategic Funding Tracker, designed to fix this.]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/data-clarity-problem</link><guid isPermaLink="false">692f818ad566b35f04b0693c</guid><category><![CDATA[Strategy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Fundraising]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:56:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f9eff2_2902b1c78197490c9868fe74d8f16c1d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Must Reads - Emergent Strategy]]></title><description><![CDATA[A consultant's take on Emergent Strategy. It's not just a theory—it's an empowering toolkit for nonprofit and public sector leaders to move beyond rigid plans and adapt to change.]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/must-reads-emergent-strategy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68f6ac532aa3cc1b59682d27</guid><category><![CDATA[Books]]></category><category><![CDATA[Strategy]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2025 22:57:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f9eff2_5ed1a4d7cc9d4cc184a8a6e0d84eefb1~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Must Reads - The Price of Humanity]]></title><description><![CDATA[Author Amy Schiller is a rebel. Her book, "The Price of Humanity," confronts the core beliefs of the nonprofit sector, challenging everyone from frontline staff to individual donors. This review breaks down why this intense, studied, and vital book gets my nod and is not merely an academic exercise, but a practical tool for transformation.]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/price-of-humanity-book-review</link><guid isPermaLink="false">688139b36ab2534c7bfc2ff5</guid><category><![CDATA[Fundraising]]></category><category><![CDATA[Policy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Governance]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2025 17:00:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f9eff2_b7dbdf29e6104e119b26442e1f704b99~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lessons Learned]]></title><description><![CDATA[Last year's dose of brilliance "By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which Is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” – Confucius Table of Contents 1.     Overview 2.     Alternative Governance Models 3.     Systems Thinking 4.     Returning to Philanthropy's Roots 5.     What's Next Key Takeaways Governance is leadership at scale and can provide a framework for downstream values-based planning, management,...]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/lessons-learned-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">65b456e273641ec3b794f7fe</guid><category><![CDATA[Lessons Learned]]></category><category><![CDATA[Systems & Process]]></category><category><![CDATA[Fundraising]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 28 Jan 2024 15:29:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_cf3c9335de904b659f73b24cad34fb33~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lessons Learned]]></title><description><![CDATA[Finding your margin “Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.” – Margaret J. Wheatley Table of Contents 1.     On Lessons Learned 2.     Finding Your Margin 3.     Value in the Margin 4.     What's Next 5.     Resources to Fill Your Toolbox Key Takeaways Think of your position in terms of your lanes not your limits. Empty space is necessary. Find value in your margins by living your values. On Lessons Learned...]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/lessons-learned</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6585cff37950c086e85375d9</guid><category><![CDATA[Lessons Learned]]></category><category><![CDATA[Strategy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Leadership]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 22 Dec 2023 19:01:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_183d65d07d864d189afa155eea627b0b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Refinement: Success in the Streamlined Approach]]></title><description><![CDATA[Part 3 What to do when you are not ready for a full scope evaluation Sometimes the best strategy is to streamline your strategy. Refining...]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/refinement-success-in-the-streamlined-approach-2</link><guid isPermaLink="false">653c0052cfac49d20ce22162</guid><category><![CDATA[Strategy]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 20:43:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_c1b3b06009e4449fb58c257e47e3c723~mv2_d_3926_4831_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Refinement: Success in the Streamlined Approach]]></title><description><![CDATA[Part 2 No time or resources for strategic planning? Try an interim plan for clear direction and peak effectiveness. Sometimes the best...]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/refinement-success-in-the-streamlined-approach-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">64e9379dbe2bfac4cfcdd316</guid><pubDate>Sun, 27 Aug 2023 14:00:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_326759735a556d6f636b77~mv2_d_6000_4000_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Refinement: Success in the Streamlined Approach]]></title><description><![CDATA[Part 1 Saying “yes” too much? Knowing how goals are different from priorities can change that. Sometimes the best strategy is to...]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/refinement-success-in-the-streamlined-approach</link><guid isPermaLink="false">64bb105f497ab9fd047800bf</guid><category><![CDATA[Strategy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Business]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 30 Jul 2023 14:00:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_f37f5f30350c43c3ad393bb340032707~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Values-Based Leadership]]></title><description><![CDATA[Part 3 Values Building at the Top - Questions for Existing &#38; Emerging Leadership Excellence starts from within. Intention and words will...]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/values-based-leadership-2</link><guid isPermaLink="false">64481bb4a69b9dc92d17cfba</guid><category><![CDATA[Leadership]]></category><category><![CDATA[Equity]]></category><category><![CDATA[Governance]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2023 12:00:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_4a354e83ec8146e188a04afa1a1f40c6~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Values-Based Leadership]]></title><description><![CDATA[We are discussing values-based leadership. Join us in part 2 as we learn about turning your values into useful operational tools. ]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/values-based-leadership-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6441b026fa804019b3bd7cae</guid><category><![CDATA[Equity]]></category><category><![CDATA[Leadership]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 27 May 2023 15:00:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_c833b765edb94a85a09a73519f82ea61~mv2_d_4724_3141_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Values-Based Leadership]]></title><description><![CDATA[We are discussing values-based leadership. Join us in part 1 as we learn about operating principles and how to bring our values to work. ]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/values-based-leadership</link><guid isPermaLink="false">640bbabc63511d55c4783763</guid><category><![CDATA[Leadership]]></category><category><![CDATA[Equity]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 24 Apr 2023 16:00:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_74443362424e5333666249~mv2_d_3013_2448_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Embrace the Mission of Civic Participation Part 3]]></title><description><![CDATA[Join us as we learn to use language to strategically align civic participation with our community engagement efforts]]></description><link>https://www.excelevate.org/post/embrace-the-mission-of-civic-participation-part-3</link><guid isPermaLink="false">63d412738b4acc5b3171aaad</guid><category><![CDATA[Community Engagement]]></category><category><![CDATA[CBOs & Nonprofits]]></category><category><![CDATA[Strategy]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 27 Mar 2023 15:00:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c08b4dc4deef91c9ad73a8d225033547.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_800,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Erica McWhorter</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>