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Giving to the Arts Holds Steady
The arrival of new data from Giving USA each year is an always an important moment for those of us who rely on philanthropic revenue to build and sustain our organizations. It’s a time when those who study charitable giving draw conclusions based on how much was given last year, from whom, and what cultural... Read more »
READ MOREGiving USA 2019 Results – Giving Reaches Record-Breaking High, But Not Everyone Benefited
Do you feel like giving was up last year? Do you feel like it was down? Well, either way you could be right. According to the findings of Giving USA, 2018 was an uneven year for philanthropy, with some subsectors experiencing significant increases, while others saw significant decreases. It was also a year that saw... Read more »
READ MOREA Transformative Gift to Name the College of Textiles at NC State
Colleges and universities strive to identify that donor who will be so passionate about the mission that he or she is inspired to provide a transformative gift. Some universities refer to these benevolent individuals as unicorn donors, an apt name, as they may be as rare as, or perhaps as elusive as the mythical... Read more »
READ MOREEmbracing Diversity in Today’s Fundraising World
Among the most pressing and relevant issues faced by museums and performing arts organizations today is the diversification of their leadership, staff and audiences. This has long been an important topic in the field, but the dialogue around these issues has taken on new significance in recent years. While attention is most often paid... Read more »
READ MOREHow to select a Fundraising Counsel
1Identifying Prospective Consultants
Once the board and/or staff leadership has affirmed the desire to investigate fundraising consultants or consulting firms, you can identify a pool of candidates via several avenues.
2Preliminary Screening
Most firms will provide basic information on their website about services offered and clients served. Use the web for your preliminary research. From your research, narrow the field to three or four candidates who you feel suit your needs and arrange a phone call with each.
3Request for Proposals
Allow the firms the flexibility to present their information in the way they feel best represents their services, but be as specific as you can about the scope of work and request that proposals clearly state the costs, fees, services, a preliminary schedule and the proposed consulting staff you would work with.
4Check References
Once the board and/or staff leadership has affirmed the desire to investigate fundraising consultants or consulting firms, you can identify a pool of candidates via several avenues.
5Face-to-Face Meeting
Most firms will provide basic information on their website about services offered and clients served. Use the web for your preliminary research. From your research, narrow the field to three or four candidates who you feel suit your needs and arrange a phone call with each.
6Notifying Candidates
Notify all candidates of your decision. It is considered a courtesy to explain briefly the reasons for your choice to the consultants you did not select and provide constructive feedback if you have any. Firms will appreciate this feedback and your willingness share.