Among the joys of what development folks do is the opportunity to work with some extraordinarily good and generous people. We get to help them make a difference with their gifts and see their joy in having an impact on lives. I am persuaded that many of them would give more than just their money […]

By Heather Thornton, Project Manager I have written in the past about the importance of showing appreciation to your donors and how the little ways in which you can simply say “thank you” can go a long way. With Valentine’s Day still fresh on our minds, perhaps now is as good a time as any […]

A few months ago I attended my five year high school reunion and a few weeks after that I got my first solicitation to the alumni fund call. I was shocked to think back and realize this was the first time my high school was soliciting me for a gift of any kind. And to […]

Most board members say that they are honored to be associated with their favorite non-profit, whether it is an educational, arts, cultural, human services, or religious institution. As we work with these non-profits to assist them with strategy; in procuring financial resources; developing, coaching, and mentoring leadership; or defining mission, vision and case; we interact […]

By: Jarrad Howard We hear it all the time. It has become the current buzz phrase within the non-profit sector: “Your organization needs to have a social media strategy”. This is completely, 100% true. Every organization needs to have a presence in social media. However, when it comes to fundraising, the most important part of […]

I finally gave in! Over the holidays, I sat down to view Disney’s animated hit movie “Frozen” in the comfort and privacy of my own home.  My youngest great-niece convinced me that it would be worth my time – and it was! In fact, I’ve watched it two other times since. For nearly a year […]

By Heather Thornton, Project Manager Recently, I dressed up for my first “picture day” in over 10 years, as the firm is updating our website’s company photos. This time, instead of excitedly pulling on the brand-new thoughtfully purchased and carefully laid out outfit (bought by my mom) and waiting in line with other classmates while […]

A recent conversation with an alumna of a public university in the east illustrated to me how a variety of contact methods can be used effectively. She is an international businesswoman in the Los Angeles area being courted by one of the leading private universities there as a potential trustee and eight-figure donor. A dean […]