Brick Paver Campaigns: To Follow The Yellow Brick Road… Or Not?
Nonprofits often engage in brick paver campaigns with good intentions and sincere motives, but, in fundraising terms, about 4 out of 5 are financially unsuccessful. While they may seem like a good idea at the outset, the end results can be disastrous, as evidenced by the following horror stories I’ve been told: One organization’s one-size-fits-allRead More Brick Paver Campaigns: To Follow The Yellow Brick Road… Or Not?
The Face of Philanthropy
A regular feature of the Chronicle of Philanthropy – usually about three pages in – is ‘The Face of Philanthropy,’ with a marvelous photograph effectively illustrating the impact of a not-for-profit program. Two faces came to mind the other day when I received an email about a fundraising event from Debbie Jeter, CEO and CofounderRead More The Face of Philanthropy
Preemptive Philanthropy
Preemptive philanthropy: Perhaps you’ve experienced something like this. The lead prospect for a major gift has been invited to a meeting. Following pleasantries and “small talk,” the board chair and the executive director begin sharing with the prospective donor their description of the organization’s plans for its capital campaign. They are just beginning to approachRead More Preemptive Philanthropy
VSE Survey – Giving To Higher Education In America
The annual Voluntary Support to Education (VSE) survey results were released recently, and the annual publication hit my desk this week. Finally, some good news for higher education: Contributions rose nine percent to $33.8 billion. “The total is the highest recorded in the history of the survey. In 2009, voluntary support fell from $31.6 billion,Read More VSE Survey – Giving To Higher Education In America
Philanthropy: Dance The Dance
I am struck how often development officers fail to follow-through with conversations about gift commitments when opportunities present themselves. This came to mind very recently during a conversation with the chief development officer for a college whose university we are serving. Here’s the background: This officer was recruiting volunteers to serve on the college’s campaignRead More Philanthropy: Dance The Dance
The Queen Speaks: Online Honor Rolls
My colleague John Taylor, despite his demurrers, is often called the guru of advancement services. When I asked him last year for some advice on exemplary stewardship programs he immediately recommended I talk with Lynne Wester, Director of Alumni Programs and Engagement at UNC Charlotte: “She’s the Queen of Stewardship.” High praise from a guru.Read More The Queen Speaks: Online Honor Rolls
Pencils of Promise
This is the story of Pencils of Promise. Adam Braun was an American tourist, backpacking his way around India, who gave a child his pencil–and then went on to found PoP, whose mission is to build schools and create educational opportunities in the developing world. In March, he took time out to talk with CauseTalkRead More Pencils of Promise
Stress Management Tips & Techniques For Development Officers
Raising money is a rewarding and fulfilling profession if you ask many of the successful men and women who ask for funds on a daily basis. Nonprofits, whether they are in business to help one individual, one child, one animal, or to transform society, give development officers reasons to be proud and feel purposeful inRead More Stress Management Tips & Techniques For Development Officers
Let’s Hear It For The “51 Percenters”!
Anyone who’s around me for any period of time will learn quickly that I enjoy dining out. While I don’t consider myself a full-fledged “foodie,” I do appreciate cuisines of all types. However, while the execution of the food is very important, the quality of the service is probably more important to me. As anyRead More Let’s Hear It For The “51 Percenters”!
A Fundraiser’s Take On Incentives For Giving
Much has been written and said recently about reforming the federal tax system. This is not a new issue but many people in the not-for-profit sector are concerned with the number of new proposals that would impact incentives for giving. For the record, I love America and philanthropy and I think Congress acted in theRead More A Fundraiser’s Take On Incentives For Giving
