Campaigns and Strategic Planning
By Nancy Peterman, Partner A successful campaign is built upon a compelling case for support. We are often called upon to help clients craft a case when they are in the initial stages of contemplating a campaign. Those institutions that have just concluded or updated their strategic plan are in the best position to beginRead More Campaigns and Strategic Planning
A Collector’s Eye-and Heart
By Sandra Kidd, Partner Last year, the world of art and artists lost a friend when Herbert Vogel , noted collector of minimal and conceptual art, died at age 89 in New York City. For half a decade, Herbert Vogel and his wife Dorothy-or “Dorothy and Herb” as they liked to be known-steadily acquired a collection ofRead More A Collector’s Eye-and Heart
Philanthropy Basics
By Jim Hackney, Managing Partner As fundraising consultants, we are energized when our work with one organization offers insight into our work with other organizations. As I write this, I am days away from traveling to Greece where I will be an Arts Envoy for the U.S. State Department. I am honored to be aRead More Philanthropy Basics
Right-Sizing Your Board
by David Shufflebarger, Senior Partner We are often asked “What is the ideal size for our board?” One response is simply, “Not too large and not too small.” Another is, “It depends.” While there is some merit in both answers, neither is very helpful without delving deeper into the board’s role at an individual college,Read More Right-Sizing Your Board
Finding the Purpose of Leadership Programs
by Nancy E. Peterman, Partner One common element of many recent university campaigns is the establishment of a leadership program. A popular brand as a program or institute, a leadership center has come to represent a collection of experiences that are designed to develop desirable characteristics needed for graduates to make a difference in society.Read More Finding the Purpose of Leadership Programs
What We Can Learn from Greece: It’s All About the Basics
By Jim Hackney,Managing Partner I had the tremendous honor of being invited by the U.S. State Department to travel to Greece on their behalf as an Arts Envoy. My mission, this past November, was to meet with and train staff members at several museums and science centers. The subject of my work was seemingly simple:Read More What We Can Learn from Greece: It’s All About the Basics
Top Ten Characteristics of an Effective Development Office
Arthur L. Criscillis, Ed.D., Partner I was asked by a client to join the staff for their yearly planning retreat and was asked to do a presentation on the top ten characteristics of effective development programs. While I have given a great deal of thought to what makes a development program excel, I had never reallyRead More Top Ten Characteristics of an Effective Development Office
Three Points to Hammer Home
By Jerry Henry, Partner “For many that rely on philanthropy…this is not just a tough year. This is going to be a tough era.”–Patrick Rooney, Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University “Ugh! What’s our organization supposed to do?” one client asked dejectedly upon reading the statement above in a recent publication based on the 2012 GivingRead More Three Points to Hammer Home
Why We Won’t Do It For You
By Jim Hackney,Managing Partner I have a personal passion for museums and consider it an honor to encourage people to support our hallowed halls for works of art and the educational opportunities they provide. It is a unique adrenaline rush to ask someone for a great gift and have him or her respond positively. AndRead More Why We Won’t Do It For You
Millennials Donors: Three Things You Should Know
by Sandra K. Kidd, Senior Partner More than 6,500 young people aged 20-35 were surveyed this year about what motivates them to give and get engaged with nonprofits. The third annual survey of the Millennials, released this summer, shows that The Three Ts are powerful forces in shaping the how and why of philanthropy for this group. Technology continues toRead More Millennials Donors: Three Things You Should Know
