How To Engage Your Volunteers
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 moneyRead More How To Engage Your Volunteers
Show Some Love To Your Volunteers
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 anyRead More Show Some Love To Your Volunteers
Young Alumni Giving
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 toRead More Young Alumni Giving
How To Aggravate Your Board In 4 Easy Steps
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 interactRead More How To Aggravate Your Board In 4 Easy Steps
Not-So-Social Media
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 ofRead More Not-So-Social Media
Let It Go!
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 yearRead More Let It Go!
How Do You Present?
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 whileRead More How Do You Present?
Donor Contact: Make It Personal
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 deanRead More Donor Contact: Make It Personal
How To Conduct Effective Committee Meetings
“Our committee meetings seem to go on forever!” said the volunteer with whom I was meeting last week. “And all we do is hear reports – we never seem to deal with anything substantive.” Have you had similar comments from your Board members or volunteer committee members? There are many articles and books talking aboutRead More How To Conduct Effective Committee Meetings
A Closer Look At Community Philanthropists
Two long time Atlantans were honored last month by the Association of Fundraising Professionals for their transformative philanthropic contributions to the greater Atlanta Community. Tom Chapman and Rabbi Alvin Sugarman received their awards from Bernie Marcus in a ceremony at the Georgia Aquarium. Mr. Marcus, who has close relationships with both men, spoke from theRead More A Closer Look At Community Philanthropists