Monthly Archives: February, 2011
What Are You Tracking?
Financial objectives address gift dollars to be raised, but adding non-monetary objectives into a non profit’s strategic plan will more effectively focus your fundraising process and systems. Positive percentages are also very motivating — for staff because a comprehensive tracking system will include goals and objections at every level, but also for volunteers as it shows [...]
Should We, Could We – A Social Media Primer
For nonprofits, the question is no longer, “Should we use social media as a means to promote our mission?”, but rather, ”Are we effectively utilizing social media to engage our donors and volunteers and thereby exponentially enhancing our visibility and increasing donations?” The world of social media is evolving, and the challenge is to develop and maintain an effective approach. Managing social [...]
Words By Which to Give: A Donor Bill of Rights
Have you shared a Donor Bill of Rights with your staff, volunteers and donors? Co-developed by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Association of Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Giving Institute, the Bill of Rights protects not only the charitable donors but also the non-profits who abide by [...]
Generosity: The Popular New Year Resolution
Nearly one in five respondents plan to increase their charitable giving in 2011, according to the annual Dunham & Company New Year’s Philanthropy Survey, conducted by Wilson Research Strategies. The results of the study, which was conducted via phone interviews with 1000 adults in early January, indicate that 29 percent of households plan to increase [...]
Share Planned Gifts to Receive Planned Gifts
Establishing a comprehensive Planned Gifts program can be intimidating for any development director, particularly in a “small shop”. As in any other fundraising program, though, the most productive planned gifts efforts involve simply reaching out to one donor at a time with concise, easy to understand information and tips. By educating your constituency about planned [...]
Fill In “The Following”
“I agree to serve as a board member for (insert your non-profit’s name here). Further, I agree to do ‘the following’ to the best of my ability”. Have you specifically defined in writing what “the following” should mean in your non-profit? Is it advocacy (wisdom), asking (work) and giving (wealth)? Perhaps your culture of philanthropy includes ”give, get, [...]
$125 Billion and Counting
Since 2000 the 50 annual top philanthropists have donated over $125 billion to non-profit organizations. In 2010, the 50 top philanthropists donated a total of $3.3 billion, the smallest total in the history of the rankings, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy. George Soros, who donated $332 million, was the largest donor. The Chronicle’s list measures [...]
Planned Gifts: The Process that Pays
Planned giving is a necessary process that takes time. It takes time for a prospect to decide to even consider making an estate gift. It takes time for a prospect to decide to meet with his or her estate planning professionals. It takes time for a provision that has been made to come to the attention of the organization. It takes [...]
