http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/ en nancy@curtisgroupconsultants.com Copyright 2010 2010-09-08T16:52:37-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/time_to_fall_back_re_group_and_work_your_plan/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/time_to_fall_back_re_group_and_work_your_plan/#When:16:52:37Z Back to school, back to work, back to the task at hand. With a new season upon us, it’s a good time to re-evaluate. Back to school, back to work, back to the task at hand. A new season is upon us. I’m one of those people who loves fall because it’s another opportunity for a fresh start—maybe even a second chance (or last chance) at New Year’s resolutions. September always seems to be a good time to re-group, re-assess, and re-align. Are you making progress on your strategic plan, your development plan, or your fundraising goals? If not, take a minute—or an hour, or a day—to give yourself and your board time to evaluate your progress and think about your plans. Take your lunch outside. Leave your smartphone at your desk. Give yourself time to think about where your organization is, where it needs to be, and how best to get there.  This is no time to abandon long-term plans. They may need to be tweaked and strategies may have to be adjusted, but to be in the best possible post-recovery position, we all need to have a plan and be clear about moving toward our goals. And then work that plan! 2010-09-08T16:52:37-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/sr_rose_proving_the_myth_of_funding_diversity/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/sr_rose_proving_the_myth_of_funding_diversity/#When:14:52:08Z A Chronicle of Philanthropy blogger attempts to shatter the myth of funding diversity. But here’s why her “Sister Rose” example is flawed. In a recent blog post on The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s site, Clara Miller writes about the case of “Sister Rose,” who runs a nonprofit with a $30 million annual budget. Miller presents Sister Rose’s fundraising burnout as an example to shatter the myth that nonprofits need to diversify their funding revenue. But I submit that Sister Rose’s problem is not that her revenue is overly diversified but that her development program is mis-focused. First, because 70 percent of her revenue comes from government grants, which are restricted to some degree, she needs to diversify in order to raise unrestricted dollars. Much of the 15 percent she gets from corporations and foundations is also restricted. Second, Sister Rose is raising the other 15 percent through a dinner dance, golf outing, bingo, car wash, and direct mail campaign—nothing about major gifts. Why in the world is a $30 million organization doing a car wash, bingo, and golf tournament? Frankly, why would a $300,000 organization be doing these instead of major gift fundraising? No wonder she is exhausted—special events do that to you. Why do nonprofits continue to think a development program comprises special events, bingo, in-kind donations that aren’t helpful, and other activities that typically generate a poor return on the dollars and time invested? It’s time for Sister Rose to invest in building capacity in her development program, and that means focusing on major and planned gifts. 2010-09-03T14:52:08-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/making_the_most_of_changes_in_corporate_giving/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/making_the_most_of_changes_in_corporate_giving/#When:20:44:05Z This past Saturday I was interviewed on a Maryland radio station about the state of corporate philanthropy. In reviewing the latest data beforehand, I came across two blog-worthy points. This past Saturday I was interviewed on a Maryland radio station about the state of corporate philanthropy. In reviewing the latest data beforehand, I came across two blog-worthy points. The first is the growing trend of companies seeking alternatives to cash giving to support charitable activities, such as promoting employee volunteerism or offering staffers paid time off to do pro-bono work. In a recent survey by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, 54 percent of businesses said they are encouraging employees to volunteer more. Some that are giving cash are tying those gifts to in-kind giving. One example is GE Foundation, which has awarded cash grants of $250,000 to nonprofit health clinics, along with help from GE employees in strategic planning, marketing, and other skills. Wise nonprofit staff realize that those corporate volunteers comprise a new group of potential donors who can be cultivated. And recent studies show that volunteers tend to give more than non-volunteers. Also, finding ways for those employees to volunteer can help a nonprofit form a long-lasting relationship with the company, which could result in more exposure through the company’s communications and social media outlets, or even a larger corporate gift. The second point is that many businesses have become strategic in their giving, either by aligning it with their brand, such as Walmart’s new $2 billion, five-year commitment to fighting hunger, or by cutting back on the number of charities they support in order to have more of an impact on each. Nonprofits can take a lesson from this approach by being equally strategic in how they solicit corporate support. For example, today a foodbank would obviously consider Walmart rather than Target, whose philanthropy has become focused on ensuring that third-graders can read proficiently. Aligning your brand with a corporate brand may result in a nice win/win. But don’t expect it to be the answer to all your funding needs. As we’ve noted here recently, in 2009, corporate giving was only 4 percent of all charitable giving, and half of that was in-kind. Your main fundraising focus must always be on individuals. 2010-08-31T20:44:05-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/four_nonprofits_take_flight/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/four_nonprofits_take_flight/#When:20:01:38Z Last week, Keith and I sat in on presentations made to the Hampton Roads Community Foundation by the four Building Excellence grantees from 2009. We couldn’t be more proud. Last week, Keith and I sat in on presentations made to the Hampton Roads Community Foundation by the four Building Excellence grantees from 2009. The grants enabled us to work with these organizations for 18 months, providing them with training and helping them put the infrastructure in place to build development capacity and begin acquiring major gifts. We felt a little like proud parents as we watched staff members from Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Virginia, Barrier Islands Center, Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads, and the YWCA of South Hampton Roads speak confidently of creating development plans, engaging their boards, and cultivating and stewarding major donors. It’s amazing what can result from the right education and training, along with the willingness to take the necessary actions. Now that they’ve accomplished those important first steps, we wish these nonprofits all the best in their future fundraising endeavors. 2010-08-26T20:01:38-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/economic_climate_calls_for_best_practices/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/economic_climate_calls_for_best_practices/#When:19:12:31Z A few days ago, The Chronicle of Philanthropy published its fundraising index for the second quarter of 2010. The index says fundraising improved slightly over the first quarter. A few days ago, The Chronicle of Philanthropy published its fundraising index for the second quarter of 2010. The index says fundraising improved slightly over the first quarter, primarily because of small increases in the nation’s GDP and a slight upturn in what Americans earn. But as we all know, the economy is still challenged, which means so is the fundraising environment. As the nation slogs through the recovery over the next year, we as development professionals need to remember that these times call for best practices in fundraising: engaging your board, getting your message out, keeping key donors informed, stewarding donors properly, and as we’ve been emphasizing, diversifying your funding stream. As Giving USA 2010 showed, people in this nation are still giving generously. Nonprofits that follow best practices in fundraising are the ones that will get their gifts. 2010-08-19T19:12:31-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/giving_across_generations/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/giving_across_generations/#When:20:08:44Z A Baby Boomer, Gen-Xer, and Millennial each describe what’s important to her about working with nonprofits at this stage of her life.  Last week at the AFP North Carolina Philanthropy Conference, I went to a workshop called “Giving Across Generations.” A Baby Boomer, Gen-Xer, and Millennial each described what’s important to her in terms of giving priorities and working with nonprofits at this stage of her life. A veteran donor, the Baby Boomer said she’s now interested in leaving a legacy for her family, such as funding a scholarship program, that will reflect the lifetime impact she’s had on the community. The Gen-Xer, a working mom with no time for black-tie events, said she needs to be engaged in an organization that can include her children. Don’t call her at home where she’s too busy to talk, she advised—use email or her cell phone. And the Millennial, the youngest of the three, recently served on a board that dismissed all her ideas. She wants to work with a nonprofit that will value her contribution and take her seriously. She added that you can communicate with her on Facebook. It was clear from this workshop that priorities differ during each stage of life and different communication strategies are required. We’d love to hear how you’re applying this to your fundraising tactics. 2010-08-17T20:08:44-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/anonymous_may_not_be_the_same_for_everyone/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/anonymous_may_not_be_the_same_for_everyone/#When:19:28:16Z A story we heard at the AFP North Carolina Philanthropy Conference shows why it’s critical to find out what donors want. Yesterday Wendy and I attended the AFP North Carolina Philanthropy Conference. Along with conducting her “Making the Successful Ask” presentation, Wendy hosted a round-table discussion during lunch on donor cultivation and stewardship. One guest at our table recounted a story that illustrates the importance of listening to donors and asking how they’d liked to be recognized. A donor who made a generous gift to her nonprofit had asked to remain anonymous. Because of that request, the staff thought it unnecessary to post a plaque with “Anonymous” on the donor recognition wall. Until, that is, the donor toured the new facility and expressed hurt feelings because he and his gift hadn’t been recognized on the wall as “Anonymous.” Next week, I’ll share highlights of a fascinating conference workshop I went to called “Giving Across Generations.” Again, the theme is listening to your donors and volunteers. 2010-08-13T19:28:16-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/diversify_funding_to_survive_state_shortfalls/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/diversify_funding_to_survive_state_shortfalls/#When:18:15:30Z “Charities Expect Money Worries into 2013 Due to States’ Shortfalls.” Maybe you saw that headline in the Aug. 12 edition of The Chronicle of Philanthropy.  “Charities Expect Money Worries into 2013 Due to States’ Shortfalls.” Maybe you saw that headline in the Aug. 12 edition of The Chronicle of Philanthropy. The article reports that many states expect their budget crises to continue well into 2012 and possibly 2013. At the same time, nonprofits that have depended heavily on government funding, such as human services charities, continue to see the demand for their services soar. Knowing this, some foundations have diverted grants away from arts groups and other less-urgent charities to help offset the loss of government funding to basic needs organizations. What’s the takeaway? It’s what we’ve been emphasizing for the last two years: You must diversify your funding base and revenue streams. Even if some states return to funding the way they used to, which is unlikely, it would still take two to three years after the budget shortfalls for that to happen. To protect your organization’s financial future (and at the risk of sounding like a broken record), the best steps any nonprofit can take right now are to cultivate individual givers and launch an ongoing major-gifts program. If you’re encountering challenges in taking these steps—with your board, for example—let us know below. 2010-08-11T18:15:30-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/the_common_courtesy_of_stewardship/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/the_common_courtesy_of_stewardship/#When:15:10:49Z At the Giving Institute Summer Symposium last month, a representative of a major national corporation who sat on a panel of philanthropists offered good advice to nonprofits about giving and stewardship.  At the Giving Institute Summer Symposium last month, a representative of a major national corporation who sat on a panel of philanthropists offered good advice to nonprofits about giving and stewardship. One request he made concerned nonprofits to which his foundation has made a gift. He said he would appreciate a call from a board or staff member in between calls to ask for money, just to give him an update and let him know how his gift is helping. How sad that he had to make that point. It’s not just your top donors who need stewarding, either. Everyone who gives to, volunteers with, or is otherwise loyal to your organization deserves not only to be thanked, but to be made aware of what their gift of money or time is helping you accomplish. Stewarding donors and volunteers is more than an integral part of the cultivation process. It’s a common courtesy we all appreciate. How do you and your organization steward donors? We welcome you to share below. 2010-08-05T15:10:49-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/lets_talk_outcomes_but_also_listen/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/lets_talk_outcomes_but_also_listen/#When:00:59:24Z At the Giving Institute Summer Symposium earlier this month, one topic addressed by a panel of philanthropists was the use outcome measurements in cultivating donors.  At the Giving Institute Summer Symposium earlier this month, one topic addressed by a panel of philanthropists was the use outcome measurements in cultivating donors. These philanthropists agreed that while measuring success is important, and major funders expect nonprofits to report outcomes, simply reciting a litany of data that’s important to you isn’t an effective way to engage potential donors. Instead, they said donors want to have a conversation with you. In making what they consider to be an investment in a nonprofit, donors want to know what they can expect as a return on that investment. Your measurements are part of that, sure, but the conversation needs to be broader. Yes, you want donors to know what success means to your organization, but you also need to listen to what success means to your donors. Then let them know how their gift will help you achieve that. 2010-07-29T00:59:24-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/the_new_normal_of_fundraising/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/the_new_normal_of_fundraising/#When:15:03:40Z Learn why fundraising today can no longer be an either/or situation.  After reading Wendy’s post about endowments last week, I realized that there’s a second part to this issue. Because even if now isn’t the right time for an endowment or other major campaign, that’s not to say you can’t or shouldn’t be cultivating major gifts. At last week’s Giving Institute Summer Symposium, keynote speaker Dr. Paul Light emphasized that the nonprofits with the foresight to become more robust organizations during this economic climate are the ones that will be able to grow when the economy recovers. And the way to accomplish that is by implementing a capacity-building plan now that fosters long-term sustainability. In a recent article, Clara Miller, president and CEO of Nonprofit Finance Fund, wrote, “It may seem counterintuitive, but this is the time to invest in change and growth,” such as adding mission-based programs, new technology, and development infrastructure. “And the bottom line is that all theses ‘changing’ activities require capital.” That’s why fundraising today is no longer an either/or situation. It’s not either do a major campaign or hunker down and pray that your annual appeal will see you through. Plus, as many nonprofits are finding out, government grants are going by the wayside. To secure your financial future, ongoing major-gifts fundraising needs to become your “new normal.” What are you doing to move in that direction? 2010-07-21T15:03:40-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/time_for_an_endowment/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/time_for_an_endowment/#When:00:13:34Z Creating an endowment seems like a sound business practice to most nonprofit boards. But is it really the next logical step for your organization? Creating an endowment seems like a sound business practice to most nonprofit boards. But is it really the next logical step for your organization? “For many, amassing an endowment represents a ‘nirvana’ state, where fundraising (and related pain) ceases and programs are amply funded,” wrote Clara Miller, CEO of the Nonprofit Finance Fund, in a recent article. “The sun shines on beaming board members who have tidy, constructive discussion about investment options (as opposed to unseemly wrestling sessions about who’s written their annual check); and every meeting includes thoughtful planning based on a reliable, multiyear gush of investment earnings from the endowment.” The reality, however, is often quite different. Most nonprofits have bylaws that restrict annual spending to the earnings or a percentage of the earnings of an endowment. At 5 percent of a $1 million fund, for example, that amounts to only $50,000 a year, a sum that might cover new equipment or a staff salary. But it wouldn’t meet annual operating expenses for any organization. Endowments, considered “illiquid” assets, are little help in challenging economic times. That’s why reserves are necessary. So if a month before year-end you’re still concerned about meeting operating expenses, or if you haven’t built up sufficient cash reserves, establishing an endowment may not be the appropriate next step in your development efforts. “This is not to say that some organizations do not have a compelling mission-related need for an endowment,” Miller added. “The problem is our sector’s automatic-pilot approach to making these decisions.” 2010-07-15T00:13:34-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/is_it_philanthropy/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/is_it_philanthropy/#When:20:58:10Z Controversy erupted today over ESPN’s decision to donate to a charity the proceeds of ad sales for its hour-long show announcing LeBron James’ choice of NBA team. Controversy erupted today over ESPN’s decision to give away an hour of primetime programming to announce which NBA team LeBron James will join. The sports network will donate proceeds from advertising sponsorships of the announcement show to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a charity long supported by James. “Many in the media world are decrying the event,” reported The Chronicle of Philanthropy, “saying that it hurts ESPN’s journalistic credibility.” The article went on to quote author and sportswriter Mitch Albom, who said, “You want to give to charity, quietly write a check. Don’t get a network to do it for you so it gets to pump its shows and you get to shower yourself in international coverage—while calling it philanthropy.” My take is that while this act of goodwill by ESPN may qualify more as strategic marketing than philanthropy, at least a nonprofit is benefiting from all the hoopla, which clearly was going to happen anyway. What do you think? Is the donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs truly philanthropic? Is ESPN less credible because of this decision? Or should we all just be happy that a nonprofit is benefiting? Tell us what you think below. 2010-07-08T20:58:10-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/charitable_giving_is_up_says_new_index/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/charitable_giving_is_up_says_new_index/#When:15:47:27Z Yesterday, the inaugural edition of Blackbaud’s Index of Charitable Giving was released. The news is good. Yesterday, the inaugural edition of Blackbaud’s Index of Charitable Giving was released. Blackbaud is a global provider of software and services for nonprofits. The news is good. Not only did the index find that nonprofits of all sizes are emerging from the recession, overall nonprofit revenue increased by 12.1 percent for the three months ending April 2010 over the same period in 2009. This is similar to what The Chronicle of Philanthropy found for the first quarter in its recent survey. The Blackbaud report also says that smaller organizations have been the first to rebound from the recession, likely because most are focused on meeting the community needs that donors often support in tough times. This broad-based fundraising index reports revenue trends of 1400 nonprofit organizations representing $2.2 billion in yearly revenue on a monthly basis. It is based on actual revenue statistics from nonprofits of all sizes representing arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment and animals; healthcare; human services; international affairs; public and society benefit; and religion sectors. 2010-06-29T15:47:27-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/can_giving_pledge_work_at_the_local_level/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/can_giving_pledge_work_at_the_local_level/#When:18:41:50Z Last week, Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates issued a challenge to the nation’s wealthiest citizens. Will this have an impact on local giving? Last week, Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates issued a challenge to the nation’s wealthiest citizens. They asked them to take a giving pledge and commit at least half of their net worth to charity during their lifetime or after death. Billionaires Eli and Edythe Broad took the pledge, saying they’ll give 75 percent of their wealth to charity, as did several other major U.S. philanthropists. This validates what we always tell our clients: When it comes to fundraising, leadership is it. Buffett and the Gateses have led the way for some time with their philanthropic endeavors. Now they’ve challenged their peers to step up. The Chronicle of Philanthropy estimates that this could eventually generate as much as $600 billion for nonprofits, twice what is now given annually. Keep in mind, though, that some of this giving won’t be seen until after these philanthropists pass on. While this is wonderful for global needs, unless it’s brought down to the local level, those gifts won’t have an impact on the vast majority of nonprofits that serve their local communities. Many of these have been hit much harder by the recession than their international counterparts and could really use a boost. What if community leaders came up with their own version of the giving pledge? If a handful of local philanthropists came together and challenged others to take a pledge, imagine what that could do for their community’s nonprofits. Anyone out there willing to get it started? 2010-06-22T18:41:50-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/giving_usa_2010_how_it_can_help_you/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/giving_usa_2010_how_it_can_help_you/#When:18:14:36Z Now that we’ve had a chance to digest and discuss the data from Giving USA 2010, here are the most important takeaways for nonprofits.  Now that we’ve had a chance to digest and discuss the data from Giving USA 2010, here are the most important takeaways for nonprofits. It’s no surprise that charitable giving declined in 2009. What did surprise us is that it dropped by only 3.6 percent, given last year’s economy and job market. And giving by individuals barely changed at all—down only 0.4 percent. Again Americans stepped up to support the causes most in need. Total giving was $303.75 billion, making 2009 the third year in a row that giving topped $300 billion. Giving to human services and health organizations rose by 2.6 percent and 3.8 percent, respectively. Categories that saw declines were education, public-society benefit, and arts and culture, most likely because donors turned to other causes and some major campaigns were put on hold. If your organization took a bigger hit, it could be because you rely more heavily on government funding, foundation funding, and special events. This leads into what we consider to be the most important data nonprofits need to know: in 2009 corporate giving was only 4 percent of all giving and foundations were only 13 percent, but individuals accounted for 75 percent. And when bequests and family foundations are added to individuals, the percentage jumps to 89. So, if your board members insist on putting their fundraising focus on corporate and foundation giving, that number should be their wake-up call. Considering that individuals are the source of 89 percent of all giving, we can’t stress enough that this is where every nonprofit’s focus should be. What’s in store for 2010? The Chronicle of Philanthropy surveyed 400 charities and reports that in the first quarter, giving grew by a median rate of 11 percent. That sounds hopeful to us. What do you think? 2010-06-16T18:14:36-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/giving_usa_2010_released/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/giving_usa_2010_released/#When:16:56:18Z The annual report on philanthropy for 2009, published by Giving USA Foundation and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, was released today. Giving USA 2010, the annual report on philanthropy for 2009 published by Giving USA Foundation and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, was released today. You can get a free executive summary of the report here. As a Giving USA board member, Keith was interviewed today by The Virginian-Pilot and Richmond Times-Dispatch to talk about the impact of this data on Virginia nonprofits. The articles are scheduled to run tomorrow. Look for more about what this data means for nonprofits in future posts. And don’t miss Wendy on Thursday at noon in a streaming video of a panel discussion on Giving USA 2010. The panel includes Patrick Rooney, head of Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy, Nonprofit Quarterly’s Ruth McCambridge, and Urban Institute’s Tom Pollack. The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s Stacy Palmer will moderate.  2010-06-09T16:56:18-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/is_a_dod_the_answer_to_your_fundraising/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/is_a_dod_the_answer_to_your_fundraising/#When:21:25:52Z Why hiring a development director doesn’t let your board off the hook. Over the last few weeks, Keith and I have both encountered the same issue with nonprofits boards that have recently hired a development director. I know it’s a very big step for small nonprofits to take, but it should not be done with the intention of that person solving all the fundraising issues and challenges of an organization. As a matter of fact, if you’re a small nonprofit, you may not be able to afford an experienced major-gifts fundraiser. That means your CEO and board will still need to shoulder the responsibility for those donors and prospects.  Also, it may not be the best move to hire someone for the development position whose primary background is special events. Most small nonprofits hold a few events—someone with that background may put more focus on those rather than cultivating and stewarding major donors in person.  2010-06-03T21:25:52-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/keep_your_funders_in_the_know/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/keep_your_funders_in_the_know/#When:13:47:57Z In our second post about last week’s Funders Forum, learn what panel members advise about communication and stewardship. Last Thursday’s Funders Forum, held by Volunteer Hampton Roads and moderated by Keith, gave nonprofit professionals and board members a direct line to a panel comprising the Hon. Richard Bray of the Beazley Foundation, Angelica Light of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, Deborah Wyld of the Norfolk Southern Foundation, Michael Howland of the Southeastern Council of Foundations, Anne Conner of the TowneBank Foundation, and Anna Powell of the Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation. When it comes to communication and stewardship, panel members were frank. If they’ve sponsored or funded an event for your organization, let them know if your event was successful, whether it raised money, and how many people attended. When funding a capital campaign or special project, keep them up to date on its progress. If there are problems or challenges, be open about them. Never let them hear about your problems from another source or be surprised down the road, they said. Panelists suggested that board members send handwritten notes and make phone calls not only to thank funders, but to let them know specifics about how their funding is helping or what it accomplished. Some corporate foundations are even open to having their company’s employees volunteer with your organization. One corporate funder suggested that nonprofits use their relationships to connect with someone in the corporation who can be an advocate for your organization. Next week look for one more post from the Funders Forum, this one on what funders look for in nonprofit boards. 2010-05-25T13:47:57-05:00 http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/funders_point_out_red_flags_at_forum/ http://curtisgroupconsultants.com/index.php/blog/article/funders_point_out_red_flags_at_forum/#When:14:18:34Z Plenty of helpful insights were shared at yesterday’s Funders Forum, which was produced by Volunteer Hampton Roads, moderated by Keith, and well-attended by nonprofit professionals and board members. Plenty of helpful insights were shared at yesterday’s Funders Forum, which was produced by Volunteer Hampton Roads, moderated by Keith, and well-attended by nonprofit professionals and board members. The panel of funders was impressive: the Hon. Richard Bray of the Beazley Foundation, Angelica Light of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, Deborah Wyld of the Norfolk Southern Foundation, Michael Howland of the Southeastern Council of Foundations, Anne Conner of the TowneBank Foundation, and Anna Powell of the Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation. One discussion that stood out involved red flags that funders look for in grant applications. A few seemed obvious—applications submitted outside the acceptance period or past the deadline, and organizations or projects that clearly don’t fit the grant criteria. Funders also emphasized that application narratives be written concisely; one panelist noted that it’s disheartening to see 20-page dissertations when she has dozens of applications to review. Another point here is that if you can’t explain your funding needs clearly and concisely, how will you be able to meet effectively in person with other major donors to ask for gifts? Other red flags? Unrealistic budget projections that seem like pie in the sky when compared with previous budgets. Boards that haven’t yet reached 100 percent giving to the project. The executive director and board members having the same last name. And a big red flag is when a funder first hears of a project or nonprofit in the grant application. “Don’t just throw grant applications over the transom,” said a panelist. All indicated that they want nonprofits to contact them for guidance before applying for a grant. Some are even willing to meet in person. Funder stewardship and follow-up was also discussed in-depth. Look for a post about this early next week. 2010-05-21T14:18:34-05:00