Winter 2008

From The President

If you’re concerned about fundraising in the current economy, recent news reports should ease your fears. A survey just released by World Vision says that 2008 could actually be a better-than-usual Christmas for nonprofits.

Giving USA’s recent report, “Giving During Recessions and Economic Slowdowns,” found that between 1967 and 2007 in every year but one, total giving in current dollars has risen, even in recessions. The exception was 1987, when a tax law change the previous year prompted some people to give early.

On National Philanthropy Day in November, I moderated a panel on this topic at our local AFP chapter’s event. “When the public sector isn’t able to provide services,” said panel member and Old Dominion University economics professor Dr. Chris Colburn, “the private sector tends to step up if they can.”

Panelist Rob Cross, Virginia Arts Festival executive director, had this to say: “Don’t make knee-jerk decisions based on what’s happened in a 12-month period. Now’s the time to enlist your board’s help more than in the past to open doors.” And investment advisor Marian Ticatch said her clients are still willing and able to give. “You just have to make sure you’re on the top of their list.”

As the only Virginia-based member of the Giving Institute, The Curtis Group can attest that charities with a clear and compelling case and a detailed plan for cultivating donors will succeed, even in difficult times. Wendy’s article below will help you get started. Thanks for reading and let us know if we can serve you in any way.

W. Keith Curtis, President

The Due Diligence of Fundraising

by Wendy McGrady, Vice President

Considering a campaign? Then please consider this: A feasibility study is your due-diligence process before you launch what essentially will be a new line of business: major gift fundraising. As a blueprint for your campaign, a feasibility study offers a realistic estimate of how much money can be generated if your fundraising is properly planned and executed.

Through a series of confidential interviews with potential volunteers and donors, the study also uncovers campaign challenges and identifies strengths and weaknesses of your organization by testing four key benchmarks:

- Case for Support
- Volunteer Leadership
- Fundraising Management
- Donor Potential

“The feasibility study was most definitely a worthwhile investment,” says Charlie Malbon, past board president for Sugar Plum Bakery, which trains and employs individuals with disabilities. “There was no need to start raising money if we didn’t know what the community’s appetite would be for our project.”

In addition, a feasibility study assesses the image and reputation of your organization, identifies the priority of need, determines if volunteers will help and prospects will give, and lays the groundwork for education and cultivation.

The Sugar Plum study found that a feasible campaign goal was $1.2 million. Thanks to a well-executed campaign, the bakery not only reached that goal but surpassed it by $500,000.  Malbon credits the study as having provided a “valuable roadmap and benchmark for the campaign.”

Just as setting off on a journey without a road map is unwise, so too is embarking on major fundraising without your “feasibility map.”

Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School: A+ Fundraising

by Wesley Stanley, Campaign Consultant

In 1990, the building that housed Norfolk Catholic High School needed extensive work. Enrollment had been declining as well, mainly because of a major shift in the region’s demographics since the school opened in 1950. Most of the students it could serve were now in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.

Having never done major-gift fundraising, the school’s board of directors turned to The Curtis Group. A feasibility study proved not only that it was time to relocate the school but that enough money could be raised to do so. Just two years later, a new Catholic High School opened in Virginia Beach, only the second Catholic high school built on the East Coast in 40 years.

The ongoing relationship between the school and The Curtis Group has been productive. Since 1991, the school has raised more than $12 million through a series of capital campaigns for the original school building, a library media center in 1997, an expanded cafeteria and athletic facilities in 2001, and a fine arts center in 2004. For guidance on strategic development issues and building its endowment, the board of Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School continues to turn to The Curtis Group.

Rollover Provision Extended

Nonprofits take note: As part of the $700 billion economic rescue package, Congress has extended the Charitable IRA Rollover provisions from the 2006 Pension Protection Act. In place through 2009, the provision lets donors age 70 1/2 and older transfer up to $100,000 per year from their IRAs directly to a qualified nonprofit, without having to pay income tax on the transferred amount. The direct donation will count toward the IRA owner’s mandatory withdrawal. For details, consult your financial advisor. 

Client News

$1 Million Gift Will Help More Kids

EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic-Riding Program recently received the largest donation in its 20-year history—a $1 million anonymous gift. A portion of this generous gift will go toward the organization’s $5.3 million capital campaign, now in its final phase, and another portion will go towards building its endowment. 

Museum Sees Stars After Campaign

Congrats to the Virginia Living Museum, which just reopened its Abbitt Planetarium after its current capital campaign funded a $400,000 upgrade. The new cutting-edge planetarium helped make the museum an official NASA partner in 2009.

For TPCS, Our Search Is Over

Did you know The Curtis Group assists nonprofits in recruiting top-level executives? In fact, after helping Tidewater Pastoral Counseling Services in its search for a director of development, we welcome Pam Combs to the TPCS staff.

info@curtisgroupconsultants.com | 757.496.2224 | All content © 2008 The Curtis Group