Keith Curtis recently ran an article in the Expert column in Inside Business. Debunking the myth: Are we tired of giving? “The problem isn’t that donors are tired of giving. The problem is that they are tired of being repeatedly asked for support without being engaged, informed and educated about the impact of their previous… Read more »
Believe like a nonprofit. Behave like a business.
Too many nonprofits are rewarded for how little they spend, rather than for what they get done. This is the double standard that author, activist and fundraiser Dan Pallotta called out during his recent visit to Hampton Roads. (I highly recommend watching his TED talk). His presentation about “The Overhead Myth” got our sector buzzing…… Read more »
Funders Agree: Nonprofits Must Operate Like a Business
Today, for the fourth year in a row, Keith moderated VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads’ Annual Funders Forum. This event, which brings together funders from across Hampton Roads, always produces a variety of interesting takeaways. An underlying theme of the funders’ comments from this year’s forum was the importance of a nonprofit operating like a business. The… Read more »
Before the Campaign Planning Study There’s the Business Plan
Last week, as a result of our webinar on “What Makes an Effective Capital Campaign?” a question arose that we thought was worth addressing. One participant asked us to further explain the need for the business plan that we often recommend developing before moving into any type of campaign. The simple answer is this: a campaign… Read more »
Is There Really a Crisis of Generousity?
How and Why We Give: Highlights from the Generosity Commission’s Final Report By Wendy McGrady, EVP and COO I was in D.C. for the release of The Generosity Commission’s report at the end of September. Based on my experience and the report’s findings, my article was recently published on the Giving USA blog. Below is… Read more »
Is a Campaign Planning Study Worth the Effort?
Is a Campaign Planning Study Worth the Effort? By Rachel Kimble, Consultant Embarking on a fundraising campaign is a significant endeavor for any nonprofit organization, often requiring substantial resources and strategic planning. One crucial step in the process is conducting a campaign planning study (sometimes called a feasibility study) to assess your organization’s readiness and potential for… Read more »
Should You Be Optimistic About the State of Nonprofits and Philanthropy in 2024?
How to Meet Our Moment in 2024: Recent Trends in Philanthropy By Kaitlin Robb, Consultant and Marketing Director At The Curtis Group’s December team meeting, Dr. Una Osili from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy joined us virtually to discuss changes in the philanthropic landscape. Dr. Osili is a global expert on philanthropy and widely recognized… Read more »
The Needs Are Great, but Our Resolve and Generosity Are Greater
Inside Business Giving Issue Check out the full column To say that this past 20 months has been filled with hardship is a vast understatement. Then again, to say that Americans have been generous in the last 20 months is also an understatement. During this time, I have talked, written and presented on just how… Read more »
Considering a campaign? Where should you start?
Five Steps To Do Now to Prepare For Your Campaign By Wendy McGrady Executive Vice President Are you moving out of the pandemic seeing an opportunity to grow your nonprofit? Did you realize a need for more diversified funding or a more robust reserve fund? Did you benefit from an influx of new donors and want… Read more »
Choosing a Fundraising Consultant? Consider These Tips
Download Your Printable Version By Wendy McGrady, Executive Vice President Have you been considering a development assessment or feasibility study for months or even years? Moving forward doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as it might feel. As more and more nonprofits around the country are reaching out to us, we want to share some… Read more »
