While we hate to disillusion anyone right after the holidays, I need to set the record straight about a certain mythical figure. You might have been sending letters to it for years. But unfortunately, there’s no such thing as… the General Public. All too often, nonprofit communications are written for this “audience,” and the message… Read more »
A closer look at this population’s motivations, expectations and behaviors, according to the recent U.S. Trust study How engaged are the wealthy in philanthropy? What drives their giving? How much are they giving? What would inspire them to give even more? These questions are thoroughly addressed in the 2016 U.S. Trust Study of High Net… Read more »
To Virginia’s secluded Eastern Shore community, the Barrier Islands Center is more than a museum, education center and tourist attraction—it’s a cherished gathering place. Founded in 1996, the Barrier Islands Center introduces visitors to the history of the islands and surrounds them in the rich history of the Eastern Shore. In 2009, the Barrier Islands Center… Read more »
It’s fall, so if you haven’t started planning your year-end appeals, you’re late—but not too late! Over 40% of giving occurs in last four months of year. But Google has found that donors begin their research in August, and that online donation-related searches increase 30% from August to September. Of course, December is still king for when… Read more »
Is your nonprofit’s board of directors living up to expectations? Do they even know what is expected of them? In our work with nonprofits, we’ve sometimes found that when staff and board leadership are disappointed in their board’s performance, it’s often because they have not made their expectations clear—particularly in fundraising. Therefore, to build a successful… Read more »
When trying to implement prospect research at your nonprofit, you first must get a handle on the benefits, targets and methods of prospect research. 1. What types of donors can prospect research identify? The top donors for targeting your prospect research are: Major gift donors By ranking prospects according to their ability and affinity to… Read more »
Maybe you’re just breaking into the nonprofit world, or you’re a seasoned fundraising fiend. Either way, taking the time to learn or review prospect research is key to keeping your nonprofit aimed toward success. Are you looking to get more out of your current donors? Are you looking for new donors? Maybe you’re looking to… Read more »
It’s a good time to work in the arts. Charitable donations to this sector reached their highest level ever—an estimated $17.07 billion—last year, thumb according to Giving USA 2016: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2015, which was released June 14. Last month, our president Keith Curtis, immediate past chair of Giving USA… Read more »
As the pressure increases on institutional budgets and presidential performers, higher-ed development professionals have been required to step up their game. And it appears their efforts are paying off. Last month, our president Keith Curtis, immediate past chair of Giving USA Foundation, shared with the big-picture findings of Giving USA 2016: The Annual Report on Philanthropy… Read more »
As the pressure increases to build out school campuses and increase programmatic offerings, independent school advancement programs have been required to step up their game. And it appears their efforts are paying off. Last month, our president Keith Curtis, immediate past chair of Giving USA Foundation, shared the big-picture findings of Giving USA 2016: The… Read more »
