As president for the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, I’m fortunate to receive timely information and updates about public policy at the national level. Jason Lee, general counsel for AFP, included an analysis in an email today regarding last night’s State of the Union address. In terms of an impact on charitable… Read more »
Are you effectively thanking and engaging your donors? I often encounter well-intentioned nonprofits that are hurting their acknowledgment efforts through common mistakes: 1. Slow response. You risk losing donors—and donations—by waiting too long to send thanks. Some say that 48 hours is the ideal turnaround time, but if that’s not realistic for your organization, aim… Read more »
I love New Year’s. I love New Year’s resolutions or really any reason to think fresh, set new goals and take stock of progress. If you’re like me, you’ve probably made one too many New Year’s resolutions you didn’t keep. What are your goals for your development program next year? If you want to focus… Read more »
I was honored to be invited again and to participate in The Hudson Institute’s Giving USA Release 2014 panel. My colleagues on the panel represented The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, The Urban Institute, and the Nonprofit Quarterly. Once the numbers were delivered, my comments were focused on how… Read more »
After two recent conversations with wealth advisors, who were also nonprofit board members and were wrestling with whether they should discuss their own philanthropic priorities with their clients, I began to give this topic some thought. These individuals understood that, as board members, they were expected to be connectors, but they were trying to balance… Read more »
At this year’s Association of Fundraising Professionals International Conference in San Antonio, I participated in two sessions on board leadership and how to create a dynamic, purposeful group of volunteers. Kay Sprinkel Grace, spoke passionately about the need to create an environment where there is permission to innovate. Board members and staff should be encouraged to… Read more »
You know how your nonprofit fared in 2013, but how did the rest of the industry do? Blackbaud‘s annual Charitable Giving Report provides year-over-year changes in online and offline giving by nonprofit size and sub-sector. It’s always good to benchmark your organization’s performance against other nonprofits. The study includes data from over 400 nonprofits representing $1.7… Read more »
More than ever before women are generating their own fortunes and in turn playing an increasing role in philanthropy. Not only are women continuing to shape how family wealth is given away, but they are emerging as key networkers and pioneers in the growing trend of giving circles. They are bringing people together to mobilize… Read more »
The latest edition of The Curtis Group e-newsletter, Raising Money: Winter 2014, outlined the four phases of a capital campaign. Additionally, our team recently hosted a webinar and conducted a training session through Tidewater Community College’s Academy for Nonprofit Excellence—all focused on campaigns and campaign readiness. Now, we will explore the transition from Phase One,… Read more »
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t appreciate the chance to start fresh, to try something new, to take on a new opportunity. Why not let your New Year’s resolution infiltrate your fundraising strategy? Here are a few things to consider as your plan for the new year. 1. Remember why you are doing it –… Read more »
