The Curtis Group enjoyed being a sponsor of and participating in VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads’ 2011 Funders Forum. The morning began with a panel of five, local foundation representatives responding to and sharing conversation over various questions. I enjoyed hearing the responses to this question: How do you determine what makes a nonprofit effective? The first panelist… Read more »
For years, Wendy and I have conducted board training workshops and presented “The Role of the Board in Fundraising” to clients and nonprofit leaders. The one thing we try to emphasize: effective fundraising boards don’t just happen; they are built and developed – strategically. A major philanthropist once told me, “an organization’s nominating committee is the… Read more »
I have recently had the pleasure to work with a fairly young organization that has been named the recipient of many, generous bequests. Younger organizations should not underestimate legacy gifts. If your donors are connected and feel passionate about your organization and its mission, they may be legacy gift prospects. Wills, living trusts, retirement plans… Read more »
With only eight months left to participate in the IRA charitable rollover provision (unless Congress extends it), now is the time to be talking to your donors and prospects who are age 70-1/2 and older. Neal Brodsky, an attorney with LeClairRyan, and Nan Edgerton, vice president of development for the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, recently… Read more »
Representatives from Wachovia Wells Fargo recently presented to the Hampton Roads Gift Planning Council. Part of their presentation honed in on women in philanthropy and the fact that women are a distinct piece of the “philanthropic puzzle.” This is largely due to the growing amount of wealth controlled by women in the American economy. One… Read more »
In last week’s blog post, a board member talked about his expectations and role within a board. He shared his thoughts during a panel discussion that Keith and I led as part of a workshop for the Virginia Association of Museum’s Annual Conference. Friends and clients, Page Hayhurst, Executive Director, Carolyn Cuthrell, Director of Development, and Joe Witt,… Read more »
The Curtis Group is pleased to introduce our two new team members, Lauren Fenn and Natalie McGaughey. Lauren, joins us from the development office at Tidewater Community College Educational Foundation. As our new campaign and communications manager she will focus on campaign management, client communications, and marketing the firm. Natalie, a recent graduate of Roanoke College, focused… Read more »
Earlier this week Keith and I led a workshop during the Virginia Association of Museum’s Annual Conference. As part of our session, entitled Making a Successful Major Gift Ask, we recruited our friends and clients, Page Hayhurst, Executive Director, Carolyn Cuthrell, Director of Development, and Joe Witt, Board Member, from the Virginia Living Museum to… Read more »
While in Chicago, I attended a presentation on the role of community foundations in today’s giving environment. Jason Baxendale, director of gift planning for The Chicago Community Trust, and Terry Shavone, The Columbus Foundation’s vice president for donor services and development (both of which are ranked in the top 10 largest community foundations in the… Read more »
Recently, I conducted a training session at a nonprofit’s board planning retreat. This training was so much fun for me because the board was ready to transition from special events and membership fundraising to a major gift, fundraising-focused program. We talked a lot about culture change as their organization has been using their current model for… Read more »
