Posted , by Nancy Chapman. Topic: Fundraising.

The buzz around the text-to-give option for charities has yet to die down since the Haiti earthquake. So much money was donated to the relief efforts this way that we’re still getting questions from nonprofit staff and board members who wonder if they should offer potential donors this option. A fellow blogger at “Future Fundraising… Read more »

Posted , by The Curtis Group. Topic: Board Development, Fundraising.

Last week, we talked about the board’s role. This week, the board focus continues in our fourth tip to remain a philanthropic priority during the economic recovery: Help your board by having regular training sessions. A board member sharing his or her story with a potential donor is one of the most effective ways to raise… Read more »

Posted , by The Curtis Group. Topic: Uncategorized.

Here’s our third weekly fundraising tip to help you remain a philanthropic priority during the economic recovery: Board members must be clear about their role. To be sure they are, you need to talk to them about that role. For most nonprofits, fundraising tops the list of a board member’s duties, but that doesn’t mean… Read more »

Posted , by The Curtis Group. Topic: Fundraising.

To help you remain a philanthropic priority with donors this year, here’s our fundraising tip of the week: Develop a consistent communications program. If the only time your donors ever hear from you is when you’re asking for money, you’re not building relationships. “But we send a newsletter,” you might be thinking. It takes more than… Read more »

Posted , by Nancy Chapman. Topic: Careers in Philanthropy.

This fall, the nation’s first bachelor’s degree program in philanthropic studies will be offered at Indiana University. “Philanthropy and the nonprofit sector are becoming increasingly complex,” said Patrick M. Rooney, executive director of the IU Center on Philanthropy and our Giving Institute colleague. “Those who plan to work in this field need more sophisticated education… Read more »

Posted , by The Curtis Group. Topic: Uncategorized.

Every Tuesday, we’ll post a Fundraising Tip of the Week that will help you remain a philanthropic priority during the economic recovery. Here’s the first one. Now more than ever, your case must articulate needs and successes clearly and concisely. “Give to our annual fund” or “Support our operating budget” do not make for a… Read more »

Posted , by Wendy McGrady. Topic: Donor Communication.

At the Hampton Roads Institute for Nonprofit Leadership Conference last Friday, I went to a good workshop by our Giving Institute colleague Jay Love of eTapestry. It was called “The Internet Unveiled: The Newest Tools & Website Trends for Relationship Building,” with the key words being “relationship building.” Jay’s message was to make sure your online… Read more »

Posted , by Keith Curtis. Topic: Nonprofit Management.

An article published yesterday in The Wall Street Journal, “Once-Robust Charity Sector Hit With Mergers, Closings, “ confirms what we’ve been addressing in our trainings and presentations for the past year and a half. It’s unfortunate to see nonprofits that are helping folks shut down, but as the article explains, the reality is there are… Read more »

Posted , by Nancy Chapman. Topic: Uncategorized.

Despite the cold weather, the community came out in force today to celebrate the groundbreaking of Oasis Social Ministry’s new building. City and business leaders joined in the celebration, including Portsmouth Mayor James Holley, who spoke at the event. The building is coming to life as the result of Oasis’ successful capital campaign, which has… Read more »

Posted , by Wendy McGrady. Topic: Fundraising, Funds and Funders.

A Jan. 14 article in Business Week discussed the decline in corporate philanthropy during the economic downturn. It also pointed out that companies are giving more strategically, often contributing to causes that will raise their visibility. This is another good reason to diversify your funding sources. As Keith noted in our last blog post, corporate… Read more »