People who haven’t done major fundraising sometimes hold misconceptions about how the process works. We’ve had questions recently about whether we can guarantee fundraising results or bring our own list of potential donors to a new client. The answer to both questions is no, because both are unethical. As a member of the Giving Institute,… Read more »
Recovery in charitable giving might occur faster than it did in prior economic downturns, according to a new report from Giving USA Foundation and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. In their latest “Giving USA Spotlight” issued this week, researchers note three factors that could make the difference: – Income is higher per capita… Read more »
You know how we’re always saying you need to ask for major gifts in person? A new study by Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy and Campbell & Company, “Significant Gifts: Where Donors Direct Their Largest Gifts and Why” proves us right. The study reports that donors who were asked to give in person (to secular… Read more »
With the economy improving, the good news is that end-of-year donations may be up over 2008. But don’t count on your year-end appeal to save you from a down year in fundraising. The Chronicle of Philanthropy just reported on how several charities are approaching fundraising season. One nonprofit director said that because their first year-end… Read more »
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job with The Curtis Group is writing case statements for our clients, for two reasons. First, as a writer, it allows me to get lost in a project for a bit, to “zen” on it, as creative folks say. Suddenly the day is over and I don’t even… Read more »
Today I attended a successful call for one of our clients that resulted in a major gift from a local bank. The experience was a good reminder about the value of patience and the importance of having the right people at the table. First, in looking back, I realized that setting up this meeting took… Read more »
Last Thursday, Sept. 10, two notable events started me thinking about my contribution to the community. That morning, renowned leader and philanthropist Frank Batten Sr. passed away. That evening, Judge Richard Bray, president and CEO of the Beazley Foundation since 2002, was honored as Chesapeake’s First Citizen for 2009. As I drove home from the… Read more »
The world lost a remarkable human being when Frank Batten Sr. passed away this morning at 82. Batten’s life is evidence of just how much of a positive difference one person can make. Founder of Landmark Communications (now known as Landmark Media Enterprises) and a philanthropist and leader of the highest order, Batten was the heir… Read more »
For months, we’ve been preaching that fundraising in a challenging economy can be successful if it’s done right. Here are three good examples that prove it. Bedford Hospice House has reached its $1.6 million goal and will break ground on a much-needed hospice facility in Bedford, Virginia, later this year. Lackey Free Clinic of Yorktown has… Read more »
Earlier this week I made a presentation to a group of development professionals for Virginia’s community colleges. And I was reminded that these two-year colleges have become an important part of the solution for our nation’s demand for education. Our current economy has caused enrollments at community colleges to soar. If you live in southeast… Read more »
