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 »
Earlier this week I was called by a reporter for The Anniston Star in Alabama to comment on the lack of a campaign goal for the community’s United Way drive this fall. In the article, Sal Fabens, public relations director for United Way of America, said the organization is moving away from setting campaign goals…. Read more »
We were on the road again this week, this time to exhibit and make a presentation at North Carolina’s annual Philanthropy Conference. The event drew some 420 fundraising professionals, and their overall mood seemed to be cautious about current fundraising but optimistic about 2010. Even though this year’s fundraising is still a concern, many development… Read more »
