While we hate to disillusion anyone right after the holidays, I need to set the record straight about a certain mythical figure. You might have been sending letters to it for years. But unfortunately, there’s no such thing as… the General Public. All too often, nonprofit communications are written for this “audience,” and the message… Read more »
UNDERDOG SUCCESS STORY: How a small, rural museum raised $3 million
To Virginia’s secluded Eastern Shore community, the Barrier Islands Center is more than a museum, education center and tourist attraction—it’s a cherished gathering place. Founded in 1996, the Barrier Islands Center introduces visitors to the history of the islands and surrounds them in the rich history of the Eastern Shore. In 2009, the Barrier Islands Center… Read more »
Understanding Prospect Research, Part II
When trying to implement prospect research at your nonprofit, you first must get a handle on the benefits, targets and methods of prospect research. 1. What types of donors can prospect research identify? The top donors for targeting your prospect research are: Major gift donors By ranking prospects according to their ability and affinity to… Read more »
Understanding Prospect Research, Part I
Maybe you’re just breaking into the nonprofit world, or you’re a seasoned fundraising fiend. Either way, taking the time to learn or review prospect research is key to keeping your nonprofit aimed toward success. Are you looking to get more out of your current donors? Are you looking for new donors? Maybe you’re looking to… Read more »
Giving trends help nonprofits be strategic
Many holidays celebrate gift-giving… National Philanthropy Day celebrates those who give back. As we honor the individuals and organizations who set the standard for charitable investment, we have an opportunity not only to thank them but to learn from them. I hope many will follow their stories—and follow their examples. Americans reached a charitable-giving milestone… Read more »
Do you know your economic impact? (hint: it will help you raise money)
As the economy continues its recovery, many nonprofits are considering long-delayed and necessary capital projects—new buildings, physical improvements, or expansions, all critical to the long term success of their organizations. As these organizations move through their fundraising steps, a key component they often overlook is the overall economic impact they have within their community. Information… Read more »
Emerging Trend: The Case for Growth Capital
At The Giving Institute’s November board meeting, Rodney Christopher of the F.B. Heron Foundation and Richard Shaw of Youth Villages delivered a thought-provoking presentation on an emerging trend in philanthropy called growth capital. The basic premise the speakers suggested is that healthy organizations can achieve greater success through investments of growth capital. Foundations seeking measurable,… Read more »
Philanthropy as Corporate R&D
A recent article by Doug Conant, chairman of CECP (Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy) and former CEO and president of Campbell Soup Company, sparked dialogue among our colleagues at The Curtis Group. Conant convincingly makes the case of how philanthropy can “help companies reduce risks, open new markets, engage employees, build their brand, reduce costs, advance… Read more »
Dispelling the Charity “Overhead Myth”
A few weeks ago, three of the nation’s leading sources on charity information released a statement denouncing “overhead ratio” as the sole measure of an organization’s performance. A letter signed by the CEOs of GuideStar, Charity Alliance and BBB Wise Giving Alliance marked the beginning of what is called the “Overhead Myth” campaign, a crusade… Read more »
Engaging Board Members in Fundraising is Key to Success, Latest NRC Study Finds
The latest Nonprofit Research Collaborative (NRC) study on board member engagement in fundraising concludes, among other things, that board members serve two primary fundraising functions: helping the organization reach new prospective donors (access) and indicating the organization’s value to the community by their own association with the group (signaling). Here are some key findings: –… Read more »
