Fundraising Crash Course by Jeanne Minnicks surveys the strategies, goals, and relationships necessary for a successful development department.
For a Follow Up Whitepaper, Visit:
http://go.donorpro.com/5-modern-fundraising-strategies-nuture-prospects
The elements of building a successful fundraising strategy
*Fundraising in context
*New Zealand's individual giving market
* Strategy options
* Critical success factors
introduction to the basics of Fundraising
What are the types of funds? What are the sources of fund? Who needs fund?
How to write a proposal?
And everything you need to know about funds & fundraising.
Without a clear guide for diversified fundraising activities it is difficult to follow a path for success and convey needed fundraising efforts throughout your organization. Understanding various funding opportunities, the pros and cons of funding sources, and developing a plan will help to direct your efforts. Join in on a hands-on conversation about funding opportunities, best practices, and how these options fit within organizational sustainability.
The elements of building a successful fundraising strategy
*Fundraising in context
*New Zealand's individual giving market
* Strategy options
* Critical success factors
introduction to the basics of Fundraising
What are the types of funds? What are the sources of fund? Who needs fund?
How to write a proposal?
And everything you need to know about funds & fundraising.
Without a clear guide for diversified fundraising activities it is difficult to follow a path for success and convey needed fundraising efforts throughout your organization. Understanding various funding opportunities, the pros and cons of funding sources, and developing a plan will help to direct your efforts. Join in on a hands-on conversation about funding opportunities, best practices, and how these options fit within organizational sustainability.
6 Easy Steps to Creating a Written Fundraising PlanAbila
Many nonprofits struggle to create a fundraising plan and put it in writing, yet the benefits are tremendous. A written plan shifts you from being reactive and dealing with the crisis of the day to being proactive and working purposefully toward the results you want. In this session, you’ll learn how to follow 6 simple steps to put together a written plan for raising the money you need in the coming year.
Organizational chart and budget
Non-profit tax status
A donor tracking database
A system to quickly acknowledge donations and donors
Individuals (staff, board, volunteers) who are trained in how to ask for money
Knowledge of available funding sources
Basic materials about the organization
Firm knowledge of who you are
Clarity and agreement about how the funds will be used
This practical class covers types of foundations and grants, the basics of public and private sector research and grant seeking, checklist of information you'll need for most proposals, and tips and tricks to write an effective grant. By the end of the class, you’ll have the necessary information to research and submit proposals.
Grants as a Fundraising Tool
Are you Ready
Identify Funders
Elements of A Grant
https://bloomerang.co/resources/webinars
Martin Leifeld will focus upon a philosophy and twelve foundational principles upon which fundraising activities should occur.
Laying the crucial groundwork of your successful Capital Campaign through your Quiet Phase, leading to the Public Phase Success-and moving to Post Campaign Celebration and laying the groundwork for your next Campaign..
6 Easy Steps to Creating a Written Fundraising PlanAbila
Many nonprofits struggle to create a fundraising plan and put it in writing, yet the benefits are tremendous. A written plan shifts you from being reactive and dealing with the crisis of the day to being proactive and working purposefully toward the results you want. In this session, you’ll learn how to follow 6 simple steps to put together a written plan for raising the money you need in the coming year.
Organizational chart and budget
Non-profit tax status
A donor tracking database
A system to quickly acknowledge donations and donors
Individuals (staff, board, volunteers) who are trained in how to ask for money
Knowledge of available funding sources
Basic materials about the organization
Firm knowledge of who you are
Clarity and agreement about how the funds will be used
This practical class covers types of foundations and grants, the basics of public and private sector research and grant seeking, checklist of information you'll need for most proposals, and tips and tricks to write an effective grant. By the end of the class, you’ll have the necessary information to research and submit proposals.
Grants as a Fundraising Tool
Are you Ready
Identify Funders
Elements of A Grant
https://bloomerang.co/resources/webinars
Martin Leifeld will focus upon a philosophy and twelve foundational principles upon which fundraising activities should occur.
Laying the crucial groundwork of your successful Capital Campaign through your Quiet Phase, leading to the Public Phase Success-and moving to Post Campaign Celebration and laying the groundwork for your next Campaign..
Organizational Capacity-Building Series - Session 11: FundraisingINGENAES
This session describes key aspects of organizational fundraising. These presentations are are part of a workshop series that was implemented in Nepal and 2016 as part of the INGENAES initiative.
peer1 The method of developing and application process for funding.docxbartholomeocoombs
peer1
The method of developing and application process for funding contributed by an institution such as a government department, corporation, foundation or trust referred to grant writing. The application process is referred as proposals or submissions of grants. The proposal process included bank parts such as analyzing the intended audience for the proposal gathering information about the subject of the proposal choosing the appropriate type of the proposal, formatting, revising, editing, proofread, and submitting the proposal.
Grant writer use clear specific language for reader’s attention to help persuade readers to fund the proposal.
Writing a successful grant proposal is a great task, but with practice and awareness of common missteps it can become easier. Funders look for sound program that’s incorporated measurable outcomes best practices, qualified staff, success rates, stones, and innovative piece. Also, for agencies funders are looking to see a board that gives solid financials, balance budget, sound record keeping, and variety of funding sources.
How to write an excellent proposal, the proposal should be clear and succinct, heart & head focus, and exemplified. You want to help the funder achieve their goals. There acknowledgement of a successful grant proposal, which includes unique and innovative answers, budget & proposal numbers, volunteers measurable outcomes, and evaluation. Ensure the funder that you have included samples of the program outcome.
Forty percent of applications take six plus months. Grant writing is a learning process.
In order to write be a successful grant writer you have to understand grant makers. Understanding what sponsors want and A-line yourself with state admission. It is important to have competitive files. The title and abstracts some determine who reviews the proposal. The abstracts will need to be separate and independent. Sustainably plans should be competitive and capable of an effort to achieve long-term success stability. Always know your reviewers, speaking the language of the panelist.
Restricted funds can only be determine by the donor, if a donation is restricted or not. The designation can be made by a letter from the donor or through explicit agreement with the non-profit. Some potential pitfalls are associated with restricted gift are often grants from foundation are restricted to a particular program or purpose, and that restriction is set in the documentation that accompanies the award. Another pitfall would include temporarily restriction. Time restricted donation can be used for a particular purpose for a specified period or it must support a specific program or campaign. When the time is up and the project is done the funds be unrestricted or stopped.
Restricted gifts fall into two categories, which include temporarily restricted and permanently restricted. As an executive of a non-profit organization I would not prefer restricted gifts because the charity can invest the g.
Strategic Alliances for Non-Profits outlines key success factors when proposing a joint relationship with a Donor-Sponsor-Corporate Social Responsibility Partner. It identifies both the work it takes from the Outbound and Inbound side.
Thank you Geraldine Gatehouse for working with me on this great presentation
The analysis of data within a prospect management system can be used to evaluate fundraising effectiveness, assist with strategic planning, and inform management decision making. This session will cover what is important to monitor, how to establish benchmarks, and how to set up progress reporting and analysis.
Presenters:
Josh Birkholz, Director of DonorCast Analytics, Bentz Whaley Flessner
For too many years marketing and sales have operated in silos...while in some forward thinking companies, the two organizations work together to drive new opportunity development and revenue. This session will explore the lessons learned in that beautiful dance that can occur when marketing and sales work together...to drive new opportunity development, account expansion and customer satisfaction.
No, this is not a conversation about MQLs and SQLs. Instead we will focus on a framework that allows the two organizations to drive company success together.
Top 3 Ways to Align Sales and Marketing Teams for Rapid GrowthDemandbase
In this session, Demandbase’s Stephanie Quinn, Sr. Director of Integrated and Digital Marketing, Devin Rosenberg, Director of Sales, and Kevin Rooney, Senior Director of Sales Development will share how sales and marketing shapes their day-to-day and what key areas are needed for true alignment.
Most small businesses struggle to see marketing results. In this session, we will eliminate any confusion about what to do next, solving your marketing problems so your business can thrive. You’ll learn how to create a foundational marketing OS (operating system) based on neuroscience and backed by real-world results. You’ll be taught how to develop deep customer connections, and how to have your CRM dynamically segment and sell at any stage in the customer’s journey. By the end of the session, you’ll remove confusion and chaos and replace it with clarity and confidence for long-term marketing success.
Key Takeaways:
• Uncover the power of a foundational marketing system that dynamically communicates with prospects and customers on autopilot.
• Harness neuroscience and Tribal Alignment to transform your communication strategies, turning potential clients into fans and those fans into loyal customers.
• Discover the art of automated segmentation, pinpointing your most lucrative customers and identifying the optimal moments for successful conversions.
• Streamline your business with a content production plan that eliminates guesswork, wasted time, and money.
Mastering Multi-Touchpoint Content Strategy: Navigate Fragmented User JourneysSearch Engine Journal
Digital platforms are constantly multiplying, and with that, user engagement is becoming more intricate and fragmented.
So how do you effectively navigate distributing and tailoring your content across these various touchpoints?
Watch this webinar as we dive into the evolving landscape of content strategy tailored for today's fragmented user journeys. Understanding how to deliver your content to your users is more crucial than ever, and we’ll provide actionable tips for navigating these intricate challenges.
You’ll learn:
- How today’s users engage with content across various channels and devices.
- The latest methodologies for identifying and addressing content gaps to keep your content strategy proactive and relevant.
- What digital shelf space is and how your content strategy needs to pivot.
With Wayne Cichanski, we’ll explore innovative strategies to map out and meet the diverse needs of your audience, ensuring every piece of content resonates and connects, regardless of where or how it is consumed.
10 Video Ideas Any Business Can Make RIGHT NOW!
You'll never draw a blank again on what kind of video to make for your business. Go beyond the basic categories and truly reimagine a brand new advanced way to brainstorm video content creation. During this masterclass you'll be challenged to think creatively and outside of the box and view your videos through lenses you may have never thought of previously. It's guaranteed that you'll leave with more than 10 video ideas, but I like to under-promise and over-deliver. Don't miss this session.
Key Takeaways:
How to use the Video Matrix
How to use additional "Lenses"
Where to source original video ideas
The What, Why & How of 3D and AR in Digital CommercePushON Ltd
Vladimir Mulhem has over 20 years of experience in commercialising cutting edge creative technology across construction, marketing and retail.
Previously the founder and Tech and Innovation Director of Creative Content Works working with the likes of Next, John Lewis and JD Sport, he now helps retailers, brands and agencies solve challenges of applying the emerging technologies 3D, AR, VR and Gen AI to real-world problems.
In this webinar, Vladimir will be covering the following topics:
Applications of 3D and AR in Digital Commerce,
Benefits of 3D and AR,
Tools to create, manage and publish 3D and AR in Digital Commerce.
The session includes a brief history of the evolution of search before diving into the roles technology, content, and links play in developing a powerful SEO strategy in a world of Generative AI and social search. Discover how to optimize for TikTok searches, Google's Gemini, and Search Generative Experience while developing a powerful arsenal of tools and templates to help maximize the effectiveness of your SEO initiatives.
Key Takeaways:
Understand how search engines work
Be able to find out where your users search
Know what is required for each discipline of SEO
Feel confident creating an SEO Plan
Confidently measure SEO performance
Digital marketing is the art and science of promoting products or services using digital channels to reach and engage with potential customers. It encompasses a wide range of online tactics and strategies aimed at increasing brand visibility, driving website traffic, generating leads, and ultimately, converting those leads into customers.
https://nidmindia.com/
Digital Commerce Lecture for Advanced Digital & Social Media Strategy at UCLA...Valters Lauzums
E-commerce in 2024 is characterized by a dynamic blend of opportunities and significant challenges. Supply chain disruptions and inventory shortages are critical issues, leading to increased shipping delays and rising costs, which impact timely delivery and squeeze profit margins. Efficient logistics management is essential, yet it is often hampered by these external factors. Payment processing, while needing to ensure security and user convenience, grapples with preventing fraud and integrating diverse payment methods, adding another layer of complexity. Furthermore, fulfillment operations require a streamlined approach to handle volume spikes and maintain accuracy in order picking, packing, and shipping, all while meeting customers' heightened expectations for faster delivery times.
Amid these operational challenges, customer data has emerged as an important strategy. By focusing on personalization and enhancing customer experience from historical behavior, businesses can deliver improved website and brand experienced, better product recommendations, optimal promotions, and content to meet individual preferences. Better data analytics can also help in effectively creating marketing campaigns, improving customer retention, and driving product development and inventory management.
Innovative formats such as social commerce and live shopping are beginning to impact the digital commerce landscape, offering new ways to engage with customers and drive sales, and may provide opportunity for brands that have been priced out or seen a downturn with post-pandemic shopping behavior. Social commerce integrates shopping experiences directly into social media platforms, tapping into the massive user bases of these networks to increase reach and engagement. Live shopping, on the other hand, combines entertainment and real-time interaction, providing a dynamic platform for showcasing products and encouraging immediate purchases. These innovations not only enhance customer engagement but also provide valuable data for businesses to refine their strategies and deliver superior shopping experiences.
The e-commerce sector is evolving rapidly, and businesses that effectively manage operational challenges and implement innovative strategies are best positioned for long-term success.
SMM Cheap - No. 1 SMM panel in the worldsmmpanel567
Boost your social media marketing with our SMM Panel services offering SMM Cheap services! Get cost-effective services for your business and increase followers, likes, and engagement across all social media platforms. Get affordable services perfect for businesses and influencers looking to increase their social proof. See how cheap SMM strategies can help improve your social media presence and be a pro at the social media game.
How to Run Landing Page Tests On and Off Paid Social PlatformsVWO
Join us for an exclusive webinar featuring Mariate, Alexandra and Nima where we will unveil a comprehensive blueprint for crafting a successful paid media strategy focused on landing page testing.With escalating costs in paid advertising, understanding how to maximize each visitor’s experience is crucial for retention and conversion.
This session will dive into the methodologies for executing and analyzing landing page tests within paid social channels, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights.
The Pearmill team will guide you through the nuances of setting up and managing landing page experiments on paid social platforms. You will learn about the critical rules to follow, the structure of effective tests, optimal conversion duration and budget allocation.
The session will also cover data analysis techniques and criteria for graduating landing pages.
In the second part of the webinar, Pearmill will explore the use of A/B testing platforms. Discover common pitfalls to avoid in A/B testing and gain insights into analyzing A/B tests results effectively.
Financial curveballs sent many American families reeling in 2023. Household budgets were squeezed by rising interest rates, surging prices on everyday goods, and a stagnating housing market. Consumers were feeling strapped. That sentiment, however, appears to be waning. The question is, to what extent?
To take the pulse of consumers’ feelings about their financial well-being ahead of a highly anticipated election, ThinkNow conducted a nationally representative quantitative survey. The survey highlights consumers’ hopes and anxieties as we move into 2024. Let's unpack the key findings to gain insights about where we stand.
The digital marketing industry is changing faster than ever and those who don’t adapt with the times are losing market share. Where should marketers be focusing their efforts? What strategies are the experts seeing get the best results? Get up-to-speed with the latest industry insights, trends and predictions for the future in this panel discussion with some leading digital marketing experts.
5 big bets to drive growth in 2024 without one additional marketing dollar AND how to adapt to the biggest shifting eCommerce trend- AI.
1) Romance Your Customers - Retention
2) ‘Alternative’ Lead Gen - Advocacy
3) The Beautiful Basics - Conversion Rate Optimization
4) Land that Bottom Line - Profitability
5) Roll the Dice - New Business Models
2. To broaden awareness of the
fundraising/development profession
by familiarizing you with the culture
of philanthropy, common terminology, key staff
members and their functions, and best practices.
3. I. Overview
A. The Importance of Philanthropy
B. Why People Give, What They Expect & Don’t
Want, Other Findings
C. The Fundraising Environment
II. Fundraising’s Basic Elements
A. The Development Team
B. Primary Sources of Contributions
C. The Integrated Development Plan
D. Ethics
III. Friend a Fundraiser
4.
5. Philanthropy means "love of humanity" in the sense of caring,
nourishing, developing and enhancing what it is to be human.
It is experienced by both the benefactor and the beneficiary
but in different ways. The former exercises his or her values
by giving (time, resources) and the latter by receiving.
Philanthropy and charity are related but are not the same thing.
Charity relieves the pains of social problems.
Philanthropy attempts to solve those problems at their root
causes.
Wikipedia
6. Altruistic behavior: Acts that intentionally benefit another
organism, incur no direct personal benefit, and sometimes
bear personal cost.
Meet critical needs of an organization
Give back to society
Help those who are less fortunate
Advance a cause they believe in
Altruistic ? . . . not so much
Feel good
Recognition
Because they were asked
Advice: Don’t guess . . . ask questions!
*Howard , Anne W.; New Brain Study Hints at Why People Are Altruistic; Chronicle
of Philanthropy; February 22, 2007
7. Prompt thank-you letters and calls
Opportunities to be engaged other than just monetary
donations
Information on results achieved with their gift
Communications with staff whose programs they supported
Compliance with terms of the gift
9. The rich aren’t the most generous.
Insulated rich give less than those in economically diverse
neighborhoods
Red states are more generous than blue states.
Conservatives give more than liberals, yet liberals sit on more
non-profit boards
Tax incentives matter.
Regions of the country that are deeply religious are more
generous than those that are not.
Gipple, Emily and Gose, Ben; How America Gives - America’s Generosity Divide;
Chronicle of Philanthropy; August 19, 2012
10. Marketing – employed by commercial enterprises to influence
prospective customers to purchase products.
Development – process by which nonprofits influence
prospective donors to support their needs through gifts and
grants
Berendt , Robert J. and Taft, Richard; How to Rate Your
Development Office; The Taft Group; Washington, DC; 1983
11. Marketing Development
Research identifies and defines
customers and their needs
Positions products to
correspond to customer
characteristics
Dedicates a significant portion of
budget to builds awareness
through advertising & PR
support
Trains employees to sell
Research identifies prospects,
giving potential & interests
Creates institutional case for
support and giving
opportunities that match
donors’ interests
Communicates in a variety of
ways to build awareness
Trains volunteers (board
members & others) to solicit
Berendt , Robert J. and Taft, Richard; How to Rate Your Development Office; The Taft Group; Washington, DC; 1983
20. Executive Director
Director of Development
Director of Annual Fund/Annual Giving
Major Gifts Officer
Planned Giving Officer
Grant writer
Database Administrator
Board of Directors
Development Associate/Assistant
Membership Coordinator
Special Events Coordinator
Volunteers
21. Key spokesperson & lead fundraiser for the organization
Possess real working knowledge of the development
profession
o Different constituencies, giving cycles, forms of giving, donor cultivation
and engagement, gift management and record-keeping, functions
performed by various development department staff
Makes vital decisions about the place development holds
within the organization’s operations
Measures effectiveness of existing and new programs in
terms of short and long term goals for raising money
Evaluates effectiveness of development staff
Understands the role of board members in fundraising and
engages them appropriately
Berendt , Robert J. and Taft, Richard; How to Rate Your Development Office; The Taft Group; Washington, DC; 1983
22. The mythological “Fundraiser” . . .
What’s in a name?
Peer relationship with trustees and often deals with
corporate and foundation officers. The title accords
respect and should reflect the importance and impact of
the role.
23. Primary role: to create a process of outreach to donors by
organizing & using others to seek funds
Involved in the institutional planning process.
Multi-talented:
Strategist Tactician
Financial planner Marketer
Party planner Market researcher
Networker Competitor
Trainer Cheerleader
Diplomat Psychologist
News Junkie Communicator
24. Prospects for & stewards individuals
Manages the Annual Fund and other individual-giving
oriented initiatives, i.e. Giving Tuesdays, Day of Giving
25. Annual Fund – a program that annually solicits a body of constituents
for unrestricted contributions
Time consuming and expensive with relatively low return
Goal is to establish a giving habit and provide a basis for planned
giving
Funds are in the form of cash and used primarily for ongoing
programs
Typically directed towards individuals who receive multiple
contacts during the fund period using a variety of methods
Most begin in the fall, conclude end of the tax year
The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University – The Fund Raising School in
partnership with the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Leadership and support of The
Forbes Funds; Developing Donors; Indianapolis, IN; 2004
26. Solicits funds for special needs
o Programs and projects
o Limited capital improvements
o Equipment
o To build or add to an endowment fund
Higher $ value “asks”
27. Planned Gift
A legal vehicle to carry on the charitable values of an
individual/family converting property into a program of good
works which continue after his death.
Created during the donor’s lifetime but benefits do not
accrue to the institution until some future time, usually at
the donor’s death
Voluntary vs. involuntary philanthropy discussion
Englund, Gregory J.; Beyond Death and Taxes, Old Questions,
New Answers; Estate Planning Press; Boston, MA; 1993
28. Requires specialized knowledge - financial concepts, financial
products, & charitable giving strategies to take best advantage
of existing tax laws
Defer to an expert
Great interpersonal skills and sensitivity in discussing delicate
matters
Considerable expenditure of time & possibly expense
Process can’t be rushed
Timing of gift can’t be predicted
29. Misleading title
Development - writing-intensive
Paper & on-line submissions - applications, proposals, letters,
reports, and agreements
Variation among funders’ preferred formats
Standardization vs. customization
Versatile writing skills – creative, personalized, formal,
structured, technical
Very different skill set from marketing & PR
31. Fiscal stewardship & strategic advice about investments &
financial direction
Input on specific management problems
Member recruitment
Expertise – law, finance, marketing, etc.
Personal gift
Fundraising support – gift solicitations, attendance at events
Advocacy
33. In 2012, largest single source of charitable contributions – 72%
of $316.23 Billion
Sources of major and planned gifts
A strong individual base hedges risk
Many ways to engage – mass marketing, group, or one-one-
one
Larger base provides the basis for specialized appeals &
avoidance of donor fatigue
The Giving Institute & Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
34. Instrumental in pressuring nonprofits to define with greater
clarity their missions, goals, outcomes
Divorced from the emotion of giving
Arms-length relationship with grantees and applicants
Focus - goals & outcomes, sustainability, board participation
Primary contacts - executive and/or program officer
Structured application process
35. Corporate Relations or Community Affairs
Relationship-oriented; board contacts are key
Focus - brand visibility (event sponsorships, naming rights)
Selective
Contractual
Quid pro quo
Corporate Foundations – similar to private foundations
Focus - programs tied to corporate initiatives
Primary contact – mid-level manager
Structured application process
36. Funding availability fluctuates widely depending upon
budgets and political climate
Contact with elected representatives is important; lobbyists
helpful but expensive
Application process – similar to foundation process, but more
cumbersome and less transparent
37. Intensive program designed to raise a specified and large sum of
money over a specified time period to meet capital needs
(building construction, remodeling, expansion, equipment)
Elements:
External consultant often hired to steer
Usually multi-year
Feasibility study
Creation of the case for support
Giving charts
Prospect review to identify sources of funds
Prominent leadership
Volunteer committees
Quiet & public phases
“Pledge” system of giving
38. A comprehensive plan to raise funds needed to
support the organization’s mission
Identical to a business plan used in the for-profit
world:
o Mission & vision statement
o Organizational description
o Plan goals
o Market opportunity analysis
o SWOT analysis
o Strategies and tactics to be used in pursuing opportunities
o Resource needs
o Budget & detailed forecast
o Measurement and evaluation
39. Development professionals serves the public trust by
promoting ethical and effective fundraising practices by
demonstrating values in all aspects of our personal,
professional, organizational and public lives.
These values require that we:
Observe and adhere to all relevant laws and
regulations
Build personal confidence and public support by
being trustworthy in all circumstances
Demonstrate honesty in relationships
Remain accountable for professional, organizational
and public behavior
Are transparent and forthcoming in all dealings
Association of Fundraising Professionals
40.
41. Understand that our focus is not on technology but on our mission
Recognize constraints of our limited resources
Add value to your nonprofit clients by understanding the functions
of the individuals with whom you may deal
Remind us of the resources at your disposal – partnerships, training,
etc.
Be an agent of change
Broaden your knowledge of the nonprofit sector
Create a culture of philanthropy in your workplace
42. Association of Fundraising Professionals
Pittsburgh Planned Giving Council
The Bayer Center for Non Profit Management
The Forbes Funds
Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership
PANO
Chronicle of Philanthropy
44. Bibliography
Bell, Jeanne and Cornelius, Marla; Underdeveloped, A National Study of Challenges Facing Nonprofit Fundraising;
A Joint Project of CompassPoint and the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund; Compass Point; 2013
Berendt , Robert J. and Taft, Richard; How to Rate Your Development Office; The Taft Group; Washington, DC;
1983
Englund, Gregory J.; Beyond Death and Taxes, Old Questions, New Answers; Estate Planning Press; Boston, MA;
1993
Gipple, Emily and Gose, Ben; How America Gives - America’s Generosity Divide; Chronicle of Philanthropy;
August 19, 2012
Hall, Holly; Fiscal Crisis Reshaped How Donors Give; Chronicle of Philanthropy; September 22, 2013
Howard , Anne W.; New Brain Study Hints at Why People Are Altruistic; Chronicle of Philanthropy; February 22,
2007
Lewis, Nicole; Half of Affluent Americans Say Tax Policy Doesn't Affect Their Giving; Chronicle of Philanthropy;
November 9, 2006
The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University – The Fund Raising School in partnership with the Bayer Center
for Nonprofit Leadership and support of The Forbes Funds; Developing Donors; Indianapolis, IN; 2004
Editor's Notes
The rich aren’t the most generous.
$50,000 to $75,000 - giving average - 7.6% of discretionary income
$100,000+ - giving average - 4.2%
Rich people who live in neighborhoods with many other wealthy people give a smaller
share of their incomes to charity than rich people who live in more economically diverse
communities.
Red states are more generous than blue states.
In 2008 election 8 states where residents gave the highest share of income to charity went
for McCain. 7 lowest ranking states supported Obama.
Tax incentives matter.
State policies are rooted partly by political philosophy about the role of government vs. At
least 13 states offer special tax benefits to charity donors, often in hopes of stimulating
giving at the same time that big cuts in government services are occurring. While not every
donor may admit it, it’s not just a pull at the heartstrings that encourages giving but the tug
of the taxman.
Regions of the country that are deeply religious are more generous than those that are not.
2 of the top 9 states—Utah and Idaho—have high #s of Mormons who have a tradition of
tithing ~ 10% of income to the church. The remaining 7 states are all in the Bible Belt.
But some nonprofit experts question whether religious donations should even factor into
generosity rankings. “Giving to a church is a different kind of giving than giving to other
charities because it’s‘ inward-centered’, i.e. you get a personal benefit from it. (vs. giving
to an antipoverty program which is “other-centered’”. New Hampshire gives next to
nothing to religious organizations,” “but their secular giving is identical to the rest of
country.
When religious giving isn’t counted, the geography of giving is very different. Some states in
the Northeast jump into the top 10 when secular gifts alone are counted. New York would
vault from No. 18 to 2, and Pennsylvania would climb from No. 40 to. 4.
Gipple, Emily and Gose, Ben; How America Gives - America’s Generosity Divide; Chronicle of Philanthropy; August 19, 2012
Back in the day development work didn’t get much respect. Colleges offer courses in marketing, advertising, public relations, and companies invest heavily in professional selling skills and customer relationship management classes. Historically there have been few degree programs in the development field but that’s changing.
Today, the market is awash in seminars, self-help books, classes and webinars. Professional associations support their members with continuing education and have established accreditation standards which have increased awareness and respect for development as a profession. The CFRE credential designates an individual who has invested in course work, has demonstrable results across a range of performance categories, and has passes a difficult qualifying exam. For small and medium size nonprofits, professional associations have been particularly instrumental in elevating the professionalism of development staff by offering affordable education programs and networking opportunities. Unlike leading universities, hospitals, and other large organizations which have staffs of 24-150 people and sizable budgets, the typical development department in a small nonprofit is a one person shop. These people do the grant research, write the proposals, conduct site visits and funder meetings, administer the grant, write acknowledgement letters and required reports.
Relationship intensive – the fact that majority of donors prefer electronic communications doesn’t make it any less so. Appeal to those who give for tax benefits as well to those who give because of a personal interest in your mission.
Communications intensive – Variety of modalities – person-to-person, phone, e-mail, direct mail, brochures .
Highly competitive - It wasn’t so long ago that universities, hospitals and other large nonprofits had an elitist attitude about promoting themselves. It was considered demeaning to sell their institutions to prospective donors and users of their services. Museums felt their collections spoke for themselves and charitable giving campaigns focused on building expansion projects culminating in grand openings and special exhibits attended by wealthy patrons.
Hospitals too tended to concentrate on major capital needs or research efforts, and used their ladies auxiliaries to organize and lead fundraising campaigns.
The net effect - an approach to fundraising that was sporadic with major gift efforts conducted with the assistance of outside help. Annual giving, planned giving and other techniques were ignored.
However, as competition for donors intensified due to changes in economic conditions, social priorities, and emerging technologies which made it possible for even the tiniest nonprofits to promote themselves and reach potential donors , nonprofit leaders had to adopt new ways of doing business. They realized that a well-managed, ongoing process for raising funds was needed. They also recognized that they needed a base of donors who were continuously cultivated, involved and informed.
Berendt , Robert J. and Taft, Richard; How to Rate Your Development Office; The Taft Group; Washington, DC; 1983
Many nonprofit executives have backgrounds other than development so there’s often a disconnect in their abilities to understand and analyze how development programs are working to provide proper leadership.
No such animal. Fundraising is a process that is better defined as delopment. Fundraising may also be called institutional advancement. Because of the narrow perception that people often have about the word “fundraiser” many people prefer to be called development officers.
It’s no secret there’s enormous turnover among those who raise money for nonprofit organizations. The latest estimate of the average tenure of a director of development was less than 2 years.
There are many factors at play regarding the turnover issue. Development work is complex and staff turnover is often a result of unrealistic expectations and minimal understanding of development’s complexity.
Bell, Jeanne and Cornelius, Marla; Underdeveloped, A National Study of Challenges Facing Nonprofit Fundraising; A Joint Project of CompassPoint and the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund; Compass Point; 2013
New iterations of individual giving programs include foundation and corporate sponsored events such as Giving Tuesdays and Day of Giving which are intended to raise the profile of the nonprofit community and encourage giving to favorite charities. These events are very popular with the nonprofit community since many have brought in a nice amount of money with minimal effort. The event sponsors bear the cost of the technology, infrastructure, and gift administration. All the nonprofits have to do is create a profile on the sponsor’s website, promote the event to prospective donors, and send thank you letters afterwards.
Requires artistic talent to design the appeal package, list generation, print and mailing costs, gift recording in the donor database, and personal gift acknowledgement.
The conversation often involves a discussion of voluntary vs. involuntary philanthropy. In the voluntary scenario, you’re holding funds to be preserved and applied to specific charitable causes of your choosing. The involuntary scenario is where government spends your dollars, which through lack of advance planning you wind up paying in taxes. The dollars you’ve worked hard for over a lifetime could be used for programs you don’t support or worse, squandered through government waste.
Most development people are not qualified financial planners and could get themselves in hot water by giving bad tax advice so it’s best course to refer a potential donor to an expert. There are lots of options to chose from – wills, insurance programs, trusts, and the use of a good financial planner is recommended. A good development officer is knowledgeable enough to initiate the discussion, but also knows when it’s time to call in an expert.
A planned giving program involves a considerable expenditure of time and possibly expense but is necessary to achieve a return in this area. Approaching the topic takes great interpersonal skills and sensitivity in discussing delicate matters. Negotiating a will, bequest, life income gift, annuity or trust arrangement requires specialized knowledge, and possibly many meetings with lawyers, accounts and donors, but returns could be substantial.
The person in this role does much more than write grants.
In some cases, it’s possible to use boilerplate but often times not since many funding requests are unique and require that we use a funder’s preferred format.
Writing versatility is very important. At times it must reflect creativity (as in the case of annual appeals and cases for support). Letters should be personalized to convey gratitude and details about how the gift will be used. Grant proposals are structured, must satisfy all application criteria or may be declined. Scientific or research organizations need someone with technical writing skills.
Not long ago, donor information was kept on 3x5 record cards. Today, highly sophisticated yet affordable and easy to use software is available.
This person’s role revolves around donor information management and analysis. This person needs to be proficient with computers, capable of generating and interpreting information for use in development planning.
Nonprofit board members are volunteers which means there’s only so much that can be expected of them. They join boards for various reasons: community responsibility, commitment to the mission, business or social exposure, ego. Few join because they enjoy fundraising which ranks as their least favorite responsibility.
When recruiting board members, expectations for personal giving and fundraising support need to be clear.
As for fundraising, board members are crucial to fundraising success. Even is they’re not comfortable making an “ask”, they can still support the fundraising process by being involved in planning, case statement development, review of financial needs, prospect identification and review, and solicitation when possible. Personal giving provides a board member with “moral authority” to ask others for donations.
Corporations are primarily interested in brand visibility and are careful with whom they associate. If an organization has just gone through a public scandal, it will be very difficult to get support until the incident is long forgotten, if then. Also, decision makers pay attention to how well and often your organization is in the news.