Katie Lord, Vice President As far as nonprofit jargon is concerned, we have all probably used, or at least heard, the phrase “Time, Talent and Treasure” when referring to how we can engage individuals with our organizations. While it may seem to be a fairly basic concept, defining it is becoming an increasingly complex matter, as definitions have evolved among different…
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Jeffrey D. Byrne, President + CEO I truly believe it is “fundraising malpractice” when nonprofits do not do their “homework” about prospective donors. Much more than learning about the estimated wealth and capacity of a prospect, research can reveal information about philanthropic giving history and involvement as well as natural partners and connections. Then add the “human touch” of the…
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Katie Lord, Senior Consultant As far as nonprofit jargon is concerned, we have all probably used, or at least heard, the phrase “Time, Talent and Treasure” when referring to how we can engage individuals with our organizations. While it may seem to be a fairly basic concept, defining the above trifecta is becoming an increasingly complex matter, as definitions have evolved…
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Judy Keller, Executive Vice President “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” - Mahatma Gandhi Volunteer management is so common that it has become a specialty, a career, a “Thing” … No doubt your organization has many wonderful people who generously give their time, talent and treasure while demanding little in return. …
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John F. Marshall, Senior Vice President Really successful Planned Giving officers are those who understand how important it is to impress upon their organization’s donors the need to engage in good, thoughtful estate planning. And, estate planning is far more than just creating a will, although that is normally a cornerstone to creating one’s estate plan. They also understand that…
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Earlier this week, I had the pleasure and privilege of spending time with Dr. Debra Mesch. While I was certainly impressed by her knowledge and awareness of key matters affecting philanthropy today, I was equally moved by why she researches, writes and teaches about gender matters in charitable behavior: her commitment to improving and increasing philanthropy. For more than 40…
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Judy Keller Executive Vice President After nine years as a fundraising consultant, I have learned a lot about campaigns that I never knew when I was an Executive Director or Development Director. Forty-eight clients later, I have met wonderful people doing courageous work, and am happy to say most of them succeeded in their campaign goals. Here’s what those campaigns…
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Katie Lord Senior Consultant In today’s fast-paced digital arena, many nonprofits have moved to a digital donor acknowledgement system in an effort to save time and increase the speed of gift acknowledgement. While this system can be effective from a recordkeeping standpoint for the organization and the donor, this can often be a missed opportunity to 1) convey true donor…
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Katie Lord Senior Consultant Upon receiving a gift to your organization, it is important to remember that there is a definite distinction between a donor gift acknowledgement and donor recognition/appreciation. Both are vital to the continued cultivation and management of a donor stewardship plan. However, the two should not be combined. Each communication should be seen as an opportunity to…
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John F. Marshall Senior Vice President In fundraising, we often hear the words “people give to people.” Donors and prospects are more likely to give when they are comfortable with and feel good about the person who is presenting them with a request -- perhaps a university alum, a grateful patient or a supporter of the arts. But what exactly…
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