By Hank Lewis, MA, CFRM on March 23, 2016
It may get old, hearing the same thing over and over again, but it’s still worth starting a posting with a reminder that “Development” is about relationship building … with the intent that the relationships that are built will result in (financial) support for the nonprofit organization. Development Communications function in helping to build those […]
By Hank Lewis, MA, CFRM on March 15, 2016
There is an old saying in the development field, that a person soliciting a major gift can only ask for a gift equal to or less than the gift he/she has made … with three exceptions: a person of the clergy, a prominent community figure/politician and a nonprofit Executive Director (or whatever the title held […]
By Hank Lewis, MA, CFRM on November 18, 2015
A recent email described changes to the structure/function of the different departments in an organization’s development office, noted that a development office should function on the basis of “what’s best for the donor,” and asked that I comment (approve/disapprove) of what was described. I responded…. I understand/accept that the structure/functioning of your organization’s development operation […]
By Hank Lewis, MA, CFRM on November 4, 2015
On a listserve dealing with nonprofit-related legal matters, an attorney commented: “I can think of several of my law clients who have made very large gifts, and who would be horrified at the thought of having their names published on the Internet. They would feel that this was an invasion of their privacy, and that […]
By Hank Lewis, MA, CFRM on October 21, 2015
A couple of weeks ago, in response to the posting “comparing” a Capital Campaign to the Annual Fund, I received the following, multi-part question: I am part of a capital campaign now and we had a donor ask why the gift table does not change for a gift that comes in that is not listed […]
By Hank Lewis, MA, CFRM on October 7, 2015
A question was asked: I know that charitable organizations often have phone banks or door-to-door canvassing where the workers take a percentage of the funds they raise. Likewise, supervisors on such giving programs often also get a percentage. What is the difference if the ED also gets a percentage? In the sense that it is […]
By Hank Lewis, MA, CFRM on August 5, 2015
Last week’s posting noted that (except for the donor acquisition process) you should not be in the business of cold-solicitation, and that your organization should have done some research on your prospective donors. And, btw, even if someone has given previously, s/he is still, for the purposes of this discussion, a prospective donor. That posting […]
By Hank Lewis, MA, CFRM on July 29, 2015
Last week the focus was on learning about and understanding what your constituents and potential donors like about you. Now, assuming that you’ve mastered that aspect of the development process, let’s look at what else you need to know about your potential donors; and, what you would have to do to influence those potential donors. […]
By Tony Poderis on May 27, 2015
The Campaign (Annual, Endowment Or Capital) Is Over And The Goal Has Been Achieved — Life Is Good! Issue a press release and a final newsletter thanking campaign leadership, volunteers and the donors. Single out people who should be commended, and praise the campaign chair. Then, be sure to convene a meeting of the campaign […]
By Tony Poderis on March 4, 2015
(Continued from Last Week) Surely, anyone can see that there is a huge difference between selling a Ferrari, and “selling” a nonprofit institution. The automobile salesperson is responsible for selling cars. In “selling” a nonprofit institution to its (potential) donors, the development professional has the dual responsibility, along with volunteer leadership, for helping to keep […]
Hank Lewis with Development Consultant Associates has over thirty years as a fundraising consultant and is a specialist in Board and Leadership Development, Capital Campaign, Bequest Program and Major Gifts. [Read more ...]