. . . when you are asking for money. Everyone has heard this comment. Mostly from non-donors, but occasionally from donors as well. One read of the comment is that the speaker wants more information about the institution and fewer solicitations. In fact, that’s typically how a development professional frames this comment. And the response […]
Browsing the blog archives for November, 2010
29 Nov 10
22 Nov 10
Making a difference in the lives of others, in our communities, and on our world is noble and fulfilling work. To wake up each morning with the recognition that our organizations educate, heal, transform, support, and uplift others is a blessing. Because I feel called to be a part of non-profit advancement work, I am […]
0 Comments Posted in Leadership
17 Nov 10
My credit card company doesn’t have a phone number. Neither does my preferred airline. And neither does the hotel chain I frequent when I’m on the road. Many businesses act as if they don’t have a phone number. Instead, what they offer on printed materials, even on their websites, is a mix of numbers and […]
0 Comments Posted in Leadership
15 Nov 10
The primary goal of advancement programs should be to create conditions which encourage donor generosity. Generosity producing conditions – be they through direct mail letters, phonathon calls, special events, or face-to-face visits – lead to donor experiences. If these experiences are inspiring, energizing and/or encouraging for our donors, generosity is more likely to follow. So, how […]
10 Nov 10
The 2010 Bank of America High Net Worth Philanthropy Study was released yesterday. This is the third biennial study which has been conducted since 2006. The headlines most reported about the study are similar to what the “Chronicle of Philanthropy” posited: “Donations By the Wealthy Dropped Sharply in the Recession, Study Finds“ And yes, the […]
7 Nov 10
What if, instead of development professionals focusing on “getting the gift,” we focused on “giving the gift?” There is growing and substantial research evidence suggesting that giving to others reaps meaningful physical, spiritual, and emotional benefits for the donor. Two of the early researched-based books on the topic were Allan Luks’, The Healing Power of […]
1 Comment Posted in Fundraising, Leadership
