Category Archives: Fundraising
Will Tax Reform Kill Philanthropy?
The elections are over, and President Obama’s proposals to limit tax breaks are back in the spotlight. How bad could it be, for charities? Predictions range from minor to dire, depending on how you run the numbers, and what you think motivates Americans to give. Read More
How Can You Get Your Board Involved In Fundraising?
The short answer: It all starts when you bring someone onto your board; she needs to understand that fundraising is part of the job. Next, make it easy and – dare I say it?! – fun for her!
It is fairly standard procedure to have a description of board members’ fundraising roles somewhere in the orientation packet. That’s good. My problem is that all too often it reads like a rental lease; it’s all about landlord’s rights and tenant’s responsibilities. There’s no reciprocity. Most people are afraid of asking for money, so you have to give them the support they need to feel they have a reasonable chance of success. Read More
The Art of Simple Non-Profit Communications
I’ve worked with many nonprofits to help create and launch new development, branding and communications plans. While each organization is unique, they all share a singular challenge. They must develop two communication plans, not one … an internal and an external plan. And no matter how big or small the nonprofit, each must articulate the fundamental goals, values and purpose of the organization using “simple” language that communicates the fundamental proposition that every stakeholder or potential stakeholder is being asked to embrace. This is the secret sauce that is essential to achieving your goals in a timely, effective and efficient manner. Read More
Notable Quotables
We’ve probably all seen it: an array of inspirational quotes or ideas, on yellow post-it’s, on a cubicle wall. I know I can’t resist taking a peek, when I do. And I don’t mind having a few motivational tidbits around, for myself on “one of those days” or to share with others in formal talks or a casual conversation. We compiled a list about philanthropy for Getting to Giving, and thought we’d share them with you here. Read More
A Case Study: Boston Children’s Museum
“This 90-year old museum decides to do a capital campaign…” Capital campaigns are on a … Read More
Fundraising leadership – a pulse check
Some months ago, we were asked to lead a day-long seminar for a group of philanthropic leaders. We decided to ask them to complete a Fundraising and You survey beforehand, as a “pulse check” on their experience, attitudes and issues. The results were quite illuminating. Read More
Women and Philanthropy
What has your experience been with women’s philanthropy? One thing that I can say for sure is that women have always been generous with their time but have become increasingly involved in the money aspects of philanthropy, as their economic clout and financial sophistication have grown. Read More
Yeah, but…
It has been gratifying to learn that many people find Getting to Giving’s messages – especially its donor perspective and the four questions – useful for thinking about philanthropy and fundraising. That said, there has been some push-back too. Some people say: That’s all fine for huge development efforts, but how does it apply to my small, local fundraising needs? Read More
Fundraising Myth # 5: There’s a secret formula
I was talking with a colleague recently, about fundraising. We shared a few jokes we’d heard, like “performing cashectomies” and “extracting cash without anesthesia.” But mostly we talked – with pride – about what was being accomplished through the funds we had raised, and the many opportunities still out there. We also commiserated about the over-simplification of fundraising by many fundraisers. Read More
Fundraising Myth #4: Aim high
One of my main calls to action when I was leading Harvard Business School’s Capital Campaign was: “Aim high.” Early research had shown that HBS alumni’s capacity for giving – relative to their financial means, and their giving to other nonprofit organizations – was vastly untapped. But – and here’s the important caveat – we knew that we had to be realistic. HBS alumni, with the encouragement of the School, were very active in the philanthropic community. Being their top priority was highly unlikely; getting to number 3 or 4 on their giving list would be the strategy. By the end of the campaign, targets for significant gifts, alumni participation, and the overall campaign goal had been met and exceeded. Read More