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fundraising
7 Elements Of A Successful Fundraising Event
Jun 7th
Every nonprofit wants a successful fundraising event but are they doing the right things to have one? According to one expert, this is not always the case.
During a recent international conference on fundraising, Vivian A. Smith of Liberty Quest Enterprises said that a diverse fund development program should include events, but urged organizations to incorporate them thoughtfully into their overall strategy. They should not, she said, be viewed as standalone initiatives used just to raise money.
To be successful, planners of an event must consider:
During a recent international conference on fundraising, Vivian A. Smith of Liberty Quest Enterprises said that a diverse fund development program should include events, but urged organizations to incorporate them thoughtfully into their overall strategy. They should not, she said, be viewed as standalone initiatives used just to raise money.
To be successful, planners of an event must consider:
- Event Purpose. Is it just money, new prospects, increasing public awareness, gaining attention or some other objective?
- Prospective audience. Think of characteristics and demographics, as well as the size of the group and the kind of appeal that is appropriate.
- Type of event. It should meet the goals and reach the target market. It should be mission focused. Is there competition?
- Resources needed for the event. This includes staffing, leadership, volunteers, time, skills, budget and a contingency plan.
- Cost per dollar raised. This includes both direct an indirect costs.
- Evaluation. Think of event goals, net revenue, staff commitment and volunteer impact.
- Outcome. This is not just dollars raised at the time of the event. It can also serve as an opportunity to build team spirit among volunteers and staff.
Nonprofit Galas Breaking Fundraising Records On West Coast
May 14th
Nonprofit galas in the Bay Area are breaking all sorts of fundraising records this year, bringing hope that organizations could soon be returning to pre-recession fundraising levels.
A report in the San Francisco Business Times reveals that many San Francisco-based organizations are getting a big boost in revenue from their annual galas. For example, Meals on Wheels (MoW) raised almost $2.17 million for homebound seniors at its 26th annual Star Chefs and Vinters Gala in April. That amount was the most ever raised by the organization for that particular event. In total, it netted $300,000 more than last year's gala, as more than 1,000 guests showed up to sample a spread of food made by gourmet chefs.
MoW Executive Director Ashely McCumber told The Business Times that she believed the success of this year's gals stems from a couple of factors: Strong donor relationships and an increased confidence in the economy, as people are feeling more comfortable giving once again. He added that most of the money from the gala came from individuals while corporate donations remained the same. Around 200 businesses and individuals participated in the gala's live and silent auctions.
While Habitat for Humanity San Francisco has not yet had its annual gala, Executive Director Phillip Killbridge told The Business Times that he is confident it will also break fundraising records, especially after Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage wrote the nonprofit a $25,000 check.
Are your nonprofit galas and special events seeing similar results? Let us know in our comments section.
You can read the full story in the San Francisco Business Times.
A report in the San Francisco Business Times reveals that many San Francisco-based organizations are getting a big boost in revenue from their annual galas. For example, Meals on Wheels (MoW) raised almost $2.17 million for homebound seniors at its 26th annual Star Chefs and Vinters Gala in April. That amount was the most ever raised by the organization for that particular event. In total, it netted $300,000 more than last year's gala, as more than 1,000 guests showed up to sample a spread of food made by gourmet chefs.
MoW Executive Director Ashely McCumber told The Business Times that she believed the success of this year's gals stems from a couple of factors: Strong donor relationships and an increased confidence in the economy, as people are feeling more comfortable giving once again. He added that most of the money from the gala came from individuals while corporate donations remained the same. Around 200 businesses and individuals participated in the gala's live and silent auctions.
While Habitat for Humanity San Francisco has not yet had its annual gala, Executive Director Phillip Killbridge told The Business Times that he is confident it will also break fundraising records, especially after Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage wrote the nonprofit a $25,000 check.
Are your nonprofit galas and special events seeing similar results? Let us know in our comments section.
You can read the full story in the San Francisco Business Times.
5 Ways To Keep In Touch With Monthly Giving Donors
May 9th
Your work is done just because you got a donor to join your monthly giving program. Far from it; in fact, as fundraising consultant Pamela Grow explains, your work is just beginning.
Grow says that it's up to you as a fundraising professional to make sure your monthly donors are made to feel special. As a member of an exclusive club, these individuals are going to be expecting world-class treatment. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to keep in constant contact with them.
In her e-book, "The Lifetime Donor Attraction System," Grow shared five tips on how to keep in contact with your monthly donors:
Grow says that it's up to you as a fundraising professional to make sure your monthly donors are made to feel special. As a member of an exclusive club, these individuals are going to be expecting world-class treatment. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to keep in constant contact with them.
In her e-book, "The Lifetime Donor Attraction System," Grow shared five tips on how to keep in contact with your monthly donors:
- Don’t stop communicating. Keep sending emails, as well as offers to upgrade their monthly commitments. These donors are also excellent prospects for planned giving, having demonstrated dedication to your nonprofit.
- Send monthly donors special versions of your regular communications. Make sure they reference the donor’s membership in your monthly giving program.
- Give them special opportunities, such as events, guided tours and access to your organization’s executives. Make sure they know the opportunity is exclusive to monthly givers.
- Send special thank-yous. Think about including premiums in your thank-you correspondence with monthly donors.
- Don’t neglect your regular correspondence. Follow up if a monthly sustainer’s renewal lapses or if she suspends payments.
Idaho’s First Giving Day Begins
May 2nd
The inaugural edition of Idaho Gives, a statewide online giving campaign run by the Idaho Nonprofit Center, began today, with more than 500 charities taking part in the event.
As reported by The Boise Weekly, there were already 1,000 donations by sunrise this morning, and donors have until 11:59 p.m. to continue giving. The five nonprofits with the most unique donors by the end of the day will receive onus grants of $3,000, $1,000, $500, $250, and $250 respectively.
All donations made on the Idaho Gives website are made to the Razoo Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization which permits donors to advise a regranting of their donations to other IRS recognized qualifying 501(c)(3). The Foundation will then regrant 97.1% of its contribution to the qualifying organization as advised by the donor, retaining 2.9% for Razoo Foundation’s expenses.
Participating nonprofits are divided into three categories based on their size: Large, medium, and small. Currently leading the "large" category is Idaho Humane Society Inc., which has 134 unique donors giving $5,952. Idaho Falls School District 91 Education Foundation Inc., rounds out the "medium" category with 59 unique donors giving $2,765. Finally, Girls on the Run-Idaho Inc., leads the "small" category with $1,325 in donations from 35 unique donors.
State online giving days have a long history of success for nonprofits. In a recent article on The NonProfit Times, it was reported that 800 nonprofits received over $1 million in donations from Arizona Gives Day, held on March 20.
You can read the full story in The Boise Weekly.
As reported by The Boise Weekly, there were already 1,000 donations by sunrise this morning, and donors have until 11:59 p.m. to continue giving. The five nonprofits with the most unique donors by the end of the day will receive onus grants of $3,000, $1,000, $500, $250, and $250 respectively.
All donations made on the Idaho Gives website are made to the Razoo Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization which permits donors to advise a regranting of their donations to other IRS recognized qualifying 501(c)(3). The Foundation will then regrant 97.1% of its contribution to the qualifying organization as advised by the donor, retaining 2.9% for Razoo Foundation’s expenses.
Participating nonprofits are divided into three categories based on their size: Large, medium, and small. Currently leading the "large" category is Idaho Humane Society Inc., which has 134 unique donors giving $5,952. Idaho Falls School District 91 Education Foundation Inc., rounds out the "medium" category with 59 unique donors giving $2,765. Finally, Girls on the Run-Idaho Inc., leads the "small" category with $1,325 in donations from 35 unique donors.
State online giving days have a long history of success for nonprofits. In a recent article on The NonProfit Times, it was reported that 800 nonprofits received over $1 million in donations from Arizona Gives Day, held on March 20.
You can read the full story in The Boise Weekly.
10 Fundraising Rules For Managers
Apr 30th
Nonprofit managers often have to wear multiple hats if their organization's mission is to succeed. One of those roles requires them to chip in on the fundraising side of the operation.
The word "fundraising" can make any executive start to sweat, but it doesn't have to be that way. Susan Black of Allene Professional Fundraising shares these 10 rules in her white paper, “Ten Rules to fundraise By.”
The word "fundraising" can make any executive start to sweat, but it doesn't have to be that way. Susan Black of Allene Professional Fundraising shares these 10 rules in her white paper, “Ten Rules to fundraise By.”
- People give to people. A gift officer needs to win a donor’s trust so he or she knows the donation is in good hands.
- Know your story, then articulate it. It’s the gift officer’s job to translate the organization’s impact into relatable, digestible bits of information.
- Have a plan. Your organization needs both a strategic and a fundraising plan.
- Get out of the office. Connect with donors face-to-face.
- Identify, cultivate, ask and than, then do it again. Your work doesn’t stop with the first gift; turn your donors into advocates for your organization and they’ll be more valuable, both monetarily and otherwise.
- Remember, you are brilliant. Recognize how important your work is, and have confidence that you can get the job done.
- Your only job with volunteers is to make them successful. Volunteers want to feel useful, be managed, feel appreciated, have an impact and share your success. Your volunteer management plan must take their needs into account.
- If it’s not in the database, it didn’t happen. Recordkeeping is of vital importance.
- It’s not about you. It’s about the donor. Practice donor-centered fundraising, and always be aware of the donor experience.
- Measure it. Start with the end in mind, consider all the costs, and create success metrics before you have to use them, not after.
The Donor Research Checklist For Small Nonprofits
Apr 22nd
What's the best way to ensure a successful fundraising campaign? Some would argue that donor research should be on the top of that list, and they would have a point. More information about donors means your fundraisers will have a better idea about how to approach them.
While large nonprofits usually have full-time researcher on-staff, it can be a little bit harder for smaller organizations to find room in their budget for donor research. That's why Ann Rosenfield, executive director of The WoodGreen Foundation, offered some tips to help these organizations reap the benefits of this research without breaking the bank.
She wrote the following checklist in the Winter 2013 edition of Advancing Philanthropy:
- Hire a researcher, even if just for a while: This will enable managers to focus on the technical aspects of fundraising while research crunches the numbers.
- Pay for a research database service: This allows for quick look-ups of prospective donors recommended by the board, events, and potential board members.
- Remember that information on foundations is free: This information is easily accessible online on such sites as Foundation Center.
- If possible, use data analytics: This allows the organization to see how analytics work and keep track of these findings on a spreadsheet.
- Identify new prospects: Having a researcher means being able to seek out new prospective clients who will give.
- Don’t forget that the organization’s small size is actually a strength: The small size of is an asset in that it allows research to be done on a more personal level.
Charity Raises $7 Million In Aftermath Of Boston Marathon Bombings
Apr 18th
A fund created to raise money for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings has already received nearly $7 million in donations from corporate partners and individual donors.
One Fund Boston was launched on Tuesday by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino to give philanthropists and other individuals a way to support the more than 180 individuals who were injured during the attacks on Monday. The $7 million raised so far includes a $1 million commitment from John Hancock Financial Services, which was one of the lead sponsors of the marathon.
Taking aside the donations from businesses and corporations, One Fund Boston has received $500,000 from 8,500 individual donors.
“I am humbled by the outpouring of support by the business community and individuals who are united in their desire to help,” Patrick said. “At moments like this, we are one state, one city, and one people.”
Mayor Menino said via a statement that he received calls from businesses and individuals who wanted to pledge money “within the hour” that the fund was established. “We are one Boston. We are one community. As always, we will come together to help those most in need. And in the end, we will all be better for it,” Mayor Menino said.
One Fund Boston will be headed by attorney Ken Feinberg, who was appointed in 2001 by the Attorney General of the United States to head the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. In 2010, he was appointed by President Barack Obama to administer the fund for those affected by the BP oil spill, and he also helped administer donations for the victims of the mass shootings in Aurora, Colo., and at Virginia Tech.
“I am honored to serve at the request of both Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino,” Feinberg said in a press release. “I will do my best to justify their confidence in me as we move forward to design and administer an effective program following the terrible tragedy in Boston.”
Feinberg, who is himself a native of Boston, will head the fun entirely pro bono.
The Fund is currently in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service. A statement on the organization's website said that if the IRS makes the determination that it is worthy of being tax-exempt, that decision will be made retroactive to the date of the Fund's formation.
One Fund Boston was launched on Tuesday by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino to give philanthropists and other individuals a way to support the more than 180 individuals who were injured during the attacks on Monday. The $7 million raised so far includes a $1 million commitment from John Hancock Financial Services, which was one of the lead sponsors of the marathon.
Taking aside the donations from businesses and corporations, One Fund Boston has received $500,000 from 8,500 individual donors.
“I am humbled by the outpouring of support by the business community and individuals who are united in their desire to help,” Patrick said. “At moments like this, we are one state, one city, and one people.”
Mayor Menino said via a statement that he received calls from businesses and individuals who wanted to pledge money “within the hour” that the fund was established. “We are one Boston. We are one community. As always, we will come together to help those most in need. And in the end, we will all be better for it,” Mayor Menino said.
One Fund Boston will be headed by attorney Ken Feinberg, who was appointed in 2001 by the Attorney General of the United States to head the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. In 2010, he was appointed by President Barack Obama to administer the fund for those affected by the BP oil spill, and he also helped administer donations for the victims of the mass shootings in Aurora, Colo., and at Virginia Tech.
“I am honored to serve at the request of both Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino,” Feinberg said in a press release. “I will do my best to justify their confidence in me as we move forward to design and administer an effective program following the terrible tragedy in Boston.”
Feinberg, who is himself a native of Boston, will head the fun entirely pro bono.
The Fund is currently in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service. A statement on the organization's website said that if the IRS makes the determination that it is worthy of being tax-exempt, that decision will be made retroactive to the date of the Fund's formation.
Idaho Nonprofits Getting Online Giving Day
Apr 15th
Nonprofits in Idaho are being invited to participate in a one-day online giving day campaign next month. The event hopes to bring new donors and increased outreach to local organizations.
Idaho Gives Day, created by the Idaho Nonprofit Center, is set to begin on May 2. Much like the online giving days in other states, this campaign will let individuals search for nonprofits in their area to which they wish to contribute. According to a report in The Twin Falls Times-News, there will be additional incentives for organizations that choose to participate, including tracking of the number of donors and how much money each nonprofit receives.
In addition, the Idaho Nonprofit Center will randomly draw a donor's name throughout the day and give $1,000 to a charity of their choosing. The five nonprofits at the end of the day that have the largest number of donors will also receive a grant from the Center.
Those individuals who wish to participate in Idaho Gives Day should visit the event's website on May 2. You can read the full story in The Twin Falls Times-News.
Idaho Gives Day, created by the Idaho Nonprofit Center, is set to begin on May 2. Much like the online giving days in other states, this campaign will let individuals search for nonprofits in their area to which they wish to contribute. According to a report in The Twin Falls Times-News, there will be additional incentives for organizations that choose to participate, including tracking of the number of donors and how much money each nonprofit receives.
In addition, the Idaho Nonprofit Center will randomly draw a donor's name throughout the day and give $1,000 to a charity of their choosing. The five nonprofits at the end of the day that have the largest number of donors will also receive a grant from the Center.
Those individuals who wish to participate in Idaho Gives Day should visit the event's website on May 2. You can read the full story in The Twin Falls Times-News.
Khloe Kardashian: Husband’s Charity Not A Scam
Apr 3rd
Reality star Khloe Kardashian has taken to the web to deny allegations that her husband Lamar Odom's charity is a scam.
A report on ESPN's "Outside the Lines" program on March 31 alleged that many charities of top athletes don't fulfill their missions as stated. They cited Odom's charity Cathy's Kids as one of the examples, alleging that the organization hasn't given any money to cancer research even though it has raised nearly $2.2 million.
The charity was founded by Odom in 2004 and was named after the NBA star's mother who died from cancer. ESPN noted that the charity was supposed to raise funds for cancer research, but the report alleged that nearly 60 percent of donations has gone to finance two elite youth basketball travel teams and that there is no evidence that any of the remaining $900,000 went to cancer research.
The Huffington Post reported that on Tuesday, Kardashian took to her blog on the website Celebuzz to defend her husband from the allegations. She insisted that the Los Angeles Clippers star has personally donated "millions" of dollars to cancer research, and that none of the money from the charity went to help him or any member of his family.
She also sought to clarify the ultimate mission of Cathy's Kids, saying that the organization was founded with multiple purposes in mind including cancer research and helping underprivileged youth. "A decision was ultimately made that the charity should focus on one of those purposes — to help enrich the lives of underprivileged inner-city youth," wrote Kardashian. "It accomplished that goal. Cathy’s Kids helped fund multiple AAU basketball teams providing underprivileged youth with opportunities enriching their lives, providing financial support for coaching and travel to tournaments, helping inner-city youth on a path toward success and leading many participants to go on to college."
Aside from Odom's charity, the ESPN report also mentions alleged questionable practices by such well-known athletes as New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, whose foundation stopped filing tax returns five years ago, and NFL wide receiver Randy Moss, whose two charities allegedly spent no money on philanthropy in 2010.
A report on ESPN's "Outside the Lines" program on March 31 alleged that many charities of top athletes don't fulfill their missions as stated. They cited Odom's charity Cathy's Kids as one of the examples, alleging that the organization hasn't given any money to cancer research even though it has raised nearly $2.2 million.
The charity was founded by Odom in 2004 and was named after the NBA star's mother who died from cancer. ESPN noted that the charity was supposed to raise funds for cancer research, but the report alleged that nearly 60 percent of donations has gone to finance two elite youth basketball travel teams and that there is no evidence that any of the remaining $900,000 went to cancer research.
The Huffington Post reported that on Tuesday, Kardashian took to her blog on the website Celebuzz to defend her husband from the allegations. She insisted that the Los Angeles Clippers star has personally donated "millions" of dollars to cancer research, and that none of the money from the charity went to help him or any member of his family.
She also sought to clarify the ultimate mission of Cathy's Kids, saying that the organization was founded with multiple purposes in mind including cancer research and helping underprivileged youth. "A decision was ultimately made that the charity should focus on one of those purposes — to help enrich the lives of underprivileged inner-city youth," wrote Kardashian. "It accomplished that goal. Cathy’s Kids helped fund multiple AAU basketball teams providing underprivileged youth with opportunities enriching their lives, providing financial support for coaching and travel to tournaments, helping inner-city youth on a path toward success and leading many participants to go on to college."
Aside from Odom's charity, the ESPN report also mentions alleged questionable practices by such well-known athletes as New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, whose foundation stopped filing tax returns five years ago, and NFL wide receiver Randy Moss, whose two charities allegedly spent no money on philanthropy in 2010.
4 Reasons Your Nonprofit Isn’t Having Fundraising Success
Mar 28th
Fundraising can be considered a game of chance. Sometimes you win; sometimes you lose. If your nonprofit is losing much more often than winning, however, there could be something wrong with the way you are playing the game.
In the book "Five Good Ideas," Ross McGregor, former CEO of Ketchum Canada, lists some of the more common reasons nonprofits don't experience more fundraising success. One of the practices he most highly recommends avoiding is to hire a fundraising consultant to ask for support on your behalf. These individuals should instead be used, McGregor said, to help shape your overall fundraising strategy.
McGregor also listed four other mistakes organizations make in their fundraising practices:
- They don’t ask;
- They don’t make fundraising a priority;
- They hope that their good work will automatically attract financial support; and,
- They fear rejection.
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