People often think I am just “talking” when I tell them about how amazing Colorado donors are. As we celebrate Colorado Gives Day 2015, I want to give a bit more context so that people understand just what I mean. I have been raising money for more than 20 years. I can’t believe I am … Read More →
As the number of nonprofit organizations in the US continues to rise, so does the need to raise money for those organizations. From large, multi-national organizations to small local organizations, money is a critical need to ensure that programs get delivered and all regulatory and reporting requirements are met. So, as a board member, committee … Read More →
Have you ever had a donor get mad at you and/or your organization? I have and I can tell you that it is not fun. I do not like conflict or “drama” and so I don’t like having to deal with these situations. I have learned throughout the years, however, that it is always better … Read More →
This article appears in the April, 2015 issue of The Modern Gladiator. I am a new columnist for this magazine, and the subject matter seemed appropriate to publish here as well. Volunteerism is something that Americans do very well. Research has consistently shown the US to be among the most generous countries in the world … Read More →
http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2015/02/19/how-elderly-heiress-lost-her-300-million-fortune/ I read this story about Huguette Clark, the copper heiress and philanthropist, last month on Fox Business and it really struck a chord with me. There are a variety of “issues” in the piece, but the part that I want to discuss today are the concepts of communication and donor intent. As small nonprofit … Read More →
Many of us saw the story earlier this month about the pregnant lady panhandling in San Diego. After her shift was over, she was seen getting into a Mercedes Benz and driving away with, presumably, her boyfriend or husband. There was a significant amount of outrage online, as many people said a variant of “this … Read More →
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are growing in popularity here in the United States and they are a great way to accomplish philanthropic goals. Many people are using DAFs for a few key reasons. One reason is that they are relatively simple to set up. Working with a community foundation, such as The Community Foundation Serving Greeley … Read More →
Unless you have been under a rock for the past several weeks you have undoubtedly heard about the Ice Bucket Challenge. According to Forbes, the ALS Association raised $100M from the successful online campaign. This is great for the ALS Association, but those of us who work for small organizations have few options to raise … Read More →
I was meeting with a colleague last week when the topic of that Comcast Retention Agent viral phone call came up. Surely you have heard it by now, if not you can go here: https://t.co/5TRpDmWQBU. After you listen to it you will assume that it was a hoax but I guarantee you it was real. … Read More →
Recently I had occasion to make a telephone call to a donor whom I do not know personally. For the sake of context, I was in the process of contacting lapsed donors to give them an opportunity to make a renewal gift. This particular donor had a history of giving for several years, but had … Read More →