Comments for

Comment on Donor Retention by Jim Donovan

Jim Donovan — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:57:11 +0000

Nancy,

The best way is by post card mailings or personalized note cards and telephone. Avoid email and only use it if they suggest it as a way of communicating to them. Let email be “their idea” as most don’t want you contacting them this way.

Another good “touch point” is to send a news clipping you know is of interest to them. Many folks have hobbies or love a particular sport…use such occasions to drop a clipping in the mail with a hand written note, “thought you’d enjoy this”, or even a cartoon.

Also, a good way to start is with a Thank You Day…where you have volunteers call and say thank you for their support, ask if they are getting your newsletters etc. and be clear on the impact of their gift. DO NOT ask/solicit more $$$ over the phone on this call. They love this.

Hope this helps.

Jim

Comment on Donor Retention by Nancy Kiolbasa

Nancy Kiolbasa — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:13:19 +0000

I loved the example from United Negro College Fund.
I’m wondering the best way to keep in touch with traditionalists. Any ideas?

Comment on Board Leadership by Barbara Roper

Barbara Roper — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:59:14 +0000

As always,Jim, you hit the nail on the head. Leadership from Board Members is vital to the sucess of a non-profit. People do relate to people. Thanks for keeping me on your list. I continue to learn from you. Do come to the Garden Theatre to see Joseph. It is a wonderful show. You will be very pleased with the production. Bert and I will be there on May 13th. Can you join us at 7 pm for a glass of wine on the mezanine and the show at 8pm? Barbara

Comment on Board Leadership by Beth Brunner

Beth Brunner — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 23:51:54 +0000

Hi James.

Great story/article…perfect timing. Hope you are well.

Comment on My Word: Work together, don’t multiply by Jennifer

Jennifer — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 04:03:57 +0000

I just happened upon our post and have learned something here. You raise an interesting point. And I think its a good idea. And on top of that I would like to add that I’ve noticed that many smaller charities operate at better efficiencies. For example “Prestige Miracles Foundation” here in Denver, Colorado donates 100% of all its donations to those in need (no overhead). Now THATS the type of charity I like to donate to!!

Comment on Five Tips for Fund Raising Staff in Working with the CEO and Board by admin

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:28:06 +0000

Given your situation, you should find a board member of a like organization that is more successful in fund raising because it uses the volunteer driven/staff supported model and invite him/her to speak to your board. Board members listen to other board members more so than staff and consultants like us. This has worked for a number of our clients in the same situation you are in. Thanks for your comments.

Comment on Five Tips for Fund Raising Staff in Working with the CEO and Board by Cathy

Cathy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:38:20 +0000

Hi Jim: all great and helpful information. However, what does a fundraiser do when the CEO and board are obstacles to meeting your organization’s goals? In fact, what do you do when the CEO hasn’t set clear and strategic goals for the organization so the fundraiser can set realistic and achieveable fundraising goals–which the board then interprets as a lapse by the fundraiser? Leading from behind makes perfect sense unless the board is completely oblivous to their inabilities and fundraising responsibilities to fundraise and interprets “leading from behind” as the fundraiser lacking in leadership or skills. All these tips are great but sometimes things are just beyond our control.

Comment on ThanksforGiving by Oscar de Rojas

Oscar de Rojas — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:01:58 +0000

Dear Jim,

Thank you very much for this, and for everything you have done to help us.
I´m also going to share it with all the right people who have been helping with these things…

Until soon, all best wishes,

Ambassador Oscar de Rojas
Former Director of the UN’s Financing for Development Office

Comment on Prepared to Invite That Major Gift? by Karen Jensen

Karen Jensen — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:10:41 +0000

Jim
Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. Great insight on a range of topics – especially major gifts.

Thanks so much for your many contributions to building a culture of philanthropy throughout Central Florida and the nation.
Karen

Comment on Income from Investments, Is it time for a Review? by Bob Pierpont

Bob Pierpont — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:45:07 +0000

Jim, Thanks for this excellent summary. I have the honor of using my 50+ years in our field as secretary of my church’s endowment commission. While we are pretty well on track with what you advise, I will foward this to my fellow commsiion members who include a retired manufactring company exec, a CPA, a well-regarded investment advisor, a retired insurance executive and an active church volunteer who has made planned gift arrangements for the hospital where she volunteers and for her late husband’s alma mater. All in all, a great diverse team. Keep up the good work! Regards, Bob