Take a look at your funding model. Is it time for a strategy change?

Time to think outside the box

Sustainability continues to be the key question for nonprofits in this continuing economy.  Consultants to the nonprofit sector have realized their service strategies must adapt to new industry needs. This is particularly pertinent during np leadership transition or mergers and acquisitions.  It can be a scary time, but it also offers the opportunity for focused change...leading to a stronger sustainability foundation.

The link article, by Jeanne Bell, CEO of CompassPoint Nonprofit Services via The Chronicle of Philanthropy, offers good food for thought for consultants and nonprofit leadership.

Revisiting strategy in tough economic times

I provide nonprofit consulting services and would be pleased to discuss ideas with your group, organization and board.

Cheers!

DCR

Bank of Amercia Foundation wants to give unrestricted grant dollars

Ah, the green, green grass
of general operating dollars!

This is pretty refreshing -- Bank of America Foundation puts their emphasis on providing unrestricted grant dollars and they fund for general operating.  That doesn't come around too often, friends...so grab the link and get all the info.  Article courtesy The Chronicle of Philanthropy.

Link to article

Cheers!
DCR

Want to gain support from grant makers -- think program efficiency

Green equals growth and
sometimes you have to prune back.  Really.

I ran across this article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy and the title just jumped out at me.  Follow the link at the end of the article.

In today's tough economic times, private foundation' grant dollars are even more precious to nonprofits.  Doesn't it make sense your organization should to be current with private foundation thinking and expectation?  Of course it does. 

Grant makers, public and private, along with individual donors, want to know how their investment dollars make a difference -- sure.  The question is... how can you position your agency to utilize grant funding in the most efficient manner?  Does that mean partnering and collaboration with another nonprofit with a similar mission?  How about stepping up for an outside evaluation of your programs and specifically, their results?  Understanding your core mission and cutting the programs that aren't working = efficiency -- a good thing.

Demonstrating that your organization is progressive and understands the importance of every dollar and is willing to make necessary changes to offer the most for that buck is impressive to grant makers.

As a nonprofit consultant, one of the services I provide is that outside opinion/evaluation on programs, mission relevance, and efficiency. 

The Philanthropy' article has some good suggestions.  It is an easy read with some excellent tips to starting a new self-examination process. Worth the read!   Here is the article

Cheers,
DCR

Revise Your Donor Thank You Letter...here is a sample of one that works!

It's called donor relations...and it is important!



Donors give from the heart...and from
 recognizing a very good investment.

I know, I know...your donor thank you letters go out by the hundreds...and they all say the same thing.  Why?  Your agency  may be short-staffed or your staff lack the expertise to create individual letters, group and sort the whole thing.  You are just happy to get the darn things in the mail.  It is a common problem.

If your organization isn't in the position to send out custom thank you letters, (typically by donor amount), then change it up.  The benefits will surprise you.  It really is increasingly important to build relationships with your donors.  Lots o' ways to do that -- here is just one.

Acterra, an environmental charity in California, revised their thank you letter to help reinforce donors' emotional ties to the organization.  And, they have shared it with us  -- good ideas here.  Just follow the link for the sample letter. 

Don't miss your opportunity -- adjust, revise, change, appreciate... and share the joy!

Cheers!

DCR

On-line giving -- check out Amazon's Wish List




On-line giving...it will help
your organization carry the load!

 

Hey nonprofit friends, here is a quick little tip to get you into on-line giving (and receiving donations of goods), if you aren't there already.  Take a look at this excellent and easy-read article about Amazon's Wish List.  Just follow this link and get started!

Cheers!

DCR

Early Learning Grants coming to states to administer

Early learning grant programs will be coming from the federal level to the states for administration.  Here is a link to a recent Chronicle of Philanthropy article and the announcement in May.  Details on the programs should be available in late summer:

 http://philanthropy.com/blogs/public-measureshttp://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/obama-administration-announces-500-million-race-top-early-learning-challenge/a-new-race-to-the-top-for-innovation-in-early-learning/80

Millennials—the generation that became adults in the 90s and early 2000s. Do they have a voice in your organization?

Millennials -- a connected generation

As nonprofits struggle in this continuing difficult economy, thoughts naturally turn to the future. 

Ask yourself who represents the future of your agency?  Are you building and grooming tomorrow's leaders?  Are you engaging young people in your mission?  Are you educating the millennial generation about who you are and why you make a difference?  

Have you asked younger generations about their thoughts and hopes for your mission?  Here is a quick little article and a one-minute video that offers some insight.     http://philanthropy.com/blogs/prospecting/nonprofits-should-incorporate-millennials-sooner-rather-than-later/29395?sid=&utm_source=&utm_medium=en

Cheers,
DCR

New measure could give state regulators more control over charities

State regulators seek greater conrol

For my nonprofit friends...

You can only access the full article through a subscription to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, but here is an eye-opening beginning paragraph and link to a draft of the measure he is talking about:

By Mark J. Fitzgibbons/ Chronicle of Philanthropy

State regulators are trying to persuade lawmakers to pass a dangerous new measure that would give them greater control over how a charity uses its money and other resources.

Regulators are pushing a new model law in the hopes that all states will adopt the same version of a new Oversight of Charitable Assets Act.  Below is a link to the draft.  It bears looking into for nonprofit boards and management staff.

http://www.law.upenn.edu/bll/archives/ulc/ocaa/2010feb5%20meeting%20draft.pdf

Respectfully,
DCR

Develop a social media plan...and do it today.

Hi friends,

No social media to go
with your traditional
marketing...yawnsville

If your nonprofit hasn't jumped on the social media bandwagon that has been rolling along for quite awhile now...you are missing a huge opportunity.  Social media, for the most part, offers free avenues to promote your mission, events and vision.  What is better than free marketing?  

Does the idea of getting on to facebook or twitter or YouTube terrify you?  Do you lack staff to devote to developing it?  Surprise, I imagine there are quite a few members of your staff who are experts at it and would be excellent resources for your social media team.  Yep, it takes a team of people to create a social media plan for your organization.  The main thing you should know...this is the new communication and marketing system--if you aren't using it, your organization is already a step behind.  Ideally, your organization will have a blend of traditional and social media marketing.  

Locally, as in Kern County, CA, if you want to learn how to do it yourself, we have social media classes available at the Art's Council of Kern's Tech Arts Academy,  https://www.facebook.com/techartsacademy?ref=ts

For expertise to pull it all together for you, check out Project Social Media at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Project-Social-Media/175603195811144?ref=ts.  They can set up your fb and twitter, YouTube accounts and maintain them or you or teach you how to do it.

Another good source -- The Chronicle of Philanthropy. I have attached a link that provides good info on what other np's are doing.  Great food for thought.  http://philanthropy.com/article/Using-Social-Media-for-Annual/126201/

It really doesn't matter if your organization is large or small -- develop a social media presence -- and do it as soon as possible.  You will be giving your constituents, your organization and your investors a big, big boost.  It is bang-for-the-buck, friends.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me, toll free - 800-811-9444.  

Best wishes,
DCR

Five reasons board leaders should not have term limits

Something to think about.

Nonprofit friends,

An interesting article from the Chronicle of Philanthropy.  The author makes points for both the pro and con perspectives.  The accompanying comments below the story are interesting as well.  I thought you might find this quick read enlightening. 

Best, DCR

  http://philanthropy.com/blogs/against-the-grain/five-reasons-board-leaders-should-not-have-term-limits/27534?sid=&utm_source=&utm_medium=en



For my Nonprofit Friends: Free Webinar on Best Fundraising Trends and Practices




The grass is greener with new
fundraising tips and techniques

 The Chronicle of Philanthropy is sponsoring this free webinar in conjunction with Boston University. Just think -- no travel costs, and no limitation on staff participation -- The benefits of attending an amazing conference without the cost.

Topics:
The winning techniques from the crucial year-end giving season

• How best to attract donors at all income and age levels―and what turns them off
• Low-cost ideas that will help you get strong returns
• What tax-law debates and changes mean for donors in 2011
• How new research on donors and giving trends can help steer you to success

Just follow the link below for registration.  It's a new year -- inspire your staff with knowledge. 

Best!  DCR

https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=registration.jsp&eventid=274517&sessionid=1&key=5BB69CB8688D02A4F3CB041876538499&partnerref=LinkedIn&sourcepage=register