Want to develop a Planned Giving Campaign? Six Essentials to Consider.

Does a Planned Giving Program fit?

 

 The nonprofit sector is well aware of the tight economy and need for sustainable funding.  Many small-midsized nonprofit boards and management have given thought (often) to developing a long-term Planned Giving Program.  Here are a few ideas to consider when you are having a serious discussion -- from Tony Martignetti, Martignetti Planned Giving Advisors.

Six Essentials - Planned Giving Campaign

Cheers!

DCR

Are you really encouraging open communication?



Active, open, honest and SAFE communication
may be the key to process improvement and the
difference between success and failure.



The successful working environment these days encourages a fairly open dialogue between management and employees.  Process improvement often depends on honest engagement without fear of reprisal... by either parties. 

This interesting blog by Ron Ashkenas, managing partner for Schaffer Consulting, for HBR Blog Network, offers some great insights on views and strategies from both sides of the responsibility table.  Just click on the link below to read the short article.  It just takes a few minutes and offers some very useful ideas you might want to put into practice. 

Are you really encouraging communication?

Quite a good read.

Cheers!

DCR

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

Examples of Social Media Policies -- protect your organization & employees.

Set up your social media policy
before an incident occurs

Social media is mainstream communication today and most businesses realize it. 

The same approach can't be said for many small-to-mid-size nonprofit organizations.  A social media policy will clearly define the organization's guidelines for knowledgeable public internet interaction and protect the privacy, confidentiality and interests of your organization, including employees, partners, donors, etc.
 

A social media policy will help your employees make appropriate decisions about work-related blogging and content on their personal websites and other interactive social media sites -- FB, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, etc.

Take a look at these examples and you might just find a policy that fits -- and... like socialmediatoday recommends -- run it by legal counsel prior to implementation.

Link to examples of social media policies

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

A simple and brief thank you letter to donors...

A brief testimonial thank you message
connects your program recipients to your donors

Adding testimonial quotes is a terrific approach to your organization's thank you letter.  Donors want to know their dollars make a difference -- they want to know your mission and cause benefit the recipients. And often, they would love to know, why.  So, I say, let them know!  A brief, sincere thank you letter, with several quotes from real clients/recipients of your service/program, will help your donors understand why their investment is money well-given. 

Link to sample thank you letter.

Small and niche for-profit business can benefit from this idea as well.  When was the last time you received a thank you note for a purchase?  Plus, it is a way to engage customers.

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

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

101 Common-Sense Rules for Leaders

This is a great little cheat sheet and quick read.  These rules/tips on leadership apply to profit and nonprofit.  At the very least -- good reminders.  You will want to share it if you are grooming leaders within your organization.  Depends upon your comfort level:   http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/9jmbSw/www.focus.com/fyi/human-resources/managers-cheat-sheet-101-common-sense-rules-leaders%3F%3Fmodal%3D1

Enjoy!
DCR

Asking...how and why...yes, it matters

For my nonprofit friends
Do we want to discover our asking styles; how best to make an ask; learn from experts?  Of course we do!  Great blog site, full of tips and info.  Check it out, you will like it.

Cheers,
DCR


http://www.askingmatters.com/

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



Nonprofits...explore this and raise funds through a youtube video

Social Media Fundraising -
half-full or half-empty?
No question.

Hi friends,
Most of us understand this is the age of social media.  What we may not have grasped clearly is its importance for our nonprofits.  Marketing and fundraising have changed -- it is no longer just about print, newspaper, radio and television -- social media now owns a big share of the market.   

Most nonprofits have limited staff and resources.  I know it is a problem for many agencies to dedicate staff to new areas of responsibility.  But, we really can't afford not to have staff dedicated to social media -- both for visibility/community presence and fundraising.  

 Here is some excellent info from The Chronicle of Philanthropy about how a simple video can help you raise money.      http://philanthropy.com/blogs/philanthropytoday/new-youtube-site-helps-charities-attract-attention-and-revenue/30430?sid=&utm_source=&utm_medium=en

As an Amazon Associate, my blog sidebar features interesting, informative and inspiring books I recommend to nonprofits.  You can purchase directly from Amazon right here. 

Best,
DCR

Nonprofits strengthen communities -- DCR

Great Nonprofit Blog...tips and questions

Hello colleagues,
You will find this little blog very helpful and full of interesting info and tips.  They are self-promoting their services, for sure, but lots of good advice.
http://www.hhcpa.com/blogs/non-profit-accounting-services-blog/

Best,
DCR

Now this is different -- fellow nonprofit grantwriters -- an interesting read!

From the Nonprofit Quarterly
http://www.nonprofitquarterly.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8501:a-strategic-nonprofit-reorganization-plan&catid=154:current-issue&Itemid=341

Foundation Center's Advisory Posts Giving Trends in 2011...Good read, folks.

As a savvy nonprofit -- you will want forward this article from the Foundation Center on to key staff and board members -- it is an interesting read.

Best wishes,
DCR

http://foundationcenter.org/gainknowledge/research/pdf/researchadvisory_economy_201011.pdfpdf

Do the ideas of Planned Giving or Managing Bequests Scare You?

Nonprofits --Re-Think, Re-Invent, Re-Engage in 2011.



Putting your money into a sock won't grow it in 2011.

Consider investing in consultants and experienced

 professionals to take your nonprofit to a new level.

 Small and mid-sized nonprofits rarely go after Bequests or develop a Planned Giving Campaign.  In today's edgy donor investment market, it might be time for these organizations to take the scary mask off of the whole process. Here is a link to BIPS, a company that will explain the art of gift solicitation and manage the financial/compliance process for you.   http://www.bipster.com/nonprofits-income.

Best Wishes in the New Year,

DCR

Strategies for the New Year



2011 is here...connect the pieces



Nonprofit Friends -- 2011 is already here.

Have you planned for this New Year in terms of strategies, identifying trends, furthering your mission, developing new programs, re-evaluating old programs, staff evaluations, management evals, Ex. Director eval, volunteer program evals, board development?

Competition for the fundraising dollar, grant monies and donor investment is getting tighter.  What does this mean to you?  Your organization needs to plan, plan and plan again.  Gone are the days when a small or mid-sized nonprofit can just "hope" things will work out next year.

Donors, corporations and foundations not only want specific information on how their investments are being used, they want to know you are a savvy organization with strategic planning in place.  They want to know you have good business principles and a plan.  Have you brought in community members and/or other organizations to help you look at the future of your organization?  Have you thought about collaboration with other nonprofits and what that might mean for your agency?  Do you have a contingency plan, or media emergency plan or disaster plan...in place and communicated agency/community wide?

There is danger in not evaluating your entire organization at least once a year -- from your message to your effectiveness.  Are you using the same, tired, old message to an audience (your community) who has heard it over and over for years?  Do you talk about your results in a way that communicates your effectiveness to everyone?  I know you say your programs are working, but do they really accomplish what your board, management, staff and investors want? How do your clients (customers) feel about what you do?  Have you asked them in an anonymous survey? Can you do more -- in a new way?

I spent ten years in the non-profit sector in staff, management and board positions.  One thing I learned is that if you allow your organization to become stagnant, stick with the status quo and continually go back to the same donors with the same message -- your organization is already in trouble.

I have added an opportunity for growth and change to my website.  I went to amazon.com and compiled a list of non-profit books that can help you dust off old thinking, inspire the entire organization and reconnect with your community.  Located about mid-way down the page on the right side is a direct link to the books (Slideshow) I have chosen on amazon.com.  You can peruse the list, find a book/books that might interest you or be pertinent for your board, volunteers or staff members.  Click on the link and purchase directly from this site.

Ask questions, inspire staff, encourage volunteers, reconnect to your community...shake off the dust...the New Year is here.

Respectfully,
DCR