Managers Value Quantity Not Quality
May 11, 2009 Weblog
The ears of executive directors and fundraiser managers everywhere are burning. This article from onPhilanthropy.com is a must read for anybody that manages a development staff.
I have found that nonprofit leadership (when removed from frontlines fundraising) often times loses touch with the character qualities that define a productive fundraiser. These managers replace quality with quantity and have a deadfast focus on contacts and moves rather than the soft skill of making and maintaining sustainable donor relationships. Their focus tends to favor the here and now, meeting nearterm goals. This approach is to the detriment of a philanthropic culture that will outlast the tenure of current leadership.
I have yet to see a management system or measurement matrix that recognizes and rewards organizational pratices and policies that orientate the management structure as a donor-centered and mission-focused.
Tags: best practice, management
Role of the Nonprofit Website
May 11, 2009 Weblog
Thanks to the Chronicle of Philanthropy for the reminder and link to statistics regarding nonprofit use of the web. A nonprofit website is not just a place to post information about your organization. It should help facilitate an ongoing conversation with donors, prospects, and beneficiaries.
I think too often, nonprofits think of websites as a way to broadcast their needs. Instead they should use their website to engage philanthropists and prospective philanthropic investors. The organizational website is never a substitute for face-to-face interaction.
Tags: communication, website
Advise Banking Friends in Transition to Volunteer
May 11, 2009 Weblog
Considering the recent news headlines and the fact that I live and work in Charlotte, North Carolina it should probably come as no surprise that I have been getting more and more calls from people in the banking industry. They are calling to ask for advice on how to make the transition to the nonprofit sector.
Sadly, they have limited knowledge about nonprofits. “I’m sorry, but your 7 years in marketing does not equal 7 years in nonprofit fundraising.” That isn’t what I’m telling them, but it is what I’m thinking. Unfortunately sales and marketing experience do not translate directly to fundraising, but that isn’t to say there is no correlation. That is the topic of this recent post from onPhilanthropy.
I am always open to newcomers to the profession of philanthropic facilitation, but I don’t know if the nonprofit sector would benifit by aquiring “leadership” from the banking industry. Am I alone in that opinion?
Tags: career
Always Leave a (thank You) Note
May 11, 2009 Weblog
Hat tip to Arrested Development for the post title inspiration.
I learned at an early age the power of the written note. My parents taught me that a well written note must be sent promptly but show thoughtfulness. It also must be personal but brief. My work in the nonprofit sector has proven to be no exception to this rule. I try to write a personal note for every gift regardless of the amount or designation.
Over the past six months I have increased the thank you effort and strive to spend as much time thanking donors as I do researching prospects and asking for support. I have learned that left piled up for more than a couple weeks, the task of thanking can become overwhelming. If done as gifts arrive it can be rewarding personal reminder of why the mission is so important and valuable exercise to increase donor retention.
Over the past three months I have noted that gifts have increased, both in amount and frequency. Considering the economic context, this as quite remarkable. Thanks to Tom from The Agitatior for helping reienforce the value of the thank you.
Tags: retention, stewardship
People Don’t Give to People, They Give to Mission
Mar 2, 2009 Weblog
The Agitator cites two research studies regarding consumer brand loyalty and positive experience. The studies emphasize the need for an opportunity to directly interact with products.
Tom Belford asks the question “How can you provide a some kind of “touching” and “experiencing” of your organization?”
This goes back to my mantra “people give to the mission.” All elements of your integrated philanthropic plan (e.g. identification to stewardship) should link the donor back to the mission in a personally meaningful way. Are you sending thank you notes? Why not print note cards (blank on the inside) that proudly display the artwork of a staff member/program beneficiary/donor on the front and tell their story on the back?
Nonprofits should always be looking for a way to reengage constituents with the mission.
Tags: cultivation, mission, stewardship, sustainable