2011 AFP NC Philanthropy Conference
Aug 8, 2011 Weblog
It’s my pleasure to have been invited to present at the 7th Annual AFP NC Philanthropy Conference in Durham, NC on August 11, 2011.
My session, International Perspectives to Inform Our Best Practices, explores the context for philanthropy and charity for international cultures such as those in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
By understanding these unique cultural perspectives, fundraisers are able to incorporate a diverse approach to their fund development efforts stateside. This should result in improved donor interaction, regardless of target donor demographics.
For your reference I am happy to provide a copy of the presentation handouts (PDF) referenced during my session at 3:15 p.m. on August 11, 2011. The session is located in the Crown Room of the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham, NC.
Tags: #afpmeet, AFP, best practice, case study, conference, cross-cultural, culture, fundraising, international, linkage, mission, NC, philanthropy, relationship-based fundraising, stewardship, sustainable
Questioning Diversity in Fundraising
Jun 21, 2011 Weblog
I’m currently on vacation so, the past couple days, I’ve been working my way through Cultivating Diversity in Fundraising by Janice Gow Pettey. As I read her book, several questions keep coming to mind. Anybody that really knows me will appreciate that I tend to ask a lot of questions to challenge my own assumptions. This isn’t to say I disagree with my assumptions, rather I think it’s important to be on a continual quest for knowledge and questioning is one of the ways I learn best. With that said…
One of the underlying themes of Janice’s book is that, by bring diversity to fundraising we will improve donor experience, fundraiser performance, and organizational sustainability.
If this is true, then:
- Why don’t I see more AFP or CASE conferences, seminars, or webinars discussing best practices of incorporating diversity into a nonprofit’s organizational culture?
- Why don’t leading charity evaluation tools (e.g. GiveWell or GuideStar) have measures for diversity as it applies to organizational performance, donor experience, or sustainability?
- Are we demonstrating an ethical dilemma by not seriously considering diversity in our organizational strategic plans?
Tags: AFP/Wiley Fund Development Series, culture, diversity, donor experience, ethics, fundraising, performance measures, strategic planning, sustainable
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