In 2007 I started an e-mail newsletter for nonprofit colleagues and classmates in my graduate school cohort. I kept all those emails filed away for future reference. About a year or so later I started this website to cache ideas and resources for the sector. At the time, it seemed logical to fill the new webpage white space with something slightly more meaningful than paragraphs of Lorum Ipsum. So that, combined with me resisting the urge for a “Hello, world!” first post, the “back issues” of the Philanthropy Primer found a home on this website.
Today [March 2, 2021], I noticed one of those old posts, saw that most of the links were dead-ends, and I decided to mark it as unpublished. However, I actually clicked on republish. Then in an unfortuante turn of events, the article revival was proudly announced on Twitter and LinkedIn. Predictably, that misstep has prompted some of the folks I most trust and respect in the profession to click on my mistake and call their friends over to take a look. So, I will include it below for those that want to see where my head was 14 years ago. The other “issues” of the Philanthropy Primer are still available if you take this stuff as serious as me… but surely you have better things to do.
The Philanthropy Primer is brought to you this week by the letter E and the number 1. [I don’t get my own 14 year-old joke] “The Primer” is a day late. I had a paper on ethics due yesterday and only exceeded the page limit by 1 thin slice of dead tree… I hope an appendix isn’t counted as part of the paper. To all my fellow Philanthropy & Development peers, I feel your pain.
The seemingly impossible is possible
Please take a look at the video. It’s 20 minutes long, but worth every second (except for the first minute… which is pretty slow).
Put your money where your heart is (404 error, no Wayback Archive)
Looks like Gen Y is at it again, not even graduated and already they are looking to restrict their gifts.
Student Newspapers Offer Their Views on Donor Intent and Corporate Partnerships (404 error, no Wayback Archive)
At first I was impressed that students are even paying attention to these sort of topics… then I read the article from the Daily Texan and I realize they aren’t just starting to pay attention, they’re just starting to get credit for paying attention. Another well written article (and well researched) for a student paper.
Giving: like heroin, but more expensive (Wayback Machine)
Interesting opinion when considered in light of Kay Sprinkel Grace or Penelope Burke. I don’t think the two views are at odds with one another, but it’s always good to remember the roots of your mission and case for support. If you want to take a deeper dive, check out Donor Centered Fundraising (Burke).
Writing in your proposal about what you need the grant for (Wayback Machine)
Aside from ending the title with a proposition, this post is a good starting point for proposal-writers block.
Form 990 revisions: The IRS got the message (Wayback Machine)
Thankfully this didn’t affect my previously mentioned paper on Nonprofit Law and ethics (but it did hit REALLY close to home).
37 fundraising tips for the price of 1 (Wayback Machine)
I have to admit, I didn’t actually read this one, but had to include it for Cohort 17 (mostly Holly… and Simone) for the list it provides; 8 things to know about women donors.
Reality-based fundraising: appeal to the emotions (Wayback Machine)
Speaking of Simone Joyaux, here’s an article that should hit close to home for my SMUMN cohort.
