News/Blog

President & CEO
Jacobson Consulting Applications, Inc

When I left the corporate world back in the mid-80’s (yes, I’m old), I started a computer consulting company with a friend of mine.  It seemed like the thing to do, given that businesses were hungry for PCs, computer networks and the latest software.  One of my first clients was NYU Medical Center and one of my first projects was to help them select and implement a new fundraising system.  I remember researching a lot of options – the old fashioned way, by perusing the ads in the back pages of nonprofit trade magazines.  Back then, who knew that there were actually publications for nonprofits?

My first fundraising experience was selling stuff—stuff that offered immediate, tangible benefits to the buyer.  First it was Girl Scout Cookies.  Then it was the Toblerone chocolate bars I sold for French club in high school.  My best customers: physics class, third period. 

Based upon the Giving USA 2016 Report, corporate philanthropy for 2015 reached $18.45 billion—an increase of 3.95% from the previous year. Of course, the big question remains—how can your organization connect with one or more of these companies to obtain a piece of those resources in the coming year? Because most corporations and large businesses are multifaceted, navigating their complex structure can feel like standing outside Fort Knox figuring out how to get inside.

Portfolios, Prospect Pipelines, and Moves Management – Oh My!

3:45p – 5:00p

Michael Delzotti, CFRE, CSPG
Martha H. Schumacher, CFRE, ACFRE, MInstF

AFP-NYC EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
February 8, 2018, Scandinavia House, New York City

Johann Fox is an award-winning fundraiser who has been making a name for himself in the industry for over a decade. Johann currently serves as Director of U.S. Development at CMRF Crumlin. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, CMRF is the principal fundraising body for Our Lady's Children's Hospital as well as The National Children's Research Centre. We conducted this interview over breakfast at the Intercontinental Hotel in Midtown during one of his recent visits to New York City.

It’s happened to all of us – suddenly you’re responsible for a new major giving portfolio! It can happen when your colleague resigns unexpectedly or when you start a new job. With the average fundraiser staying on the job 16 months or less, it’s more and more likely that you’ll face the daunting task of managing a new portfolio of dozens to hundreds of individuals you don’t know.

Like many of you I fell into this career.  I didn’t grow up thinking I wanted to be a fundraiser, nonprofit leader or consultant on either topic.  I’m pretty sure I wanted to be a cowboy.  Or maybe a lawyer.  But as I reflect back on the nearly 20-years I’ve been doing this work I can’t imagine I could have found a more fulfilling career.  Fundraising and nonprofit management make our world a better place.  We facilitate people who care investing funds that make so many things possible in our society from feeding and housing the hungry, to improving education, to ensuring art and culture remain a vibrant part of our lives.  None of this happens without fundraisers which is why I am so proud and grateful to be one.

In my first article for Fundraising Matters I would like to begin by thanking my fellow Board members for their continuing support of the Chapter and our important work.  I recognize their efforts to move our agenda forward and make a powerful statement about their belief in the impact philanthropy professionals have on our City. 

What better way to express the spirit and power of philanthropy than through the magic of storytelling! This intriguing event not only shared the success stories of five outstanding nonprofit professionals, but underscored the unparalleled power of storytellingin touching the hearts and minds of those who support the 1.5 million nonprofits in the United States. In an age where many funders have placed an ever-increasing emphasis on data and metrics, it is eye-opening to learn that science indicates inspirational stories are far more likely to motivate generosity than numbers.