News/Blog

How Smart Is Your Organization?

In the last issue of Fundraising Matters, Chapter Secretary Jill Scibilia wrote a fantastic piece about who was the smartest person in the room.  I thought that I would build on that concept by asking who is the smartest nonprofit?

Mild-mannered Clark Kent famously pulled off his glasses, ripped open his shirt, and revealed his inner superhero, ready to save the day. Wouldn’t it be great if your donors felt inspired to do the same thing for your nonprofit?

While we may not want to encourage too much shirt-ripping, the notion that a donor can reveal their true commitment and make a big difference is heady stuff. And capital campaigns do just that: give donors an inspiring new way to demonstrate their support and make their own mark on your organization.

Fundraising for a broad range of nonprofit organizations is an ideal way to follow your passion.  It can be a gift that keeps on giving while making a living.  Think about a mission that resonates with you in a profound way, and your passion can give you the power to be believed.  You can make a difference in the world, and that is an opportunity that awaits those of you who are not content in your current position.

AFP-NYC EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Thursday Morning, April 12, 2018, Scandinavia House, New York City

Who is the smartest person in the room when developing the strategy for a prospective major donor?

The Board member who introduced the prospective supporter to you?  Your CEO?  A key Volunteer who helps deliver the program?  The program staff member who wrote the curriculum or the one delivering the program? An Alum or Recipient of the services you offer?  A Philanthropist who is already supporting the program?  The C-suite Corporate Executive who is engaged?  A program officer from a foundation with subject-area expertise?  Your development counsel?  Or you, the development professional, perhaps credentialed with a CFRE, ACFRE, FHAP, MBA, MPA…

Director of Development, National Kidney Foundation

In her role as a Director at a premier non-profit consulting firm, Orr Associates, Inc. (OAI), Lisa Keitges works closely with clients in New York City and across the country providing development management and strategic planning assistance. It wasn’t the consulting, but rather the journey, that brought us together over breakfast on the Upper East Side.

AFP-NYC EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Thursday Morning, March 15, 2018, Scandinavia House, New York City

Benjamin Franklin was once asked for assistance raising funds to erect a new meeting-house in Philadelphia.  In what was the first recorded instance of a prospect offering advice instead of money and of capital campaign consulting, Franklin offered,  “I advise you to apply to all those whom you know will give something; next, to those whom you are uncertain whether they will give anything or not, and show them the list of who have given; and lastly, do not neglect those who you are sure will give nothing, for in some of those you may be mistaken.”

One definition of networking is to interact with other people to exchange information and develop contacts, especially to further one's career.  I prefer to think of networking as an exchange of ideas and information to advance an entire profession.

Becoming a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) is one of the highest levels of certification a fundraising professional can achieve. Fundraising professionals must demonstrate their ability to raise funds in the sector, participate in 80 hours of continuing education over the previous five years and pass a 200-question exam in order to be designated a CFRE.