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Fundraising/ Development
A group discussing non-profit fundraising and development.
Network Leader: Jason Schwass
Megan Atkinson
Web-based start ups like LinkedIn (holy IPO!) and Groupon are dominating the VC world right now leaving clean tech start-ups desperate to keep their heads above water. http://wp.me/p1kAA3-7I Is it just me or are there others that are kind of perplexed at so much money flying at coupons, social networking, etc while our energy infrastructure is suffering immensely? Do you feel this priority paradox is strictly financial or indicative of our society's innate ability to ignore important change?
37 weeks ago from Innovators Incubation, Fundraising/ Development and Energy & Power1 more
Eric Sforza:
I think its more that the technology in clean tech isn't there yet, making it too risky. Meanwhile, Groupon has been consistently pulling in close ...MoreI think its more that the technology in clean tech isn't there yet, making it too risky. Meanwhile, Groupon has been consistently pulling in close to $100m/month, and LinkedIn has 100m users. VC's want a return, and currently 'Green Tech' is either too cute (as Bill Gates has said), or is too expensive to fund.
37 weeks ago
37 weeks ago
Rosanne Ferruggia
I'm creating an event sponsorship brochure for a community organization, and I'm tired of the same-old same-old menu template. Anyone have some fresh ideas? Any recommendations for sites where I can find some good examples? I've got a lot of creative freedom here, so no suggestion is too crazy!
55 weeks ago from Non-Profit Management, Nonprofiteers and Fundraising/ Development1 more
Ryan Healy recommended this
Lindsey Rosenthal:
Hi Rosanne, I would definitely recommend starting with a base of benefits and an a la carte menu of other sponsorship options. Sponsorship is ...MoreHi Rosanne, I would definitely recommend starting with a base of benefits and an a la carte menu of other sponsorship options. Sponsorship is moving more and more toward customization, which I think is very important in this field. Once you have your baseline of benefit information, approach your previous or potential sponsors and try to come up with a customized package based on their needs or wants. Any questions, just let me know! ~Lindsey
39 weeks ago
39 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman
Are the rich cruel and the poor kind? That's what studies show in what they call the compassion deficit (http://nyti.ms/ciUwt8). When I used to fundraise, I worked with a lot of volunteers that helped us and one would constantly tell a story where the moral was that the more you give, the more you receive. But this seems difficult for many wealthy to grasp. Any thoughts on why the more well-off you become the closer you hold your riches?
76 weeks ago from Personal Finance, Economics and Finance, Fundraising/ Development, Non-Profit Management and Nonprofiteers3 more
Kelly Seiler:
Interesting that the rich still give to their alma matter. Perhaps thinking about their college days brings them back to a time when they didn't ...MoreInteresting that the rich still give to their alma matter. Perhaps thinking about their college days brings them back to a time when they didn't have money.
76 weeks ago
76 weeks ago
Dustin Ross:
I'd echo a bit of Ty's and Paige's comments by saying there's probably also a shift in how different income brackets think about money--not just ...MoreI'd echo a bit of Ty's and Paige's comments by saying there's probably also a shift in how different income brackets think about money--not just how we approach those less/more fortunate than us.
Wealthy individuals *probably* tend to be a little more heady about their financial transactions--philanthropy included--and look for ways to maximize all parties' benefit.
Less wealthy individuals *probably* tend to be a little more emotional in their financial transactions and don't necessarily weigh all the costs and benefits associated with them.
I'm led to believe that this is why the experimenters saw a difference in philanthropic giving with higher wealth individuals when they asked them to "imagine themselves as lower class." It took the transaction out of the logical and put it in the emotional.
76 weeks ago
Wealthy individuals *probably* tend to be a little more heady about their financial transactions--philanthropy included--and look for ways to maximize all parties' benefit.
Less wealthy individuals *probably* tend to be a little more emotional in their financial transactions and don't necessarily weigh all the costs and benefits associated with them.
I'm led to believe that this is why the experimenters saw a difference in philanthropic giving with higher wealth individuals when they asked them to "imagine themselves as lower class." It took the transaction out of the logical and put it in the emotional.
76 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman
My friend Lance shared this article on Rethinking Fundraising (http://bit.ly/9mpRAs) where the author argues that nonprofits should not take pride in telling donors how low their fundraising efforts are, but rather they should shoot for a 50% to 100 % fundraising rate. I tend to agree - I mean, the whole point is to raise money for change and action, and most nonprofits treat fundraising as a dirty little secret. What do you think?
78 weeks ago from Nonprofiteers, Fundraising/ Development and Non-Profit Management1 more
Rebecca Thorman:
I don't know about "friend-raising." I was the top fundraiser for my college's foundation for four years in college, and raised more than $2 mil ...MoreI don't know about "friend-raising." I was the top fundraiser for my college's foundation for four years in college, and raised more than $2 mil for a nonprofit a couple positions ago. Fundraising, and it's processes, are antiquated. The majority of tactics - i.e., "friendraising" - are built around the rightful assumption that there will be some people that will always give, no matter what, with a little ego boost. I think what Palotta and some of the other commenters argue is that we need to be better at educating donors about a problem and showing them the most effective way to solve that problem. You should be honest. Most fundraising isn't honest.
78 weeks ago
78 weeks ago
Dustin Ross:
I agree with Rebecca. As a fundraiser, the term "friendraiser" makes me want to die. I'm not in fundraising to make friends; I'm in fundraising ...MoreI agree with Rebecca. As a fundraiser, the term "friendraiser" makes me want to die. I'm not in fundraising to make friends; I'm in fundraising to help align people's interests with my organization's interests and help them see where they can make an impact. At the end of the day, this is a business transaction, not a "favor" from a "friend."
76 weeks ago
76 weeks ago
Darren Lott
I have started a new innovative fundraising website and urgently need a few charities to accept some donations. They don't have to pay anything, and they don't have to do anything if they don't want to but it would help if they just passed on the news. It is as easy as that and there is no gimmick or tricks. It is funded by entry fees. Please check out the website and let me know of any charities interested. http://www.worldchangenow.com
Shana Ross
If you work in the nonprofit world, particularly in fundraising, you hear some really misguided reasons for not giving to your organization/cause. My "favorite" was a donor who fancied himself savvy, complaining that a social service agency spent too much money on staff...even though this particular org. was dedicated to intense one-on-one therapy, and little else - he just didn't get the business model. What sticks in your mind as a case of donors missing the point?
82 weeks ago from Fundraising/ Development and Nonprofiteers
Mazarine:
You can read "Uncharitable" by Dan Pallotta, and show that how nonprofits measure their overhead is very subjective. Bascially, everything is ...MoreYou can read "Uncharitable" by Dan Pallotta, and show that how nonprofits measure their overhead is very subjective. Bascially, everything is overhead. I wrote a post about it here:
http://www.wildwomanfundraising.com/overhead-head-money/
82 weeks ago
http://www.wildwomanfundraising.com/overhead-head-money/
82 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman:
I think donors miss the point unless they are involved in a hands-on level. Even ones that will give don't fully understand unless they've come ...MoreI think donors miss the point unless they are involved in a hands-on level. Even ones that will give don't fully understand unless they've come out of their corner offices for a bit to fully experienec the others side.
82 weeks ago
82 weeks ago
Mazarine
Want to listen to an interview and find out how to make people give to you? http://ow.ly/248Ue
84 weeks ago from Fundraising/ Development, Non-Profit Management and Nonprofiteers1 more
Mazarine
Do you need a job? Free Nonprofit Career Club in Austin tomorrow, June 22nd at 5:30pm! We're going to be discussing Nonprofit Resumes & Cover Letters. http://ow.ly/17PFtJ
85 weeks ago from Austin Texas, Fundraising/ Development, Non-Profit Management and Career Changers2 more
Megan Atkinson
I've recently been appointed to my company's Sustainability Committee that was formed in attempt to make our multiple office locations "greener". My 'green team' and I have a long list of things that we can/will implement but our committee is more-or-less a $0 budget project. Because we're a team of engineers, we're struggling to find some creative fundraising ideas that can help us to get some of the low-cost items needed to get the ball rolling on our plans. Any ideas?
Mazarine:
In a nutshell, change what you're already buying.
Get some cardboard boxes from your local grocery store. Label them "Paper" "Plastic" and ...MoreIn a nutshell, change what you're already buying.
Get some cardboard boxes from your local grocery store. Label them "Paper" "Plastic" and "Glass." Recycling.
Get your cleaning company to use homemade green cleaning products. get them to buy Vinegar and Baking soda, and some empty spray bottles to clean the bathrooms with. End Toxins in your work environment.
Change your company buying behavior for company toilet paper, paper towels. Get 7th Generation or Bright Green recycled paper products.
See who buys the electricity every month for your company, and get them to donate for wind power as well.
Look at what you're already buying, and make your buying have a conscience.
Mazarine
http://wildwomanfundraising.com
89 weeks ago
Get some cardboard boxes from your local grocery store. Label them "Paper" "Plastic" and ...MoreIn a nutshell, change what you're already buying.
Get some cardboard boxes from your local grocery store. Label them "Paper" "Plastic" and "Glass." Recycling.
Get your cleaning company to use homemade green cleaning products. get them to buy Vinegar and Baking soda, and some empty spray bottles to clean the bathrooms with. End Toxins in your work environment.
Change your company buying behavior for company toilet paper, paper towels. Get 7th Generation or Bright Green recycled paper products.
See who buys the electricity every month for your company, and get them to donate for wind power as well.
Look at what you're already buying, and make your buying have a conscience.
Mazarine
http://wildwomanfundraising.com
89 weeks ago
Nathan Johnson:
Megan - I had a similar task a few years ago. Our focus was on recycling. We asked our waste management company what would help them the most and ...MoreMegan - I had a similar task a few years ago. Our focus was on recycling. We asked our waste management company what would help them the most and worked to implement their suggestions. They were more than happy to donate extra things like recycling containers, posters, etc.
Another team member found a green cleaning company that gave us a line of their products for free when we contacted them and told them we were trying to switch to green options. After we tried them we switched (Sorry I can't recall the brand).
Good luck, fight the good fight.
89 weeks ago
Another team member found a green cleaning company that gave us a line of their products for free when we contacted them and told them we were trying to switch to green options. After we tried them we switched (Sorry I can't recall the brand).
Good luck, fight the good fight.
89 weeks ago
Amy Calhoun
Do you think Philanthropy can play a part in your personal success/development?
89 weeks ago from Personal Development and Fundraising/ Development
Elizabeth Marling:
I am working towards becoming a freelance writer and artist. One thing I learned from my Mom is 'creative karma.' This has to be done within ...MoreI am working towards becoming a freelance writer and artist. One thing I learned from my Mom is 'creative karma.' This has to be done within limits, but gifting my art to friends and coworkers led to an opportunity to have my work featured at a charity auction benefitting Alzeimers (sorry for spelling). It was the first official show featuring my work and my name, logo, and contact info was listed in the program. Now, this just happened but I am starting to get some feedback on my work that I never would have had otherwise. It was a great opportunity to get my name out there and attract potential customers. And, good creative karma!
89 weeks ago
89 weeks ago
Zachary Stark Jones:
I define my life holistically, so therefore I don't have a sense of success unless it comes with multiple levels of service. Such service ...MoreI define my life holistically, so therefore I don't have a sense of success unless it comes with multiple levels of service. Such service includes the work I do every day and the ways that I give back - philanthropy. Such giving develops character through the diverse human contact as well as through the sympathetic sense of the needs possessed by others. How can we truly understand what it means to receive (success) unless we know the full spectrum of what one can give to another?
89 weeks ago
89 weeks ago
Angie Roach
We are looking to start a YNPN chapter here in Madison, WI! Are you interested? Follow us on Twitter for updates! www.twitter.com/ynpnmadison
92 weeks ago from The Madtown Crew, Non-Profit Management, Nonprofiteers and Fundraising/ Development2 more
Mazarine
How can you build trust in your nonprofit? http://www.wildwomanfundraising.com/build-trust-nonprofit/
Mazarine
How to say NO to donations. http://www.wildwomanfundraising.com/donations/
Mazarine
Why does your nonprofit fail to accomplish its mission? Three reasons.
http://www.wildwomanfundraising.com/nonprofit-fail-accomplish-mission-3-...
Mazarine
Does your nonprofit have a gender asbestos problem?
http://www.wildwomanfundraising.com/nonprofit-gender-asbestos-problem/
Mazarine
How to get out of fundraising, and into something you like more! http://www.wildwomanfundraising.com/getting-out-of-fundraising/
Rebecca Thorman
I just read an article where a new organization called Armchair Revolutionary is limiting donations to 99 cents. The idea is that the web is finally reaching a level of donation scalability that micro-transactions can really add up and that with the popularity of iTunes, the public is now very comfortable with 99ยข transactions. (here's the article if you'd like - http://bit.ly/aDyyIp) I'm pretty skeptical of this as a way for real change, but perhaps it's a foot in the door?
95 weeks ago from Nonprofiteers, Non-Profit Management and Fundraising/ Development1 more
Angie Roach:
It is definitely interesting - although I don't think that .99 is a true "hook" for a donor. I think the key will how they are treated after that ...MoreIt is definitely interesting - although I don't think that .99 is a true "hook" for a donor. I think the key will how they are treated after that .99 donation. If organizations use that as a way to connect them with their stories and mission, then it just may work.
95 weeks ago
95 weeks ago
Alison Rayner
People seem to be setting up silent auctions all the time now to raise funds. I would be interested to hear about challenges people have faced in setting up a fundraiser (silent or live auction).
Mazarine:
HI Alison! There are lots of challenges in setting up auctions. 1. where are you getting your donations from? 2. How are you going to put them ...MoreHI Alison! There are lots of challenges in setting up auctions. 1. where are you getting your donations from? 2. How are you going to put them together? 3. Where are you getting your live auction items? Who is soliciting them? 4. Bid sheets! 5. How are you going to keep track of these items? What software are you using? 6. How are you pricing these items? What's the minimum bid? And so on. -Mazarine
94 weeks ago
94 weeks ago
Scott Rafferty:
In my former non-profit days my biggest frustration with auctions of any type was this: There are two types of people who participate in charity ...MoreIn my former non-profit days my biggest frustration with auctions of any type was this: There are two types of people who participate in charity auctions - One group that is doing it for the cause and would give the money anyways; or the cheapskates that are trying to score a cool golf package on a great deal. I found that trying to rally the former group to out-bid and negate the latter group was my biggest challenge.
94 weeks ago
94 weeks ago
Carlita Pitts
I am presenting at the CASE Special Events Conference in a few weeks. I was wondering if anyone has any pointers/ or key points that I should address when discussing planning regional and international fundraising events? If you have success stories or not-so successful stories, I'd like to hear them. Thanks!
Rebecca Thorman
I did fundraising throughout college as a student "tele-funder" and worked at several non-profits before my current position. I totally believe the tenets of fundraising prepared me for career success - persistence and persuasiveness!
Josh Hawkins
I'm beginning a campaign for a mid-sized senior services NPO. I welcome the challenge but any advice would be appreciated.
Ruth Mantle:
Hey Josh, Would be happy to help. What are the aims of the campaign e.g. regular giving, cash, number of donors etc. Where are you running the ...MoreHey Josh, Would be happy to help. What are the aims of the campaign e.g. regular giving, cash, number of donors etc. Where are you running the camapaign e.g. USA? To existing or new donors? If you have any particular questions - let me know. Ruth
115 weeks ago
115 weeks ago
Jessica Burchard
Hey all, I am doing the PR/Marketing campaign for a nonprofit's annual fundraiser. So, I'm eagerly seeking any ideas/suggestions anyone has!
Ruth Mantle:
Stories - great stories! Bring it to life and make it urgent! Why should people give you their cash right now?? As above, am very happy to advise ...MoreStories - great stories! Bring it to life and make it urgent! Why should people give you their cash right now?? As above, am very happy to advise but send me more detail and I'll let you know. Good luck! Ruth
115 weeks ago
115 weeks ago
Recent Network Activity
Sarah D joined Fundraising/ Development
Suzanne Kaplan said Hi Everyone, Just wanted to let you know that I've got an interview with Penelope Trunk that ...Suzanne Kaplan said Hello All, just wanted to let people know that Monday, 1/30, I'm featuring a Q&A with Penelope ...