Writing an effective email or direct mail appeal is not as simple as writing a note to a friend. It’s a real challenge. Sometimes, organizations hit the mark. Sadly, this post is about one of those other times when an organization misses the mark.
A short time ago, I received the following email from a performing arts organization (which will remain nameless) that my wife and I care about and have supported in the past:
Subject: We’ve Missed You!
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Rosen,
With just a few weeks to go before the end of the [ABC Organization’s] fiscal year, we are writing to ask for your support of the [Organization] at a time of increasingly good news. As you have undoubtedly read, the [Organization] is no longer in bankruptcy. We officially exited from financial reorganization on July 30, 2012. As we look to the future with confidence, we…
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Big Lie #4 – I’m too young
Big Lie 4 – Im too young 10/28 by PhilanthropyPlus | Blog Talk Radio.
Fridays are reserved for inspiration. This certainly fills the bill!
We spoke with Heather Eastep a school teacher and advisor for a youth organization called Family Career & Community Leaders of America.
This will inspire everyone – we often underestimate our young people and their teachers. This is my TGIF gift to you – please unwrap it and get energized!
Baucus Issues Statement on Tax Reform and Charitable Giving
Click here to learn more about the New Paradigm in Giving
Baucus Issues Statement at Public Hearing on Tax Reform and Charitable Giving.
Note the Senator’s comments on “partnership”. As we highlighted last Friday in our radio interview with Ron Stebleton, cooperation and collaboration is the proven success model. (See RADIO tab to listen to the archived episode of Oct. 21, 2011)
Sen. Baucus also referenced how the history of the USA is closely connected with philanthropy. Our past success has depended upon it. Claire Gaudiani has offered in-depth analysis of the importance of citizen generosity throughout the last 3 centuries on this continent.
Despite the fact that the USA citizenry has a history of generosity and collaborative philanthropic action, fundraising and non-profit work is in crisis and the new paradigm is calling for different action. Don’t get me wrong, those of you in non-profit work are doing a great job, and you have big hearts. However, it is plain to you that a new direction is in order. You may feel adrift on the wide ocean of change, and your efforts may not be producing the desired changes . . .
Take control and manage your present situation – stop drifting with the wind and waves and use the wind and waves to sail a charted course successfully . . .
In our mastermind groups, we use a proven success model to connect your aspirations with purposeful, strategic action. You can read books and attend seminars; but unless you have a group with mutual support, change will probably not happen. (Think about all the personal development books, seminars and workshops you’ve paid for and been to – how much truly became implemented and made a difference?)
Advocate for open and free expression of generosity, read Gaudiani’s books, and join a Mastermind for Non-Profits group to operate more effectively within the New Paradigm of Philanthropy.
Contact us for a conversation: philanthropyplus@hotmail.com or 614-915-4324.
Big Lie #3 – Survival of the Fittest
Big Lie 3 – Survival of the Fittest 10/21 by PhilanthropyPlus | Blog Talk Radio.
Survival of the Fittest means Survival of the Strongest – right? The actual observed success model is cooperation and collaboration in focused, harmonic effort.
“The world we are in now requires revolutionary approaches. We need board members that are courageous enough to move forward in uncharted territory, leaders who are clear about purpose and willing to let go of programs in favor of new opportunities. Leaders need to be willing to embrace efforts for which success may not be defined and outcomes are not guaranteed.”
— Angela Blanchard, President and CEO, Neighborhood Centers Inc
We address how to do this in our radio program this week. Our guest in this episode is Ron Stebelton, professional educator and certified success coach. He shares his approach on goal achievement. Ron presents the basic concepts that are found in his new book: From Surviving to Thriving in 30 Days. Ron presents a solid structure for goal achievement in any situation. We also examine how Andrew Carnegie became a huge success in business and philanthropy by applying one basic process in all his endeavors: collaboration with groups of experts.
Are you ready to move from surviving to thriving? Want to move donors to action? Do you question whether that can even happen “in this economy”?
If these questions are at the front of your mind, and if you are willing to test the “uncharted waters” Angela Blanchard spoke of, then you are ready to join a Mastermind Group to explore the possibilities. Check out the cooperative success model for yourself: We have an introductory Mastermind for Non-Profits called Thriving in Times Like These. You CAN take control of your direction and results . . . Contact us to learn more and to be connected with a group of other non-profit professionals so that we can all MAKE GOOD WORK.
Give to your donors FIRST
The Divine Economy is automatic and very simple – we receive only that which we give. (Napoleon Hill)
If you are reading this, you are probably itching to do more to generate revenue for your non-profit organization. You are probably frustrated that the only options you see seem to be methods that are passive, with a “wait and see” component. What if you could be more active and in control of your fundraising success? What if you could set a goal and be able to manage the results?
This video from the Chronicle of Philanthropy is revealing: http://bcove.me/lloo3j30
The professional fundraisers in the clip indicate that they are increasing their communication and stewardship efforts. If you are engaging in this, that’s great. However, if you aren’t careful this extra communication could be viewed as a lot of “talk” . Your donors are already receiving thousands of messages each week from many sources. They are all designed to persuade your donors to part with their hard-earned cash.
Instead, why not offer to give donors something they want and need in this economy? Further – do it before they give you more money. Why not be the first to offer something? Michael Rosen, CFRE of ML Innovations, Inc. encourages non-profits to offer value to donors and prospective donors – especially to the business community. (See radio program of October 12, 2011)
In other words – be the first to give the donor something. Give them something that helps their business grow and be in a better position to help you. Become a trusted partner in other people’s success, and you will create a network of raving fans.
We have two programs that are active and innovative. They involve a new approach to promoting your organization so that you don’t have to just “wait out the storm”.
The Pathway Partners program gives your non-profit organization a way to engage small businesses and help them grow. A key element is also the ambassadorship component that gives donors and volunteers a customized tool to generate word-of-mouth marketing for your organization.
Corporate Programs – investigate this and encourage your corporate partners to engage in a program that includes Profit and Philanthropy. It is a value-added plan that generates extra income and builds communities at the same time.
These two streamlined programs are based in a practice of cooperation and collaboration. You are no longer passive and forever making YOUR case – the methods are truly donor-centered. It changes the nature of your organization’s communication and stewardship. It also transforms the lives of your donors so they can help you transform the lives of those you serve.
The guests on our radio show this week give us practical advice and inspiration on reaching out in a new way to achieve fundraising success. We debunk the myth of a competitive model and offer tools to get you on an immediate path toward taking control of your own success by investing in the success of others FIRST.
Contact Laura for more information: 614-915-4324 – – – philanthropyplus@hotmail.com
Capturing Your Organization’s Stories
Wild Apricot Blog : Capturing Your Organization’s Stories.
It is important to tell your organization’s story – it’s not all about the MATH and “bottom line” numbers. The blog article referenced above has great advice on how to engage your “raving fans” and volunteers to gather photos, leads on stories and various ephemera that can make a heart-felt compelling case for support.
The YouTube video below is a piece I put together recently for a couple that received an award for outstanding philanthropy. They ran a successful small business that became the engine for major gifts and planned giving to several outstanding non-profit organizations. Building these relationships and telling their stories inspire others to higher levels of philanthropy that will benefit your non-profit fundraising efforts as well as many other organizations.
Contact Laura to set up your organization’s editorial calendar – tell great stories and widen your network of raving fans!
philanthropyplus@hotmail.com 614-915-4324
seeds of Intent
James H. Blackburn has written a remarkable book for remarkable people: seeds of Intent.
Be one of the first to have this powerful tool for your transformation. You are a remarkable person. Use this book to become even more remarkable – for yourself, your family, your organization and your world.
Contact me before October 28, 2011 to order the book and receive the “seeds” Transformational Change collection:
- “seeds of Intent” – the book written for you, and ultimately by YOU
- the REAL you companion journal (digital edition)
- preview of “Become a Destination Employer” – Blackburn’s next book
- special invitation to Jim Blackburn’s upcoming Webcast series
- email subscription to all things Impactful newsletter
- digital articles, white papers and e-books from leading authors, CEOs and entrepreneurs
Email Laura with SEEDS in the subject line: philanthropyplus@hotmail.com
Want to know more? watch this video
The cost is $30 for the package. Thank you!
Topics of Interest
Help us start a great conversation!
- NON-PROFITS: What are the most pressing issues facing your non-profit organization today?
- DONORS: Want to know the best methods to make authentic philanthropy work for you?
- CORPORATIONS: What can you do to make your customers and their communities stronger?
- EVERYONE: How can you be more – for yourself, your family, your organization, your world?
We created this blog and our radio show to bring experts to answer your questions about philanthropy and non-profit management. We would like to provide information relevant to your work so that you can do more in less time and with less effort. In addition, our goal is to inspire you to higher and more purposeful action.
If you have questions about, suggestions for, or have interest in a specific topic related to philanthropy and life, complete this form. If you have a particularly good example of non-profit excellence, share that with us. Know of an inspiring story? Let us know, and we may highlight it in an upcoming radio show, event or blog post.
We desire to highlight this information, inspiration and practical applications in our community with you. Your suggestions and questions will help us bring experts to your door so that you can be even better at MAKING GOOD WORK.
COMPLETE THE SUGGESTION FORM NOW. Or email us with CONVERSATION in the subject line: philanthropyplus@hotmail.com
Profiler – Part 1 09/28 by PhilanthropyPlus | Blog Talk Radio
Profiler – Part 1 09/28 by PhilanthropyPlus | Blog Talk Radio.
Non-profit databases provide profiles, ratings and basic data regarding 501(c)(3) organizations. Keeping your profile updated and attracting good reviews will help potential donors and grantmakers get a dashboard look at your organization and its mission. Michele Demers from Foundation Source will talk with us about Access – a new database made available to private foundations. Learn how to boost your fundraising and grants from major donors.
I really like the feel of the Foundation Source ACCESS database – it tells the story not only in words but in pictures as well. It has a community and conversation feel, not just the cold, hard data. They have purposefully made it so that non-profits and private foundations can interact to make significant impact in communities all over the world. Looks like Foundation Source has hit another home run in promoting private “venture philanthropy”. Thank you for this innovation and Making Good Work!
see the TOOLS tab for a free offer to Non-profits:
Update your Guidestar profile for FREE today!
Buffett and Philanthropic Impact
Warren Buffett’s grandson is taking the conversation in philanthropy to a new level. This article on the Fast Company website will pique your interest. The younger Buffett (Howard) seems to be a young man on fire for making a difference in the world and influencing new, more effective action. It is well worth your
Unleashed Abundance 