Blog Archives
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
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!
Making Good Work 08/31 by PhilanthropyPlus | Blog Talk Radio
Making Good Work 08/31 by PhilanthropyPlus | Blog Talk Radio.
Laura Malone of American Endowment Foundation joins us this week for a discussion on being truly “donor-centered”. The ideas she will share with us will challenge you to rethink your current plans and strategies for fundraising now and in the future.
Join us!
Making Good Work Online Radio by PhilanthropyPlus | Blog Talk Radio
Making Good Work Online Radio by PhilanthropyPlus | Blog Talk Radio.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 2pm Eastern Time (USA) –LISTEN NOW TO THE ARCHIVED EPISODE
The next episode is titled: Thriving in Times Like These , with our guest Barbara Brown of Cristo Rey Columbus. You will want to tune in to learn how this successful “philanthropic entrepreneur” was able to persuade people to support a high school for under-served youth that had not even been built yet . . . Hear about her methods of successful fundraising – I’m sure you will find Barbara to be engaging and enlightening.
Time Well Spent
Americans always know what time it is, but they never seem to have any . . .
– Anonymous European
When I host online Mastermind sessions, I ask two questions:
1) What do you want most for yourself or your organization?
2) What are the primary obstacles keeping you from reaching that desire?
The answers to #1 are inspiring, visionary and noble – and every one distinctly unique. The answers to #2 are almost always the same: Not enough time and not enough money.
Regarding TIME – every day has 24 hours – we all have all there is. It is not a lack of time that is the obstacle; rather, it is how we are choosing to use that time.
Regarding MONEY – when you spend your time wisely and strategically (as related to your purpose), the means for accomplishing any aspiration will develop.
Consider these common uses of time and money:
| Activity | Your $$ | Your Time/Year | Your Time/Week | |
| MBA – online from a highly respected University | $89,000 over 2 years | 500+ hours | 10+ hours | |
| Hiring a non-profit organizational and fundraising consultant | $50,000 per year | 100+ hours | 2 hours | |
| Attending seminars and executive coaching sessions | $4,000 per year | 180 + hours | 3.5 hours | |
| Entertainment- Cable TV
– Movies – Concerts – _________
|
$ _________
per year |
__________ hours
|
__________ hours
|
In our Mastermind Groups for Non-profits, we help each other to maximize TIME to raise more MONEY. While working on an advanced degree, engaging in continuing education and working one-on-one with a coach are edifying pursuits; consider the amount of time and money spent in relation to what those activities can do to help achieve real success. With Mastermind groups and accountability partners, we have an on-going system for personal and organizational improvement at much lower costs – both in time and money.
Mastermind Groups are a proven method of time management: learning how to do more in less time and with less effort . . . In addition, the Mastermind Groups for Non-Profits add a specific education element focused on the most effective fundraising methods.
If you are ready to take action and remove the obstacle of “tempus fugit”, then join us for a sample Mastermind Session . . . Click on the MASTERMIND tab for more information.
Raise significant funds in 2011 – and BEYOND
Use the IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution in a special way – you don’t have to sacrifice current donations to build a long-term planned giving progam for your organization!
Take a look at this presentation on Slideshare.net – then contact Laura for more information.
Confidence & Optimism at All-Time Low
I saw this on MSN.com today – from an NBC/Wall Street Journal Poll:
. . . 61 % say the United States is headed in the wrong direction; 65 % believe the nation is in a state of decline; and 66 % say they’re not confident that life for their children’s generation will be better than it is now.
In addition, Americans are deeply pessimistic about the state of the economy. Only 26 % think the economy will improve in the next 12 months (which is down 14 points from the previous poll), and just 26 % believe their wages will increase in the next year.
Confidence in key U.S. institutions is also incredibly low: 18 % have confidence in the federal government; 13 % have confidence in the news media; 12 % have confidence in large corporations; 10 % have confidence in the financial industry; and only 9 % have confidence in Congress. The numbers for the media and Congress are the lowest for those institutions in the entire history of the poll.
What are the implications for philanthropy?
If you are a non-profit, what does this poll tell you? What do you have to do differently? What does it mean for the future of your organization and those you serve?
If you are a philanthropist (donor) – of ANY size net worth – what are the implications for you? How do you feel about the future of the American/World economy? How do you feel about your family’s future? What would you like to do about it?
SEEKING: non-profits that you know and love that are in looking to improve their revenue streams. Contact Laura Anne Miller, 614.915.4324, lmiller@nfpcoaching.com today.
Full story on msn.com http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38996574/ns/politics/?GT1=43001
Marketing Idea No. 215 – What we can learn from Bill Murray and Groundhog Day (via Creating the Longest Marketing Idea Chain in the World)
Check out the article link below from the “idea chain” blog
focus on your strengths – keep doing what does work and do more of it – STOP doing what doesn’t work! How does this apply to your non-profit? What unworkable activity do you keep trying, hoping for different results? Post your comments below . . .
The Dignity of Work
One of my clients, the MCS/TOUCH program was recently awarded a substantial grant to implement a program of community development. It is a summer work program for young people – helping them take their lives to a new level of growth and exploration. An essential part of this program, and of all the services at MCS/TOUCH, is to provide employment opportunities. We have an enormous list of “Pathway Partners” – employers who are willing to give people the opportunity to learn about the positive benefits of a good day’s work. They are small businesses and non-profit organizations that hire the participants and give them the gift of dignity. These business people are interested in making a profit, for certain. However, they are also intensely committed to making an investment in the community. Thank you to all the Pathway Partners! They are making it possible for people of all backgrounds to get to the level where they are net contributors and do not have to be dependent upon “charity” for their survival. . . .
If you would like to learn how to become a Pathway Partner and jump to the highest level of the Golden Ladder, contact Laura Miller – 614.915.4324 or lmiller@nfpcoaching.com . . . The summer works! program fully compensates the participant (up to 120 hours). See: Pathway Partners wordpress blog
If you are a non-profit and would like to learn how we were successful in this grant process, contact Laura Miller at the phone/email above. As a reminder, here is the Golden Ladder of Philanthropy:
The Golden Ladder of Philanthropy
By Maimonides
(From Lowest Level to Highest Level)
1. To give reluctantly, the gift of the hand, but not of the heart.
2. To give cheerfully, but not in proportion to need.
3. To give cheerfully and proportionately, but not until solicited.
4. To give cheerfully, proportionately, and unsolicited, but to put the gift into the poor person’s hand, thus creating shame.
5. To give in such a way that the distressed may know their benefactor, without being known to him or her.
6. To know the objects of our bounty, but remain unknown to them.
7. To give so that the benefactor may not know those whom he has relieved, and they shall not know him.
8. To prevent poverty by teaching a trade, setting a person up in business, or in some other way preventing the need of charity.
About the Author – Maimonides (1135 -1204)
Jewish rabbi, physician, Talmudic scholar and philosopher in Egypt.
Unleashed Abundance 