Learn how to SUCCESSFULLY plan and write grants!
|  | Buy NOW
|
| The more you know... |  | Check out the classes and workshops offered by Janet at
Janet Levine Consulting |
|
Greetings!
In less than a week, I fly back to LA. On the one hand, my six-week trip flew by. On the other, there are all the things that I didn't get accomplished. I had had visions of not just doing current work, but organizing computer files, making plans for future ventures. While I did visit with a few nonprofits, I had intended to visit more. But then, we had a whole lot more adventures than I thought we would. Do note that I am defining adventure very loosely. Still, it has been fun. Not so fun-but appropriate to read it while I am here--was the news that giving to charities in the UK had dropped for the second straight year. As in the US, funding has stalled not just from private sources but also from government sources. The colleagues I met here, were concerned of course. But it wasn't really news to them. They've seen how much harder they have had to work to bring in shrinking amounts of funds. Inevitably, talk always turned to the changing landscape of the nonprofit sector. Things, we agree, are changing. On the plus side, there is a growing professionalism in our field. While most applauded the numerous new educational opportunities and the sense that fundraising is now becoming a planned career rather than something we all just fell into, some wondered what that will do to the passion. Others worried that, along with more education will come unrealistic expectations. As one colleague commented, "will they think that because they have a specialized degree, they should earn a great deal more money?" Or added another, "will they think that because they learned something in a classroom, they know more than those of us who gathered our knowledge in the field?" The other hot topic, of course was social media. Anecdotally, there is as much disagreement on the importance of all these new tools and channels as there is in the States. Some think it will change the landscape-"completely." Others think that it takes too much effort for too small results. Much of the difference in opinion is age-based. Most, however, agree that even with change, fundraising will still be about relationships. How do you see fundraising changing over the next year or so? What are the things you think a savvy fundraiser will need to start doing? And, just as importantly, what can they not afford to stop? Speaking of fundraising, Ephraim Gopin and I have been emailing back and forth for a time about fundraising, social media, and of course change. Here, however, he is focused on fundraising. How much of what Ephraim believes resonates with you? *************** Fundraising capacity not where you want it to be? Need help in making Board members comfortable with fundraising?
Contact Janet Levine Consulting for a
free 30-minute meeting
to see how you can broaden your base, increase your capacity and raise more money.
|
|
I'M A FUNDRAISER--And I Believe!
Ephraim Gopin has been engaging with people for the last ten years through his work with various nonprofits. He is a grant writer, website & social media consultant and event organizer. He's currently the Community Manager for www.fundraisinisfun.com He's always happy to connect with people: via Twitter- @fundraisinisfun
Here's what I believe in:
- Fundraising is a two way street. Donors should get something in return for their donation. For example: You're an institution of higher learning that depends on donations from alumni. Why not do something for them? How about loans for small businesses, connecting alumni thru forums, opening courses to them at reduced rates? Provide for them and they'll provide for you.
- There is no such thing as a nonprofit. If you don't have enough money, you can't provide for your constituents. In that sense, the not for profit should be run like a for-profit business. Not exactly the same- after all, you are dealing with a charity organization but still... How many times have I heard: so what if we're in debt? We're a nonprofit! At some point that catches up to you.
- I treat the donor who gave me $10 like the one who gave me $10,000. I know what you're thinking: WHY?! The donor who gives more should be treated better so he keeps giving in large chunks. Know what? Ya never know when the $10 guy will suddenly become the $10,000 because you didn't snub or look down at them and their donation. Treat them with respect, keep them in the loop and I believe you'll profit in the end. (READ MORE)
|
|
THINK DIFFERENT-Lessons from Apple
It's an i-world, says marketer Nigel Hollis in The Atlantic.
"This fixation [on Apple products]" he writes, " is common in my world, where marketing and ad agency personnel seem disproportionately devoted to iPhones, iPods, and iPads. Marketing execs frequently look to Apple as the epitome of a strong brand, one that has both fostered a deep sense of coolness and forged undying loyalty from its customers."
The addiction to Apple's products, Hollis believes, is the result of the products' superb technology. But, he points out, the advertising for the products don't focus on that.
"BlackBerry, Samsung or Nokia ads are often laden with so much information that the recipient is left in a blaze of numbers and claims. Instead of focusing on how people interact with technology, those companies focus on features and specifications." That, says Hollis, is not the iWay.
"The ads [for the first iPad] didn't tell us what the product was," he says. "They told us how we would use it, accessing news and entertainment whenever and wherever we want." I short, they told us what they did for us and how they would change our world.
Not so very long ago, Apple was a company in decline. The turnaround was the result of great products and equally terrific marketing. Neither by itself would have been successful. This is a lesson nonprofits need to learn.
Too often, nonprofit organizations follow the BlackBerry et al modality of marketing. We talk about the things we do, swamping people with activities, buzz words, and results that often don't have relevance beyond your program director. We tell them about our needs and our benefits (or lack thereof). We tell them what we care about and expect that this is what will matter to them. Most of all, we neglect to show them why this matters and how what we do changes their world.
So, as an old Apple ad said, "think different."
What is it that someone needs to know about you? That message should be unique for every segment of your community. People who use or benefit from your organization will need to know one set of facts; people who may just support you, will be more interested in hearing about the outcomes caused by those facts.
Like Apple products, however, your marketing must sit on a great product.
People who are philanthropic are more than merely bleeding hearts. (READ MORE)
|
INTERNET STRATEGIES FOR FUNDRAISING
Denise Davies is an Internet and media consultant. She works with nonprofit organizations and small businesses to maximize their effective use of the Internet to build their organization and achieve their objectives. Visit her blog at www.yourinternetstrategies.comor contact for more information at davies@alephconsulting.org e.
One of the important rules of successful fundraising is to develop relationships with donors and potential donors through consistent communications.
A person who has an interest in your cause or has participated in some way with your organization is someone that you want to continue communicating with to build interest in the cause - and trust that your organization is part of the solution.
We now have many ways to build the lines of communications. With some planning and coordination you can reach out to individuals through these methods:
- Your website is an important cornerstone to your communications plan. Make sure that it is updated regularly and that it is easy to navigate, looks professional and speaks to the interest of your different target audiences
- Blogging gives you the opportunity to write on topics related to your organization mission. A blog can be linked in to your website and gives you a method to add fresh and relevant content. A blog also provides interactivity in getting responses to the blog postings.
- An email newsletter is important in providing announcements of upcoming events, activities and project. Use it to give updates on fundraising, success stories and volunteer profiles. Be sure to add links back to relevant information or full details on your website or blog postings.
- Social media through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN can help to build your network and allow your followers to share items with their own friends. This increases your visibility and encourages people to learn more about your organization, participate in events and become involved.( READ MORE )
|
|
Have Your Say
 Inquiring minds do want to know--what is on your mind?
Send me your article (200-800 words) on any topic of interest to those who work for or with nonprofit organizations.
|
|
Are your fundraising results down? Board members bored? Or are thinking about a campaign? Whatever your capacity building needs, Janet Levine Consulting can help. Email or give me a call at 310-990-9151 to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.
|
|
|
