Client at a Glance
|
Who: Eastern Mennonite School
What: K-12 Mennonite school
|
| Upcoming Events |
See us next at:
Teaching-Family Association (TFA) annual conference Nov. 18-21, 2009Charleston, SC
|
| Our Team |
|
Richard L. Gerig, MEd, Principal
Rebecca S. Drumm, CFRE, Principal
Sherilyn R. Ortman, BA, Associate
J. Daniel Hess, PhD, Associate
Michael D. Wiese, PhD, Associate
| |
|
|
Emerging research method to benefit CCRCs and others
A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) can spend a lot of money trying to determine what prospective residents really want and need. In a highly competitive marketplace, CCRCs must better understand the reasons why older adults select one retirement community over another. Often, quantitative surveys are conducted to gather such information; however, marketers should wonder if statistics really reveal why people buy.
In addition to more traditional market research tools, Advancement Associates, Inc. (AAI) is excited to offer a cutting edge research method for CCRCs whose decision makers want to probe deeper.Read more.
|
In Theory & In Practice
Grants feed World Hunger Relief budget
Dale Barron
of World Hunger Relief, Inc. (WHRI) makes it clear that he had no interest in
being a fundraiser, adding that he still doesn't! But, he says, "my desire to
support the [organization's] mission overruled any misgivings I had about
performing as a fundraiser." And he's proven himself effective in that role.
During his tenure as development director, WHRI's annual income has increased
by nearly 500%, one third of which is grant money.
Barron's
success with grants is notable and has brought with it a wealth of knowledge
that he graciously shares. Read more.
|
Ask the consultant
Q: How can our organization best address a donor's difficult questions with directness and integrity?
A: Remember that donors believe in your organization--even during the potentially awkward times when they ask tough questions. Borrowing and expanding ideas from Relationship Fundraising (Burnett 2002), here are some keys to consider in your response:
- Be honest. Above all, fundraisers must be honest. And donors--your investors--can handle disappointing news.
- Be prompt. A prompt reply shows you take the donor's concerns seriously. However you respond, answer inquiries the next day, sooner if possible.
- Be regular. Regular, planned communication keeps donors in touch, informed, and involved. They will also appreciate the freedom to ask difficult questions and will be apt to trust the answers received.
- Be involving. While addressing donors' questions, invite their opinions and concerns. Donors want to offer more than just their money.
- Be faithful. Stick to any promises made and stand by your organization's mission in your responses. Remember: the only purpose for fundraising is to support mission.
Do you have a question to "ask the consultant?" Email us! | |
|
|
|
|
|
