The Spirit of Giving in San Antonio

is all that it's "Cracked" up to be... and more

The crack of the cascarone, the gurgle of a poured bottle of wine, the pop of flavor in one, perfect morsel.

Fiesta San Antonio is a taste sensation.

It's also a money-maker.

According to the Fiesta San Antonio Commission, our city's 11-day celebration of heritage, history and culture translates into a $284 million boost to the bottom line. That money is then poured back into our community through the nonprofit organizations who come together to make dozens of Fiesta events spring to life thanks to the businesses that support those organizations and their missions all year long. And don't forget the exposure San Antonio enjoys, as it shows off its unique flair and flavor to the rest of the country in a positive, impactful way.

 
Fiesta San Antonio started as a small commemoration of the Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, so it's fitting that so many of its signature events have grown from small, grassroots celebrations into major activities that combine nonprofit organizations and business leaders.

A Taste of the Northside is a perfect example.

A Taste of the Northside (TONS) started out in 2000 as a small fundraising project for Brighton Center called "The Queen of the Vine," conceived by a family-owned wine shop on the city's far northside, and executed by volunteers, board members and staff members of Brighton. Kim Jefferies, Executive Director of Brighton Center remembers, "That first year, we had about 150 people attend, and we made about $3,500.  I handled all the logistics, marketing, ticketing and acknowledgement.  The board and the owners of Wines, Etc. secured the donated wine and food."

Immediately, it was clear the northside of San Antonio, which was exploding in growth, was the perfect location in which to widen the sphere of Fiesta's reach, out of the downtown area, and into the suburbs. A Taste of the Northside was born, with The Queen of the Vine presiding over the event. "In 2002, when we received our Fiesta designation, we jumped from about 450 people to 1,200 that year and have been growing ever since." In fact, A Taste of the Northside has  evolved into one of Fiesta's signature events. The event is so popular, many refer to it as the northside's Night in Old San Antonio, a long-standing Fiesta tradition, that celebrates the city's rich history as a mission village, while raising money for the San Antonio Conservation Society. "In 2010 we had 5,200 people and raised over $350,000," Kim said.

That money is vital to Brighton Center's growing mission to provide education and developmental services to children with disabilities or delays, and continually support their families as Brighton educates the community. Jefferies says the center needs ... read more

"I'm excited. I'm proud to invite business associates and those we have relationships with to be a part of this event."

~ Mike Lynd, The Lynd Company

The past few weeks have been filled with exciting - and, yes, fun - activities that showcase our community and highlight the best of what San Antonio's .ORGs and .COMs have to offer.

Aside from A Taste of the Northside, there are dozens of events that take place in spring - many of which are not affiliated with Fiesta San Antonio. These events can be large or small, new to the scene or established over the years - but all provide opportunities for the public to learn about the missions of our nonprofit organizations, and support those that move them to action.

That's what effective special events relationship-building activities do: they bring community awareness to your cause, while providing a fundraising opportunity, even as they highlight the kinds of programs and activities that are unique to your organization. And they don't leave crucial partnerships in the dust.

Vendors become part of your mission, which is why nurturing your relationship with them is so important. The better relationship you have with your vendors, the more the partnership continues to be strengthened throughout the year. As with all relationships, communicating effectively and keeping them engaged throughout the year is fundamental. Don't just treat the vendor as a subcontractor; look at them as a potential supporter of your mission.

So, as April - "The Rallying Point" of the year - comes to a close, we challenge you to examine your calendar of events. 

• How do you ensure you've selected the right business partner for your mission?
• Why do certain partnerships work?
• How are you building on the support of the past to improve your mission going forward?

To help get you started, we've put together a list of things to consider when recruiting sponsors for your special events relationship-building activities.

Next month:  The After-Party

Once the special events relationship-building activity is complete, where do you go from there? How do you keep the mission alive? What steps will you take to keep your partners engaged? How can you enhance your community outreach so your organization's purpose remains in focus?

"April is a promise that May is bound to keep."

~ Hal Borland, Author & Journalist

KMAC Presentations 

Fri, Apr 29, 2011
UTSA Nonprofit Management Program (Introductory Class)
"Fundraising & Resource Development"

Wed, May 25, 2011

Greater Giving Webinar

"Leveraging Your Board: Achieving Thoughtful Governance"

Click here to register

Fri, Jun 10, 2011
31st Annual Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) 
DFW Philanthropy Conference
Arlington, TX
"The Philanthropic Footprint™ - A Collaborative Partnership with Community Businesses"
Click here to register

Wed, Jun 15, 2011

Coastal Bend Association of Fundraising Professionals Monthly Meeting

Corpus Christi, TX

"Relationship-Building Activities that Develop Sustainable Partners"

Thu, Jul 21, 2001

San Antonio Association of Fundraising Professionals Workshop

San Antonio, TX

Thu, Aug 11, 2011
Austin Association of Fundraising Professionals Monthly Meeting
Austin, TX
"Integrating Special Events Relationship-Building Activities with Your Development Objectives"

Webinar: Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

Wed, April 27, 2011 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CST

Click here to register

Benissimo!

Voci di Sorelle - Bulverde/Spring Branch LIbrary Music Series  

Sun, May 1, 2011 - 3:00 p.m.