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This issue of E-news explores "foundation work" being done by several AAI clients. For Good Shepherd Home of Fostoria, OH it is both literal (regarding a brand new therapy facility) and figurative, as the organization implements a formal development program. For Mennonite Education Agency (Elkhart, IN), it refers to laying groundwork for the intentional and systematic seeking of grants. Mennonite Disaster Service (Lititz, PA), which rebuilds homes for victims of natural disasters, is seeking new ways to build on a foundational philosophy of development that dates back to 1950. Rounding out this issue is a piece by Principal Rich Gerig on some terms and definitions that serve as the foundation for advancement work. Whether a facility, a program, or ongoing relationships with stakeholders, we at AAI wish you all happy building!
Sherilyn Ortman, editor
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Barn raising and fundraising
The Amish barn raising is one well known example of mutual aid. Based on the belief that Christian faith is best expressed in the day to day actions of caring for one another, mutual aid has served as the cornerstone of both the mission and fundraising philosophy of Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) since it began in 1950.
Now, a unique set of fundraising opportunities and challenges is leading MDS to expand its historical understanding. Read more
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Capital campaign about more than money
For Good Shepherd Home of Fostoria, OH, the word "groundbreaking" refers not only to an upcoming event for a state-of-the-art therapy facility; it also describes the journey the continuing care retirement community has been on over the last three years--a journey to build a development program from square one. Read more
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What's in a word?
Mission and vision. Goals and objectives. Advancement, development and fundraising. In our consulting work with church-related nonprofit organizations, we often hear certain words defined differently and used interchangeably.
However, we have found there are important distinctions to be made. Read more
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AAI offers small organizations "good model" for grantseeking
 In the past few years, several AAI clients have shown heightened interest in researching and pursuing grant monies. And many of these organizations share a similar profile when it comes to seeking grants:
- Minimal experience
- Limited staff time
- Facing immediate needs
Take, for example, Mennonite Education Agency (MEA), which contacted AAI nearly one year ago about grant research. Read more
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Advancement Associates, LLC
PO Box 339
Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311
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Upcoming events
Principal Rich Gerig will present a workshop for congregations interested in capital campaigns at the Mennonite Church USA national convention July 3-7 in Phoenix.
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Fundraising tips you can implement today
The following is compiled from Darian Rodriguez Heyman, ed., Nonprofit Management 101: A Complete and Practical Guide for Leaders and Professionals.
We believe the article about Mennonite Disaster Service(at left) reinforces the three ideas mentioned here, and commend MDS for its efforts.
1. Stage a Board Member Thank-a-Thon. An easy way to give board members a chance to dip their toes in the waters of donor engagement is staging a thank-a-thon. Read more
2. Map Donations to Impact. Donors and prospects want to know exactly where their donations will go, or have gone, and what impact your work is having on their community and the issues they care about. Read more
3. Make Your Donation Button Shine. Online fundraising the fastest-growing piece of the development pie, plus when people hear about your organization, want to learn more, or seek updates on your work, they will visit your website. Read more
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Photo credits (top to bottom):
1. MDS
2. MDS
3. Mennonite Manor
4. MEA
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Our team
Richard L. Gerig, MEd, Principal
Rebecca S. Drumm, CFRE, Associate
J. Daniel Hess, PhD, Associate
Sherilyn R. Ortman, BA, Associate Michael D. Wiese, PhD, Associate Email us |
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