A couple of years back, we wrote a story about Giving Days in a number of states. Those events were met with a great deal of success, and now it appears Erie, Pennsylvania is experiencing the benefits of online philanthropy.
GoErie.com reported today that Erie Gives Day raised $690,513 for the 223 nonprofits that were involved in the event. Considering that the number stood at $582,038 with only two hours left, the amount raised is staggering. Community leaders said that the cash raised will significantly boost the nonprofit sector. The cash comes with additional meaning since organizations are expecting large reductions in state funding later in the year. The nonprofits involved will receive their donations on August 12th at the Erie Community Foundation.
This story is not only an example of the extraordinary generosity of citizens in this country, but also of the power of online fundraising. More and more, we are seeing that this medium can be used to great effect. One of the more recent examples of this came in the case of Reel Grrls's spat with Comcast.
You can read more about Erie Gives Day by visiting GoErie.com.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Exempt Magazine Preview
Have you heard of Exempt Magazine? It's the sister publication of The NonProfit Times, and it focuses on the financial aspects of the nonprofit sector. This includes asset management, planned giving, donor advised funds, banking, risk management, investments, insurance, trusts, financial software and technology. If you have not already subscribed, we just put up 3 articles from the latest issue on the NPT website. Here is a sample of one of those articles, entitled "Bright Lights & Big Stars":
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times: Fundraising is all about developing and building relationships with your donors and supporters. For nonprofits looking to corral a few celebrities to help their cause, it’s much the same thing.
Portland, Ore.-based Mercy Corps has been looking to connect with some of its celebrity supporters, to raise its profile, particularly during non-disaster times and among people who go beyond their usual donor base. The disaster relief organization started last summer, dedicating “a good chunk” of time and energy to examining what other organizations are doing in engaging the entertainment world. Out of that came a consensus to hire someone, based in New York or Los Angeles, to focus on the task and not let it fall by the wayside.
“We’d been trying to do this for some time and saw it as something to put longer-term resources behind, ultimately bringing a benefit to us, and thus, to people we serve around world. That’s always the motivation behind any move we make,” said Joy Portella, Mercy Corps’ director of communications.
“It’s been a lengthy process. We certainly thought about how we want to work with not just individual talent, but the whole entertainment industry,” she said. “It’s rare that an organization has just one or two celebrity spokesmen. The whole process that gets them involved with your organization involves networking in Los Angeles and New York, the entertainment industry.”
You can read the full article by clicking here. If you are interested in seeing the other articles, go to the "articles" section on The NonProfit Times homepage. Two of the other stories are "Your 403(b): Terminating A Plan" and "Being Flexible."
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times: Fundraising is all about developing and building relationships with your donors and supporters. For nonprofits looking to corral a few celebrities to help their cause, it’s much the same thing.
Portland, Ore.-based Mercy Corps has been looking to connect with some of its celebrity supporters, to raise its profile, particularly during non-disaster times and among people who go beyond their usual donor base. The disaster relief organization started last summer, dedicating “a good chunk” of time and energy to examining what other organizations are doing in engaging the entertainment world. Out of that came a consensus to hire someone, based in New York or Los Angeles, to focus on the task and not let it fall by the wayside.
“We’d been trying to do this for some time and saw it as something to put longer-term resources behind, ultimately bringing a benefit to us, and thus, to people we serve around world. That’s always the motivation behind any move we make,” said Joy Portella, Mercy Corps’ director of communications.
“It’s been a lengthy process. We certainly thought about how we want to work with not just individual talent, but the whole entertainment industry,” she said. “It’s rare that an organization has just one or two celebrity spokesmen. The whole process that gets them involved with your organization involves networking in Los Angeles and New York, the entertainment industry.”
You can read the full article by clicking here. If you are interested in seeing the other articles, go to the "articles" section on The NonProfit Times homepage. Two of the other stories are "Your 403(b): Terminating A Plan" and "Being Flexible."
Management Tip: 3 Elements Of Activist Relationship Management
Here is this week's Management Tip of the Week. This one comes from the advocacy category:
Every cause needs its activists, but a nonprofit that hopes to get the best it can from concerned individuals needs to understand the potential they offer and to treat them as effectively as possible.
Speaking during the DMA 2011 Washington Nonprofit Conference, Yvonne Garrett of OMP, Inc., Vinay Bhagat of Convio and Randy Paynter of Care2.com said that there are three main areas of concentration, with the second and third combining for a fourth.
The main thrusts:
* Recruit. Be thoughtful about the form of ask. Think about a pledge vs. “contact your legislator.” Think of constituent relevance. Offer multiple venues in addition to your Website. Provide a strong user experience. Remember viral marketing, including social media.
* Engage. Acknowledge returning Web visitors. Send tailored/updated stories. Make related appeals. Use multi-channel appeals: email, text, social. Provide rewards and incentives.
* Convert. Provide campaign-specific donation forms. Have an email welcome/conversion series. Follow up in a timely fashion with mail or TM. Apply filters to prioritize investment. Select appeals based on advocacy actions.
Effective use of the second and third parts leads to a fourth: Deepen. Remember, major donors are frequently active. It is increasingly critical to track messaging intensity/congruency across programs and channels.
To read more like this, check out the advocacy management tips page on The NonProfit Times.
Every cause needs its activists, but a nonprofit that hopes to get the best it can from concerned individuals needs to understand the potential they offer and to treat them as effectively as possible.
Speaking during the DMA 2011 Washington Nonprofit Conference, Yvonne Garrett of OMP, Inc., Vinay Bhagat of Convio and Randy Paynter of Care2.com said that there are three main areas of concentration, with the second and third combining for a fourth.
The main thrusts:
* Recruit. Be thoughtful about the form of ask. Think about a pledge vs. “contact your legislator.” Think of constituent relevance. Offer multiple venues in addition to your Website. Provide a strong user experience. Remember viral marketing, including social media.
* Engage. Acknowledge returning Web visitors. Send tailored/updated stories. Make related appeals. Use multi-channel appeals: email, text, social. Provide rewards and incentives.
* Convert. Provide campaign-specific donation forms. Have an email welcome/conversion series. Follow up in a timely fashion with mail or TM. Apply filters to prioritize investment. Select appeals based on advocacy actions.
Effective use of the second and third parts leads to a fourth: Deepen. Remember, major donors are frequently active. It is increasingly critical to track messaging intensity/congruency across programs and channels.
To read more like this, check out the advocacy management tips page on The NonProfit Times.
The Changing Geography Of Poverty
When most Americans think of poverty, the first images that usually come to mind are sprawling urban jungles. Rarely do we ever think of severe poverty taking place in our seemingly perfect suburbs. Yet according to recent data cited in an article in The New Republic, there are currently more poor people living in the suburbs of major cities.
The TNR piece doesn't necessarily tackle why this is happening, but it does examine the role philanthropic organizations play in addressing this new "geography" of poverty. The article cites a study by Sarah Reckhow and Margaret Weir that examined the suburbs of four major American cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, and Detroit. The major finding of their report was that charitable organizations were not well equipped to deal with this geographic shift in poverty. This has happened for a number of reasons, though I found the most interesting to be donor preferences. As I hinted at in the opening paragraph, many people still see poverty as an urban problem. As a result, it seems many donors prefer to send their money to areas that would seem to be prime areas for homelessness.
In addition, the Reckhow and Weir report revealed that there are very few well-funded philanthropic foundations in suburban areas. Perhaps the most telling issue, however, is that many suburban communities are simply unwilling to support new programs that would help fight poverty. That seems unfathomable, but it is a reality.
If you have the time, you should read the rest of this piece in The New Republic. We would love to hear your thoughts on the issue of poverty in the suburbs. Have you seen a distinct lack of philanthropic support in your communities? What steps do you think should be taken to make this issue more well known?
The TNR piece doesn't necessarily tackle why this is happening, but it does examine the role philanthropic organizations play in addressing this new "geography" of poverty. The article cites a study by Sarah Reckhow and Margaret Weir that examined the suburbs of four major American cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, and Detroit. The major finding of their report was that charitable organizations were not well equipped to deal with this geographic shift in poverty. This has happened for a number of reasons, though I found the most interesting to be donor preferences. As I hinted at in the opening paragraph, many people still see poverty as an urban problem. As a result, it seems many donors prefer to send their money to areas that would seem to be prime areas for homelessness.
In addition, the Reckhow and Weir report revealed that there are very few well-funded philanthropic foundations in suburban areas. Perhaps the most telling issue, however, is that many suburban communities are simply unwilling to support new programs that would help fight poverty. That seems unfathomable, but it is a reality.
If you have the time, you should read the rest of this piece in The New Republic. We would love to hear your thoughts on the issue of poverty in the suburbs. Have you seen a distinct lack of philanthropic support in your communities? What steps do you think should be taken to make this issue more well known?
Monday, August 1, 2011
Animal Groups Barking At ASPCA
Here is a sample of one of the aritcles appearing in this month's edition of The NonProfit Times:
As the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has grown revenue by 50 percent in recent years, some local SPCAs are becoming increasingly upset that donors are confusing it for an umbrella organization for other animal welfare nonprofits.
The local groups say donors believe that by giving to ASPCA they are also giving to aid local animal rescue organizations.
“The misunderstanding of the name is certainly what's at the core of this current discussion going on,” said Carter Luke, president and CEO the past six years at Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA). He added that he often hears from people who confuse the organizations, thanking MSPCA for something ASPCA did.
“The confusion in the minds of the public has been there certainly since the 1860s, I'd guess,” said Luke. ASPCA was founded 1866 while MSPCA was started in 1868. “What's happened in recent years -- what brought it to the forefront anyway – was a noticeable change in marketing and advertising from the ASPCA around the country,” said Luke.
“We hear this story constantly from people who confuse this. If our last name was humane society, it might not be the same confusion. There is no national umbrella organization,” said Luke, adding that the issue has caused confusion elsewhere.
“Sometimes people look at the Red Cross, with local chapters scattered around the country, but they are connected. The public generally understands that model; there's a national entity with local entities,” Luke said.
There are some who portray the dispute as being about money. Luke disagrees. “It's important for the public to know where their donations are going and what services are provided by it,” he said. “We're making sure we tell our story. We recognize there is no parent organization.”
He said, “In some sense, it's a rising tide raises all ships – the more people involved in helping animals, the better.”
Head on over to NPT's website to read the full story.
As the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has grown revenue by 50 percent in recent years, some local SPCAs are becoming increasingly upset that donors are confusing it for an umbrella organization for other animal welfare nonprofits.
The local groups say donors believe that by giving to ASPCA they are also giving to aid local animal rescue organizations.
“The misunderstanding of the name is certainly what's at the core of this current discussion going on,” said Carter Luke, president and CEO the past six years at Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA). He added that he often hears from people who confuse the organizations, thanking MSPCA for something ASPCA did.
“The confusion in the minds of the public has been there certainly since the 1860s, I'd guess,” said Luke. ASPCA was founded 1866 while MSPCA was started in 1868. “What's happened in recent years -- what brought it to the forefront anyway – was a noticeable change in marketing and advertising from the ASPCA around the country,” said Luke.
“We hear this story constantly from people who confuse this. If our last name was humane society, it might not be the same confusion. There is no national umbrella organization,” said Luke, adding that the issue has caused confusion elsewhere.
“Sometimes people look at the Red Cross, with local chapters scattered around the country, but they are connected. The public generally understands that model; there's a national entity with local entities,” Luke said.
There are some who portray the dispute as being about money. Luke disagrees. “It's important for the public to know where their donations are going and what services are provided by it,” he said. “We're making sure we tell our story. We recognize there is no parent organization.”
He said, “In some sense, it's a rising tide raises all ships – the more people involved in helping animals, the better.”
Head on over to NPT's website to read the full story.
The August Issue Of The NonProfit Times Is Out!
Just a heads up to all of our subscribers: A sneak peak of the August issue of The NonProfit Times is now up on the website! As with the other issues that go up on the site, it contains three articles from the digital and print editions of the issue, a PDF of the Special Report, and three columns.
The August issue contains the newest edition of NPT's Top 50 Power & Influence Report. In addition, the issue will cover stories ranging from the re-branding of Gifts In Kind International, to animal groups taking issue with the ASPCA. Check out the NPT website today to get your first look at this exciting new issue!
The August issue contains the newest edition of NPT's Top 50 Power & Influence Report. In addition, the issue will cover stories ranging from the re-branding of Gifts In Kind International, to animal groups taking issue with the ASPCA. Check out the NPT website today to get your first look at this exciting new issue!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Giving Graduates For Educational Institutions
Here's an article that appeared in one of the recent editions of NPT's Instant Fundraising newsletter:
Fundraisers at educational institutions estimate that donations during the academic year that ended June 30, 2011, increased by 4.7 percent compared to the previous year, according to survey results released today by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) in Washington, D.C. They also predicted further growth of 5.5 percent for the academic year that began July 1, 2011.
The CASE Fundraising Index (CFI) is conducted twice annually -- once at the end of the academic year and once at the end of the calendar year. It asks fundraising professionals at U.S. schools, colleges and universities to estimate the level of charitable giving to their institutions for the 12-month period just ended and to predict the level for the 12-months ahead.
For academic year 2011, there was a significant difference between estimates offered by public and private institutions of higher education. Fundraisers at public colleges and universities estimated that giving to their institutions increased by 2.6 percent, while their private counterparts estimated that giving had increased 5.7 percent more than the previous year.
“The differences between estimated results for public and private institutions underscore an important point regarding the CFI,” said CASE President John Lippincott. “The figures we report are averages. Actual results will vary based on the particular circumstances of an institution, including governance structure, geography, maturity of the fundraising program, influence of a current fundraising campaign and the potential donor base.”
Said Lippincott: “That said, there is very good news in these figures.”
Donors are still deeply committed to the strong tradition of giving to education in this country even in the aftermath of the great recession, he said. “In fact, the predicted 5.5 percent increase for the coming academic year is remarkably close to the 20-year average annual increase of 5.6 percent. These promising figures also reinforce the value of staying the course when it comes to fundraising programs.”
Fundraisers at independent elementary and secondary schools in the survey were less optimistic than their higher education counterparts for academic year 2012, estimating 3.2 percent growth.
Lippincott said the CFI is intended to complement work being done by other organizations that provide detailed analyses of giving based on actual results reported several months after the close of the calendar or academic year.
“The CFI gives us a snapshot of the educational fundraising landscape,” Lippincott said. “It is intended to help fundraisers set preliminary benchmarks for their recent performance as well as expectations for their future performance.”
The CFI is based on an online survey of senior-level fundraising professionals at more than 2,100 member institutions in the United States conducted during the first two weeks of July. The July 2011 CFI survey had a response rate of 8.3 percent. The 20-year average growth rate for giving to education is based on the Council for Aid to Education’s annual Voluntary Support of Education survey.
Fundraisers at educational institutions estimate that donations during the academic year that ended June 30, 2011, increased by 4.7 percent compared to the previous year, according to survey results released today by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) in Washington, D.C. They also predicted further growth of 5.5 percent for the academic year that began July 1, 2011.
The CASE Fundraising Index (CFI) is conducted twice annually -- once at the end of the academic year and once at the end of the calendar year. It asks fundraising professionals at U.S. schools, colleges and universities to estimate the level of charitable giving to their institutions for the 12-month period just ended and to predict the level for the 12-months ahead.
For academic year 2011, there was a significant difference between estimates offered by public and private institutions of higher education. Fundraisers at public colleges and universities estimated that giving to their institutions increased by 2.6 percent, while their private counterparts estimated that giving had increased 5.7 percent more than the previous year.
“The differences between estimated results for public and private institutions underscore an important point regarding the CFI,” said CASE President John Lippincott. “The figures we report are averages. Actual results will vary based on the particular circumstances of an institution, including governance structure, geography, maturity of the fundraising program, influence of a current fundraising campaign and the potential donor base.”
Said Lippincott: “That said, there is very good news in these figures.”
Donors are still deeply committed to the strong tradition of giving to education in this country even in the aftermath of the great recession, he said. “In fact, the predicted 5.5 percent increase for the coming academic year is remarkably close to the 20-year average annual increase of 5.6 percent. These promising figures also reinforce the value of staying the course when it comes to fundraising programs.”
Fundraisers at independent elementary and secondary schools in the survey were less optimistic than their higher education counterparts for academic year 2012, estimating 3.2 percent growth.
Lippincott said the CFI is intended to complement work being done by other organizations that provide detailed analyses of giving based on actual results reported several months after the close of the calendar or academic year.
“The CFI gives us a snapshot of the educational fundraising landscape,” Lippincott said. “It is intended to help fundraisers set preliminary benchmarks for their recent performance as well as expectations for their future performance.”
The CFI is based on an online survey of senior-level fundraising professionals at more than 2,100 member institutions in the United States conducted during the first two weeks of July. The July 2011 CFI survey had a response rate of 8.3 percent. The 20-year average growth rate for giving to education is based on the Council for Aid to Education’s annual Voluntary Support of Education survey.
Why Are Nonprofit So Popular in Martha's Vineyard?
Even if you've never been there, you have surely heard of Martha's Vineyard. Located south of Cape Cod, the island is a top vacation spot for tourists all over the country (and the world) in the summer. Perhaps you are already planning on taking a vacation there this year. Well here's something you might not know about this little island: It is home to a ton of nonprofit organizations. They make up 13 percent of the island's GDP, a staggering number by any standard.
In a recent article in Martha's Vineyard Magazine, Peter Temple of Martha's Vineyard Donors Collaborative (MVDC) discusses why nonprofits are so popular on the island. There are a number of reasons, but Temple highlights one in particular: There are many philanthropic issues that need attention there. For such an idyllic location, there are many distressing statistics that hang over the Vineyard. This includes an off-season unemployment rate of over 13 percent, median incomes that are 27 percent lower than the state average, and a major shortage of affordable housing. This has been mainly a result of the huge population growth that the island has seen recently.
With such troubling issues hitting Martha's Vineyard, it's no wonder that nonprofits have found a lot of important work to do there. You can read the full article at MVMagazine.com to learn more about what MVDC does, and the relationship between not-for-profits and the island.
In a recent article in Martha's Vineyard Magazine, Peter Temple of Martha's Vineyard Donors Collaborative (MVDC) discusses why nonprofits are so popular on the island. There are a number of reasons, but Temple highlights one in particular: There are many philanthropic issues that need attention there. For such an idyllic location, there are many distressing statistics that hang over the Vineyard. This includes an off-season unemployment rate of over 13 percent, median incomes that are 27 percent lower than the state average, and a major shortage of affordable housing. This has been mainly a result of the huge population growth that the island has seen recently.
With such troubling issues hitting Martha's Vineyard, it's no wonder that nonprofits have found a lot of important work to do there. You can read the full article at MVMagazine.com to learn more about what MVDC does, and the relationship between not-for-profits and the island.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Walton Family Foundation Pledges Money To Teach For America
School may be out for the summer, but Alice Cooper was wrong on one count: It's not out forever.
This is especially true when it comes to funding for educational organizations. As was reported on The NonProfit Times yesterday, the Walton Family Foundation (WFF) pledged $49.5 million to Teach For America (TfA). These funds will be distributed over a three-year period, with half of the money supporting TfA's goal of doubling the size of its teaching corps and assisting their network of alumni leaders in education. The other half will support ongoing training and professional development.
This is not the first time that WFF, which is headed by the three children of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, has helped out Teach For America. Since 1993, they have been the largest private donor to the organization at $22 million. This newest donation specifically targets areas in the Delta Region of Arkansas and Mississippi. There has been some speculation that the reason these areas were targeted is because Wal-Mart has recently expanded stores into those areas. Jim Blew, leader of K-12 Education Reform efforts for WFF, has strongly denied these charges in a telephone interview:
This is especially true when it comes to funding for educational organizations. As was reported on The NonProfit Times yesterday, the Walton Family Foundation (WFF) pledged $49.5 million to Teach For America (TfA). These funds will be distributed over a three-year period, with half of the money supporting TfA's goal of doubling the size of its teaching corps and assisting their network of alumni leaders in education. The other half will support ongoing training and professional development.
This is not the first time that WFF, which is headed by the three children of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, has helped out Teach For America. Since 1993, they have been the largest private donor to the organization at $22 million. This newest donation specifically targets areas in the Delta Region of Arkansas and Mississippi. There has been some speculation that the reason these areas were targeted is because Wal-Mart has recently expanded stores into those areas. Jim Blew, leader of K-12 Education Reform efforts for WFF, has strongly denied these charges in a telephone interview:
"That’s nonsense. We’ve been actively involved in these communities for several years now and we are interested in getting more teachers and looking for the leaders of tomorrow.”If you are interested in reading the full article, head on over to NPT's website.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
NPTtv Summary: Grassley's At It Again
Note: This is a summary from a story from the newest episode of The NonProfit Times TV.
A familiar senator to nonprofits is back to his old tricks.
Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) introduced legislation that will go after charities that put money in off-shore accounts to avoid paying income taxes. The senator, who has put nonprofits under federal scrutiny for the past several years, wants to block such organizations from getting federal grants from a program that helps prisoners re-enter society.
This move comes a year after a committee hearing showed that the Boys & Girls Clubs held more than $50,000,000 off-shores in the Camen Islands, British Virgin Islands, and Bermuda.
A familiar senator to nonprofits is back to his old tricks.
Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) introduced legislation that will go after charities that put money in off-shore accounts to avoid paying income taxes. The senator, who has put nonprofits under federal scrutiny for the past several years, wants to block such organizations from getting federal grants from a program that helps prisoners re-enter society.
This move comes a year after a committee hearing showed that the Boys & Girls Clubs held more than $50,000,000 off-shores in the Camen Islands, British Virgin Islands, and Bermuda.
NPTtv Summary: Giving Is Picking Up
Note: This is a summary of a story from the newest episode of The NonProfit Times TV.
For the 10th consecutive month, fundraising is on the rise. The latest numbers from Blackbaud show that from March to May, overall charitable revenue went up 11.3% from 2010. These numbers come from $2.3 billion in 12 months revenue from 1,383 nonprofits. In addition, organizations of all sizes are experiencing growth for the first time since the Great Recession. Those specific numbers are as followed:
For the 10th consecutive month, fundraising is on the rise. The latest numbers from Blackbaud show that from March to May, overall charitable revenue went up 11.3% from 2010. These numbers come from $2.3 billion in 12 months revenue from 1,383 nonprofits. In addition, organizations of all sizes are experiencing growth for the first time since the Great Recession. Those specific numbers are as followed:
- Medium and large organizations grew by 10%
- Small organizations (those with less than $1 million in annual fundraising revenue) grew by 17.6%
- Fundraising at arts and culture organizations grew nearly 12%
- Human services and environmental groups were still down from their year earlier results.
NPTtv Summary: Going Into Orbit
Note: This is a summary of a story from the newest episode of The NonProfit Times TV.
That's one small step for man. One giant leap for nonprofits.
NASA has announced that the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) will develop and manage the US portion of the International Space Station. CASIS will help make sure the station's unique capabilities are available to the broadest possible cross-section of the US scientific, technological, and industrial communities.
CASIS will conduct their work at the Space Life Sciences Lab, which is located near NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Much of their work will involve identifying opportunities non-NASA uses, linking scientific review and economic value. Potential research and development opportunities will be matched with funding sources. The organization will also increase awareness among schools and students about using the station as a learning platform.
That's one small step for man. One giant leap for nonprofits.
NASA has announced that the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) will develop and manage the US portion of the International Space Station. CASIS will help make sure the station's unique capabilities are available to the broadest possible cross-section of the US scientific, technological, and industrial communities.
CASIS will conduct their work at the Space Life Sciences Lab, which is located near NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Much of their work will involve identifying opportunities non-NASA uses, linking scientific review and economic value. Potential research and development opportunities will be matched with funding sources. The organization will also increase awareness among schools and students about using the station as a learning platform.
New NPTtv Webcast Available For 7/27/2011
We have just released the newest webcast of The NonProfit Times TV for July 27th, 2011. Here are some of the stories in this episode:
- Going Into Orbit-A nonprofit has been picked to manage the International Space Station.
- Giving Is Picking Up-Fundraising on the rise for 10 months.
- Grassley's At It Again-Sen. Charles Grassley is going after nonprofits again.
- Great Online Learning Site-Using online methods for education and staff training.
- Can You Succeed With Social Media?-Nonprofits using social media.
New Management Tips From The Bridge Conference
With The NonProfit Times attending the recently concluded 2011 Bridge Conference, we had the opportunity to pick up some new management tips based on the information presented at the event. As such, we updated our site with three new tips in Research, Database, and Online. Here is one on the subject of online fundraising:
With online fundraising, content is important. Don’t forget the content.
With online fundraising, technology is important. Don’t forget the technology.
So, which is more important? Both are important. During the recent Bridge Conference, Shabbir Imber Safdar of The Safdar Group tried to put things in perspective.
He gave this advice: When you have consistently put out a small, original email every other week for four months that talks about your work without being repetitive or tired, you’ve conquered the content beast. That done, you probably have enough experience producing content to look at your technology.
Once you do that, there is the minimum functionality you need:
• You have a constituent relationship management (CRM) system that understands basic nonprofit donor management.
• People who come to your website can sign up for your email list without your manual intervention.
• You can easily create donation forms and link them.
• You can place a piece of Javascript code on the donation form, the donation Thank you page and other pages of your website.
• You can compose an email (without using HTML); you can send an email and track opens and clicks.
He also said that an organization at this stage might also have to suffer with:
• Manually adding people from your donation forms to your CRM or your email list, and;
• A website that doesn’t look all that great.
To read the other tips from the Bridge Conference, visit NPT's management tips page.
With online fundraising, content is important. Don’t forget the content.
With online fundraising, technology is important. Don’t forget the technology.
So, which is more important? Both are important. During the recent Bridge Conference, Shabbir Imber Safdar of The Safdar Group tried to put things in perspective.
He gave this advice: When you have consistently put out a small, original email every other week for four months that talks about your work without being repetitive or tired, you’ve conquered the content beast. That done, you probably have enough experience producing content to look at your technology.
Once you do that, there is the minimum functionality you need:
• You have a constituent relationship management (CRM) system that understands basic nonprofit donor management.
• People who come to your website can sign up for your email list without your manual intervention.
• You can easily create donation forms and link them.
• You can place a piece of Javascript code on the donation form, the donation Thank you page and other pages of your website.
• You can compose an email (without using HTML); you can send an email and track opens and clicks.
He also said that an organization at this stage might also have to suffer with:
• Manually adding people from your donation forms to your CRM or your email list, and;
• A website that doesn’t look all that great.
To read the other tips from the Bridge Conference, visit NPT's management tips page.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Two Nonprofit Execs: Don't Reduce Charitable Deduction
In a recent opinion piece in The Star-Telegram, two nonprofit executives argued that the charitable deduction should be spared in the effort to reduce the federal deficit. Nancy E. Jones, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of North Texas, and Tim McKinney of the United Way of Tarrant County, urged Congress and the Obama administration not to eliminate or reduce the tax deduction that donors currently receive.
According to the Telegram piece, the current proposal is to cap itemized deductions from 35 to 28 percent. Jones and McKinney say that this would negatively impact the millions of Americans who rely on the programs and services that charities like the United Way provide. They also argue that not only is the charitable deduction fair, but it is also a great way for the government to invest in communities. The article uses the following example to make its point: When someone in the highest tax bracket makes a $1,000 donation to charity, the government forgoes $350 in tax revenue. This allows the entire community to benefit from the individual's donation.
Jones and McKinney end their piece by urging those that agree with them to contact their members of Congress. You can read the full article by visiting The Star-Telegram online. In addition, Independent Sector has come out against this proposed change. You can visit their website for a list of resources to have your voice heard on this issue.
According to the Telegram piece, the current proposal is to cap itemized deductions from 35 to 28 percent. Jones and McKinney say that this would negatively impact the millions of Americans who rely on the programs and services that charities like the United Way provide. They also argue that not only is the charitable deduction fair, but it is also a great way for the government to invest in communities. The article uses the following example to make its point: When someone in the highest tax bracket makes a $1,000 donation to charity, the government forgoes $350 in tax revenue. This allows the entire community to benefit from the individual's donation.
Jones and McKinney end their piece by urging those that agree with them to contact their members of Congress. You can read the full article by visiting The Star-Telegram online. In addition, Independent Sector has come out against this proposed change. You can visit their website for a list of resources to have your voice heard on this issue.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Myra Kraft Passes Away At 68
Note: This is a summary of a story from an outside news organization. To read the full article, follow the links in this post.
Myra Kraft, a powerful figure in the world of philanthropy, passed away yesterday at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer. Although she may be best known as the wife of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Myra used the fame that came with her last name to create a lasting legacy of philanthropy.
In an obituary in today's Boston Globe, that legacy was recounted in great detail. The piece recounted how Kraft manned phone-banks for fundraising drives for countless charities, rather than just staying in the background as a benefactor. She was also chair of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston and of the Boys & Girls Club of Boston. Her hands on approach to philanthropy was so effective that the Boys & Girls Club waived its normal term limits to keep her on board.
According to the Globe article, Myra was concerned that, when her husband bought the Patriots in 1994, the large amount of money spent and borrowed on behalf of the team would hurt their giving. This did not happen. On the contrary, the couple's philanthropy increased. Their last major gift as a couple was a $20 million donation to Partners HealthCare this year. This donation was used to pay off the student loans of doctors in exchange for them working at community health centers for the needy.
Myra was a powerful force in the philanthropic sector. By the time she reached adulthood, she had already donated more than $100 million to various different causes. Her work will surely be missed, not only by those who knew her personally, but by those who benefited from her generosity. To read the full obituary of Myra Kraft, visit the Boston Globe online.
Myra Kraft, a powerful figure in the world of philanthropy, passed away yesterday at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer. Although she may be best known as the wife of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Myra used the fame that came with her last name to create a lasting legacy of philanthropy.
In an obituary in today's Boston Globe, that legacy was recounted in great detail. The piece recounted how Kraft manned phone-banks for fundraising drives for countless charities, rather than just staying in the background as a benefactor. She was also chair of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston and of the Boys & Girls Club of Boston. Her hands on approach to philanthropy was so effective that the Boys & Girls Club waived its normal term limits to keep her on board.
According to the Globe article, Myra was concerned that, when her husband bought the Patriots in 1994, the large amount of money spent and borrowed on behalf of the team would hurt their giving. This did not happen. On the contrary, the couple's philanthropy increased. Their last major gift as a couple was a $20 million donation to Partners HealthCare this year. This donation was used to pay off the student loans of doctors in exchange for them working at community health centers for the needy.
Myra was a powerful force in the philanthropic sector. By the time she reached adulthood, she had already donated more than $100 million to various different causes. Her work will surely be missed, not only by those who knew her personally, but by those who benefited from her generosity. To read the full obituary of Myra Kraft, visit the Boston Globe online.
The NonProfit Times at The Bridge Conference
The NonProfit Times is attending The Bridge Conference in DC this week. The conference, which started yesterday, runs through July 22nd and covers topics on fundraising and integrated marketing. We will be located at booth 339, next to the Internet Station. If you are attending this conference, come visit us! Our writers and editors will be there, and we'd love to talk to you. You can also find out more details on how you can sign up for a subscription.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Nonprofit Hiring Tips
Cross posted from The Nonprofit Jobseeker
Although jobs may be scarce in this economy, this doesn't mean that job candidates are going to take the first position that is offered to them. This economy could make people more picky than normal. Because times are tough, they are going to not only want a position that pays well, but also one in which they feel comfortable. If you are going to attract the best candidates for your nonprofit job, you would do well to follow these five hiring tips:
Although jobs may be scarce in this economy, this doesn't mean that job candidates are going to take the first position that is offered to them. This economy could make people more picky than normal. Because times are tough, they are going to not only want a position that pays well, but also one in which they feel comfortable. If you are going to attract the best candidates for your nonprofit job, you would do well to follow these five hiring tips:
- Make sure the description in your job listing is informative yet concise. This is a hard balance to strike, but it can be done. The key to reaching this balance is to use specifics. The more the applicant knows about the position, the less chance you will get resumes from unqualified candidates.
- When you conduct an interview, make sure you allow time for the person to say what they want out of the position. It's all well and good to explain what you are looking for in an ideal employee, but you should make sure that the candidate can express their expectations as well. This is helpful because it establishes that this will be a job where the employee's views are important. And that is an important factor when people decide where they want to work.
- Just because someone performs well in an interview doesn't mean they will be the right fit for your organization. Test your applicant's skills to see if they are up to the task. How you do this depends on the type of job you are looking to fill. If you are looking to hire a web content editor, for example, you can have them take a writing test after the interview. If you mention that you will be performing writing tests in your application, this has the added benefit of weeding out less serious candidates.
- Your office should be tidy at all times, but make sure it is especially presentable during the interview. And I'm not just referring to your desk; the entire office should look as impressive as possible. A relaxing workplace makes for a better working environment, and that will be on the top of the list of things top candidates will be looking for.
- Interviews can be very tiresome, especially if you have already been through many that day. Still, you are going to have to find some way to remain engaging to your prospective employee. There is no bigger turn off than an interviewer who seems uninterested. So even if you have to take an extra shot of coffee, make sure you are friendly and lively when you interview a job candidate.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Nonprofit Management Tip of The Week
We're going to start a new feature here on The NonProfit Times blog. Each week, we will post a management tip directly from our site here to the blog. The goal here is to not only get people more aware of this section of our site, but also to encourage discussion. It is our hope that our readers will give their insight into the tip, and whether they have had any success with it.
With the latest news about New Jersey considering mandatory disclosure requirements, I thought it would be appropriate to have this week's management tip be about donors. Specifically, this tip is about recent individual giving trends:
Despite the need for major gifts and foundation support, nonprofits still depend on the contributions they receive from individual donors, from that $5 check on up.
Speaking at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Fund Raising Day in New York 2011, Margaret Holman of Holman Consulting Inc. discussed trends that are holding in individual giving through the nonprofit sector. For example:
• Major donors continue to give, but they are narrowing their focus to fewer charities where they can make a bigger impact.
• People give when they have a sense of security and optimism about the future. The economic crash and rising health care costs have left few Americans with any sense of financial security.
• Lower-income people tend to be more generous than higher-income individuals.
• The most generous donors are more likely to give by mail and less likely than average to give online.
• More generous donors are more intentional about planning their support.
• Giving still happens because donors are involved with their organizations.
• Demographics still matter.
• People check out charities in the following ways: talking to someone who supports the charity, visiting a Website or searching the Internet, checking a watchdog organization or visiting the organization in person.
• Best practices are stay donor focused, keep it simple, develop relationships (don’t think of donors as wallets) and triage your donors quarterly for contact.
What are your thoughts on this? Have you noticed these trends as well recently? We'd love to hear your stories. If you are interested in reading more donor-related management tips, head on over to the NPT website.
With the latest news about New Jersey considering mandatory disclosure requirements, I thought it would be appropriate to have this week's management tip be about donors. Specifically, this tip is about recent individual giving trends:
Despite the need for major gifts and foundation support, nonprofits still depend on the contributions they receive from individual donors, from that $5 check on up.
Speaking at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Fund Raising Day in New York 2011, Margaret Holman of Holman Consulting Inc. discussed trends that are holding in individual giving through the nonprofit sector. For example:
• Major donors continue to give, but they are narrowing their focus to fewer charities where they can make a bigger impact.
• People give when they have a sense of security and optimism about the future. The economic crash and rising health care costs have left few Americans with any sense of financial security.
• Lower-income people tend to be more generous than higher-income individuals.
• The most generous donors are more likely to give by mail and less likely than average to give online.
• More generous donors are more intentional about planning their support.
• Giving still happens because donors are involved with their organizations.
• Demographics still matter.
• People check out charities in the following ways: talking to someone who supports the charity, visiting a Website or searching the Internet, checking a watchdog organization or visiting the organization in person.
• Best practices are stay donor focused, keep it simple, develop relationships (don’t think of donors as wallets) and triage your donors quarterly for contact.
What are your thoughts on this? Have you noticed these trends as well recently? We'd love to hear your stories. If you are interested in reading more donor-related management tips, head on over to the NPT website.
Monday, July 18, 2011
The New NonProfit Times
The NonProfit Times, the leading business publication for nonprofit management, unveiled www.thenonprofittimes.com an innovative content driven platform designed to engage readers through category/content driven searches. The website is designed to give visitors the ability to find the exact subject information that is relevant to their needs. Whether it is an article or a management tip from The NonProfit Times, a white paper, or a directory listing, readers will know that they can easily find the subject that matters the most to them.
The reason for the website redesign was simple: To increase interaction between the reader and The NonProfit Times. The new site takes a holistic approach to social sharing and reader interaction, with the goal of delivering intelligent and informative content to fulfill the reader’s needs.
The website is divided into 4 main areas: News and Articles, Management Tips, Resource Marketplace and the Library.
News & Articles gives the readers daily updates on the happenings of the nonprofit sector, keeping them up-to-date on the happenings of the day. Whether it is a quick update on a breaking story or a opinion-driven column, there will always be new stories available to readers.
Management Tips offers “how tos” on a wide range of management topics that are geared towards nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit managers will be able to find the answer to virtually any issue they have by browsing the 26 different categories of tips.
The Resource Marketplace is where a nonprofit turns to when it is need of a product or a service to help the organization reach their goal. Within each category is a list of services, along with their contact information and a short description of what they do.
The Library is an advertiser driven area, in which white pages, videos, webinars are uploaded and are searchable by subject and category.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)