Too many institutions start the draft of their “Case For Support” by focusing on the “support” part of that phrase. These are typical questions asked first: Project: What do we need money for? Priority: Is this project/initiative/building our most important priority? Details: How will we specifically spend the money? And while these are, ultimately important questions…
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“It didn’t work, so we aren’t planning to do it again.” I’ve heard this statement from advancement professionals after phonathons, direct mail solicitations, donor surveys, and even, social media-focused giving days. But, when probing just a bit further, there are almost always two separate misunderstandings that are driving this statement. First, there usually is low…
DetailsThe practice of donor-centrism has morphed into a wholly-disconnected concept from its original intent. Gone is the admonition that donors and philanthropy should be embraced and celebrated as an important thread making up the fabric of an institution’s culture – that institutions should actually care about donors. In it’s place is the widespread misunderstanding that…
Details. . . seeks to learn more about your institution’s strategic plan. . . . asks if a 5-year pledge schedule is acceptable. . . . expects to sign a pledge document or gift agreement. . . . asks how many other donors are giving at the level they are. . . . asks how…
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Join Kent Huyser as we discuss the ways you can pull it all together to have these three important teams working collaboratively for the betterment of your institution.
You may work at a prestigious and nationally (or even internationally) known educational, healthcare, or social service nonprofit. Or, you may work at a local, small organization without a lot of general brand recognition. Neither of those settings help predict the effectiveness or sophistication of your advancement program. Institutions with strong brand recognition, larger teams…
DetailsScenario: A major gift officer has set up a Discovery visit with a prospective major gift donor. This prospect either has never given to your institution or she has given infrequently and modestly to annual appeals or giving days (i.e. all gifts well under $1,000). During the Discovery visit, the gift officer realizes that the…
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Join Gonser Gerber Partner Chad Jolly and members of the Advancement staff from Columbia College (Columbia, MO) as they discuss the College’s step by step endowed and restricted fund audit process and how this project brought immediate relief to the annual operating budget, changed the College’s scholarship program, and how endowed fund agreements were written going forward.
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Join Nancy Gray, senior consultant, Gonser Gerber, as she shares her experience as an advancement practitioner and consultant, as well as a former university president and current board member.
Prior to March 2020, if asked to create a list of the most helpful qualities for advancement professionals to possess, one might include the following traits: A passion for the mission; A willingness to invite gifts; High personal and professional integrity; The ability to meet and exceed goals; A team-orientation. If an advancement professional showcased…
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