Category Archives: FUNdraising Good Times

Fundraising commentary, tips and information.

Three Fundraising Workshops Not to Miss

Posted on August 3, 2010 | 1 comment

Here are three upcoming workshops in the SF Bay Area that will help you raise money to better your community. Get out your pen and paper — or your iphone — and note the following dates so you can take advantage of these low-cost, high-quality learning and networking opportunities!

1. Apply now! If you need to know how to raise money from individuals for your non-profit then you need to sign up for the Fundraising Academy for Communities of Color. This seven month training program is focused on helping nonprofits based in communities of color in Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano Counties. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 20th.The Academy is offered by CompassPoint and the Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training (GIFT) and begins in October.

 The Fundraising Academy helps nonprofits led by people of color that are primarily supported by foundation grants or government funds. Learn how to build a base of supporters from the communities you serve and advocate for. Learn how to shift your approach to fundraising, strengthen your skills, and increase your goals and results. Click here for more information or call (510) 452-4520 x301 and ask to talk with Manish. You can also visit www.grassrootsfundraising.org to find more great information to help grow your fundraising. Tell them Mel and Pearl sent you!

2. Craigslist Foundation Boot Camp. Saturday August 14, 2010 on the UC Berkeley Campus. This one-day boot camp is for people who are concerned about their communities and neighborhoods. The focus of Craigslist Foundation Boot Camp is simple: to connect, motivate and inspire greater community impact. This year’s boot camp has a new community-building focus that will bring together emerging and experienced leaders in the social and nonprofit sectors, aspiring and accomplished social entrepreneurs, professionals and decision makers from government, business and the community building sectors. If you want to learn from and network with people who want to enrich and empower their local communities and neighborhoods then this is the conference for you. To learn more visit www.craigslistfoundation.org or call (415) 278-0404. If you are a student or your organization has a budget of less than $500,000 the cost is just $99.

3. Fifth Annual Nonprofit Management Institute. October 5th – 6th on the Stanford University Campus. Hosted by the Stanford Social Innovation Review and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. This institute will help you figure out how to lead your organization during these challenging times of structural change. The recession has permanently changed the approaches organizations need to take to raise funds; nonprofits have to work with government in new ways; traditional governance models are shifting; and social media has turned communication upside down. This year’s institute will address these important strategic topics and emphasize the new leadership skills needed for managing and growing nonprofit organizations during times of dramatic change. Click here for more information visit or call 703-519-8494.

Don’t be left out! You need to know what it takes to stay afloat and grow. And as always, remember to have a FUNdraising Good Time!

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Celebrate a New National Park

Posted on July 19, 2010 | 1 comment

Sometimes a dream appears so big you wonder if it can come true. Here is our position: Believe that you can, and then bring together people who share your vision and are willing to contribute their talents, connections, time and money to make it happen. That’s how we got our newest national park and a tribute to Black history.

About five years ago we were asked to help create awareness and support for the idea of making Port Chicago – the Concord, CA area site where the largest U.S. home front disaster during World War II took place – a part of the national park system.

Our founder, Mel Shaw, had just brought together a group of local African American leaders and influencers to encourage Black families to visit Yosemite National Park — so we were the right people to ask. But would others come out to support Port Chicago as well? The only way to find out was to ask.

When we asked – and invited – people came out. They wanted to learn more about the explosion at Port Chicago and the young Black men who made history by standing up to the military, risking court martial, and who in the process helped integrate the armed forces.

The Port Chicago explosion at the naval magazine killed 320 men, 202 of whom were African-American. The explosion, work stoppage, and subsequent mutiny trial provide insights into the injustice of racial discrimination, the African-American experience in the U.S. military, and home front life during the Second World War. These events ultimately led to the desegregation of the armed services in the United States.

The people who came out that day five years ago launched the Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial a 501 c3 led by Rev. Diana McDaniel, a Unity minister from San Leandro. Fast forward to Fall 2009 and with the help of many friends, including Congressman George Miller (D-CA), our first African American president signed legislation that made Port Chicago a national park.

The legislation, signed as part of the FY2010 Defense Authorization Act elevates Port Chicago from an affiliated park site to a full unit of the National Park System. This allows the Park Service to create a national park visitor center and receive increased funding to hire park rangers to share the site’s story with the public.

This past Saturday the 66th commemoration of the explosion and dedication of our new national park was celebrated. Take a look at the event. For more information see www.nps.gov/poch. And as always, continue to have a FUNdraising Good Time!

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Keeping the Community in Community Foundations

Posted on July 14, 2010 | Leave a comment

Community foundations play a major role in communities across the country. They are a vehicle for organized giving that primarily benefits a specific geographic area. They bring together individual donors, local businesses, families, and others to pool their resources and make grants.

Here is how the Austin Community Foundation defines what a community foundation is: A community foundation is a philanthropic vehicle that combines the charitable gifts of many to provide leadership and financial leverage in addressing the current and future needs of the community through various grant making activities designed to improve the lives of the citizens of that community.

And here is what the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis is doing to encourage local residents to give to the foundation, and to have a say in how those funds are granted out to local organizations. They call their campaign GiVE 365. The campaign was launched with the belief that everyone can be a philanthropist. They especially want to engage people in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s though anyone can participate. Annual membership is $365, or a dollar a day.

GiVE 365 helps participants to change how they know themselves. When you join GIVE 365 the definition of philanthropist changes. A philanthropist is not someone else. A philanthropist is you and me. Making a commitment to GiVE 365 puts everyday people in the driver’s seat. As long as you can give $365 a year you are in the mix. And it is a mix.

Being a member of GiVE 365 means you give and you grant. You – and the other members of GiVE 365 – get to work together to determine how the funds given should be granted. Now that is an unusual experience for many of us. Usually we – and our organizations – are on the soliciting-side of philanthropy, not the decision-making side. Participating in a donor circle such as GIVE 365 changes the dynamic so that you become a decision-maker.

This is a new program at the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis and those who participate will help shape the program. To kick it off the foundation matched the first $20,000. We talked with Bob Fockler, the president of the foundation and he said “We are really excited about the prospects for GiVE 365. Memphis has been shown to be a city full of very generous people, yet we are far from a wealthy city. GiVE 365 provides an opportunity for people from virtually all economic backgrounds to have an active part in helping to transform this city. After all, most great things come about as a result of the collective actions of a great many people.”

If you are interested in starting such a program in your community, call your community foundation, ask to speak to a program officer, and tell them you read about what the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis is up to. Be sure to say you want to help make it happen. GIVE 365. It’s worth it!

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Community College Trends, Part Two

Posted on July 5, 2010 | Leave a comment

Last week Robert “Bobby” McDonald, a member of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, talked with us about community college trends. This week he discusses the importance of fundraising by community colleges.

Saad & Shaw – Why do community colleges need to engage in fundraising?

McDonald –In 2008, California’s Community Colleges made history, when they received the largest gift to community colleges. The Bernard Osher Foundation made a commitment of $50 million to the California Community Colleges, which created a new trend in community college philanthropy, helping raise awareness of the need to increase scholarship support to California’s community college students. With an additional $50 million funds, raised by our community colleges and the scholarship endowment, the total could reach $100 million.

The goal of the California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment is to support student success and opportunity by creating a permanent fund for scholarships, offering long-term relief to the rising costs that keep many students from completing their education.  Our communities need to actively support the fundraising goals of the community colleges in their area to help support a winning opportunity that has a clear total impact on our future.

Saad & Shaw – What are the challenges that impact district chancellors and college presidents as they begin the work of fundraising?

McDonald – Before our financial crisis, there wasn’t a strong emphasis to fundraise. Now there is a need to find good development/foundation consultants, community organizations, grant writers and the like.  The new breed of leaders now must look at entrepreneurial opportunities from the public and private sectors, in the communities, as a regular way of garnering resources.

Saad & Shaw – There must be hundreds of thousands of community college alumni in California alone. How can alumni get involved? What should they do?

McDonald – Hopefully, the directors of the community college foundations have been challenged and engaged to use the Osher gift as impetus to grow their college foundations.  Now more than ever alums need to be asked to give and support. Whether it be a name on a building, a special art or science wing, an athletic field, a nursing facility, whatever is part of the mission and vision of the campus. Just ask!!

Saad & Shaw – Beyond alumni, who should support and invest in community colleges?

McDonald – We are serving 2.9 million students. We are setting, maintaining and enhancing the educational opportunities for everyone in our communities.   Veterans continuing their education, students of fire science, police science, criminal justice, and nursing, just to name a few, are being served by our community colleges.  We serve everyone and anyone that wants to improve their business or their quality of life. Everyone should invest in our community colleges. It is the best investment in our country.

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Community College Trends

Posted on June 29, 2010 | 1 comment

 

Community colleges play a vital role in educating people of all ages across our country. Enrollments are increasing as people look to gain new skills in our changing and challenging economy. Those seeking a four year degree are often beginning their educations at their local community college. They know they can receive quality education at a much lower price. At the same time community colleges are facing challenges such as decreased state funding, and the need to provide services and scholarships not covered by funds from state government allocations or federal grants.

We wanted to know more about community college trends and so we reached out to Robert “Bobby” McDonald, a member of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. If you have met Bobby you won’t forget him! He began his education at a community college – Los Angeles Harbor College – and is a strong advocate for community colleges.

Saad & Shaw – What are current and emerging trends within community colleges?

 

Bobby McDonald – I really believe the most critical trend is understanding that the usual sources of income have dried up.  Funding from federal and state, due to our current financial climate, will force community colleges to seek that innovative and entrepreneurial spirit.  Community colleges will have to revamp and outreach in the community, both public and private, to garner resources. It’s no longer business as usual.  Outside sources of revenue will be needed for program development, athletics and scholarships.  Community colleges will have to build stronger relationships and partnerships while securing stronger relevance, like the four year institutions, especially in the fundraising arena.

Saad & Shaw – What is the profile of California’s community college student?

 

McDonald – The profile of California community college students is as varied and diverse as the 112 campus system.  The 2.9 million students range from high school students using the community college for additional classes or AP courses; to the returning veteran’s reintegration process with education, career technical support and adjustment; to the laid-off worker or career changing individual who is seeking a necessary skill set change.  The age group is from 17 to 68, more women than men, but very, very multicultural, cross-cultural and diversified, similar to the make up of our communities.

Saad & Shaw – What do you envision as the future role of community colleges?

 

McDonald: The mission of the California Community College’s Board of Governor’s is “Empowering Community Colleges through Leadership, Advocacy and Support.”  During these difficult financial times, the Board will play a significant role for the future, especially maintaining the precepts and enhancing the mission. We are forced to review, revise and re-evaluate the way we go to market.  Key issues such as basic skills, transfer, career technical training, counseling, and graduating are paramount.  As we look into the upcoming “Green Era,” major corporations are already investing in the community colleges to begin to train and educate students for these jobs. We will always be there for that second chance, for that new wave of technology and more importantly, for that student or employer that needs that special training or help with training.

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Crossing the Rubicon: Planning, Change & Results

Posted on June 25, 2010 | Leave a comment

 Rubicon Programs has been serving people who are homeless, unemployed, or who have mental illness for over 37 years. As it looks to the future, it is once again putting its reputation for innovation into action. We asked Jane Fischberg, President and Executive Director, more about their new direction.

 Saad & Shaw – What is happening at Rubicon?

 Jane Fischberg – We have been engaged in a change process. Late last year, we sold Rubicon Bakery.  The Bakery’s social purpose continues; all of the employees were retained, and, as the bakery grows, residual payments will come back to Rubicon.  Restructuring Rubicon Bakery helped us stay true to our mission, freeing up resources to support critical programs at a time when they’re most needed. We are looking at who we are and the programs we offer, and striving to be more targeted.  We went through an expedited strategic planning process in early 2010, facilitated by a top notch international consulting firm.

 Saad & Shaw – That sounds challenging and expensive.

 Jane – We were fortunate that one of our highly engaged funders helped us to access pro bono consulting services.

 Saad & Shaw – It is amazing what people and institutions will do when they believe in your work.

 Jane – We work hard to demonstrate that we are worthy of investment.  We are about changing lives.  We are a high-impact community services organization with a great board that has helped us to significantly increase our fundraising over the past two and a half years.  We offer workforce services, housing and case management, mental health care, and legal services, with services in Richmond, Berkeley, and Hayward.  We are proud of our successful commercial landscape business, Rubicon Landscape, servicing public and private accounts, providing training and employment opportunities to some of the people we serve.

 Saad & Shaw – That’s a lot of services and a lot of territory. It sounds as if you too have been crossing the Rubicon.

 Jane – Funny you should say that. For years people have not really known what the word Rubicon stands for.  It is a metaphor for a personal journey of change from which there is no turning back. We are dedicated to helping people on their journey towards recovery and towards economic self-sufficiency

 Saad & Shaw – What specific programs do you offer that help people beginning their journey of personal change?

 Jane –We help people enter the workforce with our career centers in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, partnering with different employers. One thing that is unique about us is the way our programs work together to help address the multiple challenges people face.

 Saad & Shaw – Can you give us an example?

Jane –Legal and Workforce Services (LaWS) is a good example.  Our legal services and workforce services provide participants access to legal assistance for specific, often common obstacles that keep people from getting hired. We coordinate our legal and vocational services and house them in the same location so we can best help people who often have the greatest challenges securing work.

To learn more about Rubicon Programs Inc. visit www.rubiconprograms.org or call (510) 235-1516.

© Mel and Pearl Shaw 2010.

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Not Business As Usual – Stepping Outside the Norm

Posted on June 9, 2010 | Leave a comment

 

Two things made last month’s Rubicon Programs annual event unique. First, it honored individuals who had participated in their programs. Second, it wasn’t a fundraiser! The 2010 Rubicon Honors was designed as a way to introduce donors and funders to the people who are impacted by the organization’s work. To learn more about what is going on at Rubicon we talked with Jane Fischberg, President & Executive Director.

Saad & Shaw – Organizations typically honor individuals outside of their organization who either exemplify the organization’s values or can speak directly to the organization’s impact. But you did something different. You selected program participants and volunteers. What influenced this decision?

Jane Fischberg – In prior years we hosted Rubicon Honors as a more traditional event. But in 2008 we turned the tables by honoring a man who had participated in our programs. Those who attended really liked hearing from the people we serve. In 2009, with changes in the economy, we decided not to host a fundraising event. Instead our board members hosted a series of small house parties. This year we did something different again and asked our program managers to nominate individuals to be honored at our annual event.

Saad & Shaw – Sounds like you turned the tables again.

Jane –We wanted the people who worked with our program participants and volunteers to be the ones nominating the people we honor. Staff identified five program participants and four volunteers for us to honor. Our development team met with each nominee. We didn’t know if we would honor all who were nominated or a few. As it turns out we honored everyone who was nominated.  And people at the event really enjoyed learning about their diverse life stories.

Saad & Shaw – You did something different yet again by turning your annual fundraiser into a friend-raiser. How and why did you make that decision?

Jane – Since we hadn’t had a fundraiser in 2009 we felt it was important to re-engage our supporters in a meaningful way. We decided that offering our donors, funders and partners the opportunity to share an evening with the people of Rubicon would deepen our relationships. Corporate partners made the event possible by underwriting our costs. Our long-term supporters came out and they brought new people with them. And once again it was the stories that made the difference. Our guests had the opportunity to see how we change lives.

Saad & Shaw – Would you share your mission with our readers?

Jane – The mission of Rubicon Programs is to equip people to move out of poverty and to partner with people with mental illness as they begin their journey of recovery.

Our next post will have more information on Rubicon and their impact.

Learn more about Rubicon Programs Inc. at www.rubiconprograms.org or call (510) 235-1516.

© Mel and Pearl Shaw 2010.

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Don’t Miss Fundraising Day: June 16 in San Francisco

Posted on June 3, 2010 | 1 comment

Where can you go to learn everything you need to know about fundraising? Is there a one-stop-shop for information about fundraising that can help fundraising professionals, board members, volunteers, consultants, and executive directors? Is there a place to learn how to improve your direct mail campaign? How to write better proposals? What about the right use of technology? Well, Fundraising Day 2010 has all the answers you are looking for.

Mark your calendar for June 16, 2010, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and show up at the Marriott Hotel at 55 4th Street in San Francisco.

Fundraising Day is a one-day nonprofit fundraising training for the Northern California nonprofit community. Organizations of all sizes and types are invited. With 40 workshops scheduled, there is something for everyone. One thousand people are expected to attend with an average of 100 attendees per workshop. And don’t worry – food is provided. There will be a continental breakfast, two coffee breaks, and lunch, with vegetarian options available.

Here are some examples of the types of workshops offered:

  1. How to Deliver Superlative Donor Care
  2. The Science of Direct Mail: How Does It Measure Up?
  3. Rebuilding Your Board
  4. How to Approach a Foundation: From Initial Contact to Getting Funded — What Does it Take?
  5. Anticipating Foundation Trends: What Philanthropy Insiders Predict
  6. Raising Money Online: A Savvy Guide to Fundraising Success
  7. Everything You Ever Wanted to Ask About Fundraising Technology But Were Afraid to Ask
  8. Working Smarter not Harder: Fundraising Planning for Small Shops

The event is presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Golden Gate Chapter  and the Development Executives Roundtable. Both of these organizations offer workshops and programming throughout the year to support the work of non-profit organizations across the Bay Area. They come together to present this conference to help strengthen the many organizations providing vital services, strong advocacy, and inspiring arts productions.

“The line-up of speakers, workshops and panels at this year’s Fundraising Day is incredible. Our stellar volunteer program committee outdid themselves in putting the program together this year. We really do have something for everyone, with workshops designed for every level of fundraiser, from the volunteer new to fundraising to seasoned professionals who qualify for our Masters track. We can’t think of a time when this conference has been more important, and we are really delivering,” Leyna Bernstein & Cheryl Clarke, Co-Chairs, Fundraising Day 2010

The conference also includes an Ask the Experts Pavilion where you can sign up to talk one-on-one with an experienced professional about a specific fundraising question. The Career Café provides an opportunity for people who work in the nonprofit sector to talk with a coach or other individual for guidance on how to build their career or find a new job.

To learn more, or to register visit www.afp-ggc.org/frd2010 or call (415) 404-6501.

© Mel and Pearl Shaw 2010.

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Are You Ready For a Reality Check?

Posted on May 26, 2010 | Leave a comment

How do you know if your organization is headed in the right direction? Who do you talk to? How do you know whether or not to believe what people say?

What would it mean if you knew what people think of your organization? Would you offer different services? Engage in new forms of advocacy? Host different art exhibits? Offer translation services? Rethink your budget? Consider merging with another organization?

Below are a few questions you can ask. Ask those who are close to you and who may know all about your ups-and-downs. Ask those who use your services. Ask donors, volunteers, funders, you staff, newsletter readers, and your neighbors. The goal is to find out what people think about what you are doing.

You may find out that your perceptions are echoed by those you ask. Or you may find a divide. Both findings are valuable and good. They give you information you can use to evaluate what you are doing and where you are headed.

You can have the following printed on an easy-to-read card that you hand out or distribute as a direct mail piece.  Or you can use them to create an internet-based survey using free software such as www.SurveyMonkey.com. Or you can personally ask people these questions in an interview format. If yours is a larger, or more established organization you may want to consider engaging a professional marketing or fundraising firm.

  1. Are we headed in the right direction?
  2. Are we living up to our mission?
  3. Do you know what our current programs are?
  4. Do you know what our vision for the future is? Do you support it?
  5. Do you trust the management and leadership of this organization?
  6. Are you willing to continue to advocate for this organization and to provide support?

For many of us the past 18 months have been very challenging. When you explore how to do more with less it is good to consider what others think. You may be surprised by what you learn. This is especially important for organizations that have a long history of service. There may be new and creative ways to do things that your current leaders haven’t yet tapped. It’s always good to take the pulse of the community you are a part of. Your organization’s next good idea may be just a question away. Take the chance and find out what others think.

© Mel and Pearl Shaw 2010.



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What You Can Learn From a Fundraising Feasibility Study

Posted on May 18, 2010 | Leave a comment

Too often organizations are focused on how quickly they can begin fundraising. “We need the money now!” is a common cry. Our response is simply it’s not how quickly you begin raising money, it’s how quickly you reach your fundraising goal.

If you start your fund-raising without finding out how local stakeholders and potential donors will respond to the specifics of your campaign, you will probably raise some money, but the real question is “will you raise all the money you need? Fundraising campaigns that launch without the market research that a fundraising feasibility study provides can later find themselves in the midst of what is known as ‘campaign stall’ – they have raised a percentage of their goal, but they can’t raise the remaining funds.

Conducting a fundraising feasibility study or survey is one way to avoid such stall. This is because the results of the study will let you know important information such as:

  1. How do those interviewed really feel about your proposed fundraising campaign? Do they understand what you are raising money for and how those funds will help you deliver on your mission?
  2. Do your current and prospective donors believe the organization or institution is headed in the right direction?
  3. How do they rate your CEO, board members, and staff?
  4. Do people believe your organization fulfills an important role in the community? Do they know your mission, vision, and major programs?
  5. Are they willing to give to your proposed fundraising campaign? Why or why not? If yes, at what level? If no, would they consider making a gift at a later date?
  6. Are there others they know who would want to financially support your organization?
  7. Who can provide volunteer fundraising leadership? Who amongst those interviewed would be willing to give their time to help you raise the money you need? Who else can they recommend to provide such leadership?
  8. Who can provide in-kind resources to help offset costs associated with fundraising and annual operations? Can a local company provide your printing? Can a realtor help you secure donated office space?
  9. Most importantly, do those interviewed believe you can reach your fundraising goal, and how much time do they think it will take for you to do so?

That last point is the most important. If the people you intend to ask to financially support your organization are not willing to do so, it is important for you to know their objections, to take the time to address them (if you choose to do so), and as needed to find other individuals and institutions who feel more favorably towards your organization, its leadership, mission and goals.

The information gained from feasibility interviews can help you modify your proposed fundraising strategies and activities. It can also help you address the concerns of those interviewed and to take advantage of opportunities you may not have otherwise known of.

© Mel and Pearl Shaw 2010.

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