Comments for Pamela Grow's Grantwriting Blog http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com Nonprofit Fundraising and Grantwriting for the One-Person Shop Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:17:05 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on The 10 essentials of an ideal thank you letter by Hillel Rzepka http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/1967/the-10-essentials-of-an-ideal-thank-you-letter/comment-page-1/#comment-1437 Hillel Rzepka Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:17:05 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=1967#comment-1437 Pamela thank you for this excellent reference. I always like to say... "Bring some WOW to your Fundraising." Thanks again for your useful writing & resources. Pamela thank you for this excellent reference. I always like to say… “Bring some WOW to your Fundraising.”

Thanks again for your useful writing & resources.

]]> Comment on Fundraising Events: a losing proposition for your nonprofit organization? by Donna Raetsen-Kemp http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/1502/fundraising-events-a-losing-proposition-for-your-nonprofit-organization/comment-page-1/#comment-1436 Donna Raetsen-Kemp Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:41:07 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=1502#comment-1436 Made a big connection with your "it depends" comment Pamela. These two simple words seem to be increasingly used and perhaps are increasingly important. Some might argue that "it depends" is akin to fence sitting, but really, shouldn't "it depend"? NFP's are rapidly becoming more sophisticated and complex. Each organization has its own culture and nuance. Perhaps saying "it depends" is one of the savviest things we can do. Could it mean that we understand that we are all unique-- different organizations that need different strategies and tactics, at different times? Made a big connection with your “it depends” comment Pamela. These two simple words seem to be increasingly used and perhaps are increasingly important.

Some might argue that “it depends” is akin to fence sitting, but really, shouldn’t “it depend”? NFP’s are rapidly becoming more sophisticated and complex. Each organization has its own culture and nuance.

Perhaps saying “it depends” is one of the savviest things we can do. Could it mean that we understand that we are all unique– different organizations that need different strategies and tactics, at different times?

]]> Comment on Fundraising Events: a losing proposition for your nonprofit organization? by Norman Olshansky http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/1502/fundraising-events-a-losing-proposition-for-your-nonprofit-organization/comment-page-1/#comment-1435 Norman Olshansky Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:58:46 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=1502#comment-1435 As indicated by Pamela, there can be tremendous benefits derived from events. The problem is that too much emphasis is given to the amount raised and not the ROI. I recently observed an event that raised $125,000 but when you factored in the 6 months of planning, staff time, volunteer time, etc., it ended up costing more than it raised. Without the overhead and staff time. the event cost 50 cents for every dollar raised. Check out the ROI on major gift fundraising, or planned giving by comparison. See article at http://nfpconsulting.blogspot.com/2009/08/fundraising-return-on-investment.html I concur with those who have already responded. However, keep in mind that some organizations need to have "social" fundraising events to engage volunteers, educate potential supporters, thank donors and be part of the "social scene" in their commuity. The main focus of this discussion should be how many, how often and what type of events are best for an organation that will help it accomplish its mission while being responsbible regarding expenditures of financial and human resources. As indicated by Pamela, there can be tremendous benefits derived from events. The problem is that too much emphasis is given to the amount raised and not the ROI. I recently observed an event that raised $125,000 but when you factored in the 6 months of planning, staff time, volunteer time, etc., it ended up costing more than it raised. Without the overhead and staff time. the event cost 50 cents for every dollar raised. Check out the ROI on major gift fundraising, or planned giving by comparison. See article at http://nfpconsulting.blogspot.com/2009/08/fundraising-return-on-investment.html

I concur with those who have already responded. However, keep in mind that some organizations need to have “social” fundraising events to engage volunteers, educate potential supporters, thank donors and be part of the “social scene” in their commuity. The main focus of this discussion should be how many, how often and what type of events are best for an organation that will help it accomplish its mission while being responsbible regarding expenditures of financial and human resources.

]]> Comment on Nonprofit Newsletters – Are You Making These Mistakes? by Courtney http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/61/nonprofit-newsletters-%e2%80%93-are-you-making-these-mistakes/comment-page-1/#comment-1434 Courtney Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:00:42 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=61#comment-1434 You're right - you want your newsletter to be the opposite of long and boring. Think of who is reading it, and write to them, using short and entertaining chunks. For some more great tips... http://www.affinityconnection.com/index.php/blog/item/15-how-to-create-a-newsletter-people-eagerly-read.html You’re right – you want your newsletter to be the opposite of long and boring. Think of who is reading it, and write to them, using short and entertaining chunks.

For some more great tips…
http://www.affinityconnection.com/index.php/blog/item/15-how-to-create-a-newsletter-people-eagerly-read.html

]]> Comment on Fundraising Events: a losing proposition for your nonprofit organization? by Renee Zau http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/1502/fundraising-events-a-losing-proposition-for-your-nonprofit-organization/comment-page-1/#comment-1433 Renee Zau Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:24:29 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=1502#comment-1433 I, too, was frustrated with the manual work involved with event donation procurement and preparation, especially knowing that nonprofits were wasting time doing the same data entry and soliciting many of the same in-kind donor businesses. That's exactly why I created DonationMatch. There are many beneficial and positive experiences donors can only get from events, I'd rather find ways to do them more easily than "throw the baby out with the bath water." New software and technology are being developed to alleviate the difficulties, and I look forward to saving time and effort behind the scenes, letting us enjoy the parties for the fun they're supposed to be for everyone, including the organizers. I, too, was frustrated with the manual work involved with event donation procurement and preparation, especially knowing that nonprofits were wasting time doing the same data entry and soliciting many of the same in-kind donor businesses. That’s exactly why I created DonationMatch.

There are many beneficial and positive experiences donors can only get from events, I’d rather find ways to do them more easily than “throw the baby out with the bath water.” New software and technology are being developed to alleviate the difficulties, and I look forward to saving time and effort behind the scenes, letting us enjoy the parties for the fun they’re supposed to be for everyone, including the organizers.

]]> Comment on Fundraising Events: a losing proposition for your nonprofit organization? by Sarah (@SAPL) http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/1502/fundraising-events-a-losing-proposition-for-your-nonprofit-organization/comment-page-1/#comment-1432 Sarah (@SAPL) Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:01:31 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=1502#comment-1432 I know for our small organization events are time consuming, but is a two for one deal with creating awareness of the programs and services, research that we offer and fund. Thousand people come out for an event, how many to a public speech about the organization? I think you need to re-evaluate your event if it doesn't correlate to your mission. Don't hold an event for the sake of holding an event. I know for our small organization events are time consuming, but is a two for one deal with creating awareness of the programs and services, research that we offer and fund. Thousand people come out for an event, how many to a public speech about the organization?

I think you need to re-evaluate your event if it doesn’t correlate to your mission. Don’t hold an event for the sake of holding an event.

]]> Comment on Does Your Organization’s Thank You Letter Suck? by Shauna http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/526/does-your-organizations-thank-you-letter-suck/comment-page-1/#comment-1431 Shauna Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:55:53 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=526#comment-1431 This is a great letter! For me it is also validation that I am doing a good job writing our agency thank you notes. The former Executive Director wrote very formal and "appropriate" thank you notes. In our small town of 20,000 we know many of our donors and they know one another. When I took the position I went more informal, focused on what their donation allowed us to do using specific examples, ie: provided 10 children with 2 hours of art lessons, etc, noted their loyalty, and invited them to visit us. I write the notes as though they are personal because they are! I don't think of sending them to x number of people but one on one. It gets difficult though doing this for the same fundraiser to the same people time after time without sounding redundant. That is the challenge for me. I am so happy I found your site and am going to explore more! This is a great letter! For me it is also validation that I am doing a good job writing our agency thank you notes. The former Executive Director wrote very formal and “appropriate” thank you notes. In our small town of 20,000 we know many of our donors and they know one another. When I took the position I went more informal, focused on what their donation allowed us to do using specific examples, ie: provided 10 children with 2 hours of art lessons, etc, noted their loyalty, and invited them to visit us. I write the notes as though they are personal because they are! I don’t think of sending them to x number of people but one on one. It gets difficult though doing this for the same fundraiser to the same people time after time without sounding redundant. That is the challenge for me. I am so happy I found your site and am going to explore more!

]]> Comment on #smNPchat: Are you participating? by Andrea Kihlstedt http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/1941/smnpchat-are-you-participating/comment-page-1/#comment-1429 Andrea Kihlstedt Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:12:42 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=1941#comment-1429 Thanks Pam. So nice to see the info about smNPchat laid out so clearly. Though I've done a few tweet chats, the best practices can be a bit of a mystery. Bravo to you, Marc and Amy for your work. So many people benefit. And I love that you "dish" about stuff! Thanks Pam. So nice to see the info about smNPchat laid out so clearly. Though I’ve done a few tweet chats, the best practices can be a bit of a mystery. Bravo to you, Marc and Amy for your work. So many people benefit. And I love that you “dish” about stuff!

]]> Comment on #smNPchat: Are you participating? by Betsy Baker http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/1941/smnpchat-are-you-participating/comment-page-1/#comment-1428 Betsy Baker Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:07:30 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=1941#comment-1428 Pam, I had lunch with Sandy Rees yesterday and I promise I asked her this exact question: "Have you seen that smNPchat? What is that?" Ha! Thanks for your timely advice on how to participate. :) Pam, I had lunch with Sandy Rees yesterday and I promise I asked her this exact question: “Have you seen that smNPchat? What is that?” Ha! Thanks for your timely advice on how to participate. :)

]]> Comment on #smNPchat | Major donors: for small shops too! | December 2, 2011 by For Major Gifts - Listen, Don't Ask | Pamela Grow http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/smnpchat-on-twitter/smnpchat-major-donors-for-small-shops-too-december-2-2011/comment-page-1/#comment-1427 For Major Gifts - Listen, Don't Ask | Pamela Grow Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:08:48 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?page_id=1856#comment-1427 [...] Lots of great information (and if you’d like to check out the transcript, you can find it here) but what it all boils down to is Gail’s mantra:  If you want money, ask for advice. If you want [...] [...] Lots of great information (and if you’d like to check out the transcript, you can find it here) but what it all boils down to is Gail’s mantra:  If you want money, ask for advice. If you want [...]

]]> Comment on I had my Board Chair call to personally thank a $20 donor. Am I crazy? by Amanda Jones http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/1847/i-had-my-board-chair-call-to-personally-thank-a-20-donor-am-i-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-1426 Amanda Jones Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:09:56 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=1847#comment-1426 Thanks for sharing this. I'm new in to the nonprofit sector, and even newer to fundraising. Articles like this help me develop my understanding of donor relations, and all the ways it's possiable to build relationships! Thanks you! Thanks for sharing this. I’m new in to the nonprofit sector, and even newer to fundraising. Articles like this help me develop my understanding of donor relations, and all the ways it’s possiable to build relationships!

Thanks you!

]]> Comment on I had my Board Chair call to personally thank a $20 donor. Am I crazy? by Leslie http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/1847/i-had-my-board-chair-call-to-personally-thank-a-20-donor-am-i-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-1425 Leslie Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:03:12 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=1847#comment-1425 No, she was absolutely NOT crazy for all the reasons listed. Mary gave when she probably could have used the $20 herself, she will not always be unemployed and people always remember how you make them feel. I bow to Rene's greatness in getting a call made within 24 hours of receipt of the gift. WOW! We started a new policy in January 2011 where board members call donors regardless of the gift size - in fact I don't tell board members what the size of the gift was. I just give the date of the most recent gift, their giving history (number of years giving) and what their relationship is to the organization (former board, adoptive parent, adoptee, etc) - if I know what that is. A few months ago, I added having program staff call. Calls made staff members are assigned based on the program they oversee. If someone donates to adoption education, I have that staff member call. Not all staff members make these calls, only those who have volunteered. I cannot tell you how many times the donors have expressed surprise and gratitude at being called. Some even go so far as to make another gift over the phone. Sometimes they think we are calling for another gift, but we assure them no, we are just calling to say thank you. Can't wait to see how this plays out over the next year or so. Gotta lay the groundwork first! No, she was absolutely NOT crazy for all the reasons listed. Mary gave when she probably could have used the $20 herself, she will not always be unemployed and people always remember how you make them feel. I bow to Rene’s greatness in getting a call made within 24 hours of receipt of the gift. WOW! We started a new policy in January 2011 where board members call donors regardless of the gift size – in fact I don’t tell board members what the size of the gift was. I just give the date of the most recent gift, their giving history (number of years giving) and what their relationship is to the organization (former board, adoptive parent, adoptee, etc) – if I know what that is. A few months ago, I added having program staff call. Calls made staff members are assigned based on the program they oversee. If someone donates to adoption education, I have that staff member call. Not all staff members make these calls, only those who have volunteered. I cannot tell you how many times the donors have expressed surprise and gratitude at being called. Some even go so far as to make another gift over the phone. Sometimes they think we are calling for another gift, but we assure them no, we are just calling to say thank you. Can’t wait to see how this plays out over the next year or so. Gotta lay the groundwork first!

]]> Comment on Monthly Giving for the Small Shop – Interview with Harvey McKinnon by Seven quintessential nonprofit resolutions for 2012…and beyond | Pamela Grow's Grantwriting Blog http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/1369/monthly-giving-for-the-small-shop-interview-with-harvey-mckinnon/comment-page-1/#comment-1424 Seven quintessential nonprofit resolutions for 2012…and beyond | Pamela Grow's Grantwriting Blog Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:00:33 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=1369#comment-1424 [...] a monthly giving program.  If you’ve already got a monthly giving program in place, kudos to you.  Now make a commitment [...] [...] a monthly giving program.  If you’ve already got a monthly giving program in place, kudos to you.  Now make a commitment [...]

]]> Comment on How to Tell Your Nonprofit’s Story With Video by How to Tell Your Nonprofit's Story with Video http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/730/how-to-tell-your-nonprofits-story-with-video/comment-page-1/#comment-1421 How to Tell Your Nonprofit's Story with Video Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:05:35 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=730#comment-1421 [...] with permission from Pamela’s Grantwriting Blog, and was originally posted on her blog here. The first part of the blog post is Pamela’s introduction to the importance of visual [...] [...] with permission from Pamela’s Grantwriting Blog, and was originally posted on her blog here. The first part of the blog post is Pamela’s introduction to the importance of visual [...]

]]> Comment on Fundraisers and Program Professionals: Can’t Everyone Just Get Along? by Leslie http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/706/fundraisers-and-program-professionals-cant-everyone-just-get-along/comment-page-1/#comment-1420 Leslie Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:42:55 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=706#comment-1420 Heidi, Just realized I never posted a response to your question about did I ever run into a program person who didn't respond to me and how did I handle it. Yes I did - she was a real hard case. I eventually found ways to work around her. Simple as that. She never did see the value of fundraising. To her it wasn't even a necessary evil, it was just evil. Heidi,
Just realized I never posted a response to your question about did I ever run into a program person who didn’t respond to me and how did I handle it. Yes I did – she was a real hard case. I eventually found ways to work around her. Simple as that. She never did see the value of fundraising. To her it wasn’t even a necessary evil, it was just evil.

]]> Comment on Nonprofit resolutions for 2012 | The experts weigh in by Andrea Kihlstedt http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/1911/nonprofit-resolutions-for-2012-the-experts-weigh-in/comment-page-1/#comment-1419 Andrea Kihlstedt Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:35:37 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=1911#comment-1419 Great resolutions from wonderful people. Thank you Pam, and thank you all. My resolutions? To set clear goals. To work on them in little bites every day. And to see and appreciate the wonderful people and opportunities around me. Happy New Year! Great resolutions from wonderful people. Thank you Pam, and thank you all. My resolutions?

To set clear goals.

To work on them in little bites every day.

And to see and appreciate the wonderful people and opportunities around me.

Happy New Year!

]]> Comment on Nonprofit resolutions for 2012 | The experts weigh in by 2012 Resolutions From the Experts » Social Needia http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/1911/nonprofit-resolutions-for-2012-the-experts-weigh-in/comment-page-1/#comment-1417 2012 Resolutions From the Experts » Social Needia Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:43:53 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=1911#comment-1417 [...] (typeof(addthis_share) == "undefined"){ addthis_share = [];}Pamela Grow, of Pamela’s Grant Writing Blog, has compiled a list of new year resolutions from nonprofit professionals. Here are a few of my [...] [...] (typeof(addthis_share) == "undefined"){ addthis_share = [];}Pamela Grow, of Pamela’s Grant Writing Blog, has compiled a list of new year resolutions from nonprofit professionals. Here are a few of my [...]

]]> Comment on Nonprofit resolutions for 2012 | The experts weigh in by Sandy Rees http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/1911/nonprofit-resolutions-for-2012-the-experts-weigh-in/comment-page-1/#comment-1416 Sandy Rees Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:25:51 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=1911#comment-1416 Thanks for compiling this list Pamela! There are some great suggestions from some very smart people. And thanks for including me. :) Sandy Rees Thanks for compiling this list Pamela! There are some great suggestions from some very smart people.

And thanks for including me. :)

Sandy Rees

]]> Comment on An NPO Culture of Scarcity … eats fundraising for lunch by Sherry Truhlar http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/1867/an-npo-culture-of-scarcity-%e2%80%a6-eats-fundraising-for-lunch/comment-page-1/#comment-1408 Sherry Truhlar Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:54:19 +0000 http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=1867#comment-1408 An amazing well-written and accurate description! Thank you also for challenging people to create an environment with a nonprofit can succeed. An amazing well-written and accurate description!

Thank you also for challenging people to create an environment with a nonprofit can succeed.

]]> Comment on Fundraising in a Recession – 7 Tips by 7 Simple Ways to Improve Nonprofit Fundraising - Nonprofit Hub - Nonprofit Hub http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/3/fundraising-in-a-recession-%e2%80%93-7-tips-for-working-smarter-not-harder/comment-page-1/#comment-1398 7 Simple Ways to Improve Nonprofit Fundraising - Nonprofit Hub - Nonprofit Hub Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:24:07 +0000 http://pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/?p=3#comment-1398 [...] Fundraising in a Recession—7 Tips [Pamela’s Grantwriting Blog] [...] [...] Fundraising in a Recession—7 Tips [Pamela’s Grantwriting Blog] [...]

]]>