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We’re pleased to congratulate Tim Evans, M.Div., CFRE and Founder of The Unforgettables Foundation (TUF) in 1999.  He was recently awarded the prestigious “Outstanding Fundraising Professional of the Year” award 2018/19 by the Desert Communities Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Chapter at their 12^th National Philanthropy Day in Rancho Mirage, CA. Evans, who was the Founding Chaplain of Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital in 1990 following pastoring/youth pastoring in Michigan, Ohio (at Kettering/Miamisburg), and Maryland/DC (at Takoma Park Church), Co-Founded the Palm Springs area chapter in 2006 with former AFP International Chair Colette Murray, ACFRE. He was also the 1^st Chapter President and a former VP on the Board of the Inland Empire AFP Chapter which gave him the Outstanding Executive of the Year award in 2015.  Evans is an ordained Seventh-Day Adventist Pastor and a graduate of Andrews University, the SDA Theological Seminary, and has completed 2 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Loma Linda University.  Pictured with Tim is Andrew Watt, former president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Year-End Giving has become more powerful each year, and the projections for this year are good.  In a recent Chronicle of Philanthropy Daily Update, (Nov. 26) this headline stated, “Half of Donors, and 85% of the Wealthiest, Say They’ll Give More This Year.”  People who voted are also likely to give generously at year end, and supporting disaster relief is a high priority according to a study conducted just after the midterm elections to see what affect the outcome had.  If you need suggestions for managing your year-end appeal, please contact PSI.  We’re happy to help with resources.

We should continually be aware of our service-oriented mentality, since our relationships with donors and constituents is of paramount importance.  As even old marketing studies have indicated, one unhappy customer will spread the word faster than the proverbial speeding bullet.  An article in Healthcare Philanthropy Journal, Fall 2018, “Service Recovery—How dropped balls and angry donors can serve in your favor,” acknowledged that we’re all prone, at one time or another, to offending and turning off donors.  The article contained numerous suggestions on righting these tricky situations.  If you don’t get this journal, write Lilya for more information.

The traditional feasibility study is getting a second look.  Although PSI strongly stands behind this time-honored tool, the usefulness and validity of which is proven by research and best practices, there are some alternatives that might be considered when an organization can’t handle the high cost of a formal study.  One of these is featured in a article by Development Consulting Solutions, “Using a mini-feasibility study to determine the strategy of your next fundraising campaign.”  Some suggestions such as using the gift range chart as a feasibility determination are certainly valid.  The point is to ensure that your organization truly is ready to undertake a campaign.  Write us for more information.

Board issues are always with us.  BoardSource, the most respected resource for board management, has issued a publication that can be most useful.  See the publication LeadingWithIntent.org at BoardSource.org.  Don’t forget that PSI does board training as part of its consulting or as a separate service. Just contact us.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has released its compensation study.  See Advancing Philanthropy, Volume 25, No. 3,afpnet.org, for Lori Hunter Overmyer’s article, “AFP Compensation Survey.”  If you don’t subscribe to this journal, contact us for more information.

The new year is coming, sooner that we probably anticipate.  This little graphic perhaps is appropriate as we look ahead to what we will achieve in 2019!!  Thanks to whoever posted this on LinkedIn.

In the meantime, happy holidays to each of you, and wishing you a pleasant time with friends, family and fun.  I will be out of the office from December 10 and on, speaking at a conference in Italy and then visiting family and friends in Estonia, and will be back during the first week of 2019.

Until next time!  My best to each of you,

Lilya

lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

“PSI is now providing a NEW Fundraising Analytics Service that uses the same data points at the Fundraising Fitness Test. The reports are easy to understand and actionable and empower fundraisers to raise more money. The 22-page Audit graphically communicates key metrics for: revenue, donor lifetime value, donor, revenue distribution pyramid, donor retention, new donor acquisition, upgrades, and lapsed reactivation. The 35-page Fundraising Action Plan guides you step by step with individual donor identification numbers in 7 different categories, helps you know whom to contact how and when, and how much to ask them for–improving relationships and exposing their true potential to support your nonprofit cause. It also identifies those who should be converted to monthly donors via credit card, who can be upgraded from mid-level to major donors, and who is likely to give far more via planned / estate giving. To learn more click this link: http://donortrends.com/use-cases/ Randy Fox will process your data through this online platform and send you PDF Reports. ”

PSI just held their annual special event during NAD year end meetings, the President’s Dinner, on the evening of November 4, 2018. Many thanks to our special guest and speaker, Dr. David King, who heads the Lake Family Institute for Faith and Giving at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The Presentation title and theme for the event was “The Confluence of Faith and Fundraising”. Many thanks to those of you who attended. We will be sharing the PPT of his remarks shortly. We also are grateful for the respondents who did an outstanding job in reacting to Dr. King’s remarks and shared personal experiences—Dean Coridan, Reggie Leach, Sandra Roberts, and Audie Robinson. A major thanks to Lorena, Randy, Mark and Joel for their hard work in bringing this to fruition successfully!

Since the year-end is fast approaching, The Chronicle of Philanthropy is offering a volume on “How to Maximize Year-End Giving.” For information, check out the book section of The Chronicle.

Another new volume is very relevant to all fundraisers, which is a new book on women as donors. “Gender Matters: A Guide to Growing Women’s Philanthropy,” by Kathleen E. Loehr, is the latest contribution to the field of women as donors’ literature, and well-worth perusing. It is available through www.case.org.

We should continually ask ourselves if we thank our donors enough and in the right way. An item in the newsletter, Bottom Line, Nov. 15, 2018, stated the following:

Gratitude is more powerful than people think. Genuine expressions of thanks are more highly valued by the people who receive them than the senders think they will be. In a recent study, senders expected thank-you notes that they had written to generate a happiness rating in the recipients of three on a scale of one to five, with five indicating the most happiness. But recipients reported their happiness as a four, on average. The notes were not simple thanks for a gift—they were letters of gratitude to people who had affected the senders in some positive way. The quality of writing did not affect recipients’ appreciation—they cared about how warm and genuine the notes were. By Amit Kumar, PhD, assistant professor, department of marketing, University of Texas at Austin.

It seems like an appropriate time of the year for us to be reminded of the great value of genuine thanks and recognition!

Another very valuable resource is the following that reports research on nonprofit standards, and this will help you understand how you rank within America’s nonprofit sector:

“Nonprofit Standards is a national benchmarking survey of 100 nonprofit organizations across a variety of sectors, including health and human services, higher education, public charities, and private and community foundations. The survey was fielded by Market Measurement, a market research consulting firm. In its second year, Nonprofit Standards includes more precise drilldowns by annual revenue to narrow the peer groups for more meaningful comparisons. While intended to provide a valuable baseline analysis for organizations of all sizes and types, it would be impossible to capture the variety and diversity of the entire nonprofit sector. For the purposes of this survey, nonprofits are categorized in three groups according to their annual revenues:

Midrange organizations: Annual revenues under $25 million

Upper-midrange organizations: Annual revenues between $25 million and $75 million

Large organizations: Annual revenues of $76 million or greater

For more information, visit the BDO Institute for Nonprofit Excellence Resource Center.

Finally, this item should be of much interest to all of us:

World’s richest people just can’t give away their money fast enough

Bloomberg–Buffett talks about his investment strategy, his new health-care venture and the banking industry. Warren Buffett gave himself a challenge when outlining his philanthropic vision at the start of this decade. “At the latest, the proceeds from all my Berkshire shares will be expended for philanthropic purposes by 10 years after my estate is settled,” he wrote in his Giving Pledge letter in 2010. “Nothing will go to endowments; I want the money spent on current needs.” That task — the wholesale Read the full story, Shared from Apple News

Don’t forget the additional resources that are available through PSI. We have an extensive lending library and you can find the link on our website (http://philanthropicservice.com/resources/professional-development-education/psi-library-resources-2/). Our website also has short webinars on many topics. You can use these to learn the basics about many important topics. We also have a myriad of articles and other materials on just about any topic with which you might need help. So, contact us!

Finally, a warm wish to you!

Until next time!  My best to each of you,

Lilya

lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

Mobile:  317-250-8274

For archived messages click here.

The Fundraising Effectiveness Survey Report, which is the parent project of PSI’s Fundraising Fitness Test, has been released for 2017.  This contains very important information, and as you already know, the tools such as the Fundraising Fitness Test are increasinglybeing adopted by responsible and successful organizations.  We can share a copy with you:  Click to download

A project of the Growth in Giving Initiative.  The 2018 Fundraising Effectiveness Project report summarizes data from 13,601 nonprofit organizations covering year to year fundraising results for 2016-2017.

Once again we’re reminded of the need for accountability, transparency, honesty, and trust as we read about yet another incident of betrayal of ethics and good stewardship.  This hit the news recently, in case you missed it:  Couple accused of taking homeless man’s GoFundMe money shows perils of crowdfunding, CBS News.  A New Jersey couple is accused of spending thousands of dollars raised online for a homeless man. The story, which went viral, has turned into a cautionary tale. CBS News correspondent Anna Werner explains. Read the full story

At the same time, we hear good news regarding increasing social media tools.  This was in the August 14, 2018,  issue of the Chronicle of Philanthropy Daily Update,  ‘Alexa, Make a Donation’: How Digital Assistants Might Lift Fundraising:  ‘Alexa Donations’ offers people a convenient new tool for donations. How will charities use it?

 Also in the Chronicle of Philanthropy Daily Update, October 2, 2018, was an article that I specially appreciated:  Immigrants Are an Often Overlooked Force in Giving

“The ranks of the Giving Pledge and America’s wealthy feature a surprising number of foreign-born philanthropists. Who are they, and what causes do they give to?”  This, of course, is special for me as an immigrant but is also supported by my book, Diversity and Philanthropy:  Expanding the Circles of Giving, this book is listed on PSI’s home page, with contributors from many nationalities, cultures, traditions and religions who supported the body of the book.

Please remember the vast resources that PSI can offer you.  One useful item might be our Fundraising Planning table and checklist, which we can readily send to you.

Finally, I saw this on LinkedIn and didn’t see any copyright information, therefore I’m sharing it with you!  No more commentary needed.

Until next time!  My best to each of you,

Lilya

lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

Mobile:  317-250-8274

For archived messages click here.

As of September 5, 2018

We’re continuing to welcome newcomers to the PSI MAP program (Model for Academy Philanthropy) and are pleased to assist those who contact us outside of those parameters.  Please view the information on our website and get in touch with PSI if/when we can assist you. We continue to be grateful for an active core group that aided us at both the PSI conference and the education convention.  These individuals are willing to remain active as an advisory group on behalf of education;  If you have suggestions or comments please contact me, Lorena Hernandez, or one of these committee members—Cleopatra Trevilcock; Tanna Allison; Janel Ware; Melissa Keller; Arthur Gibbs; Lucy Hall; Andrew Lay.

Just a reminder of the myriad of print, on-line, website and personal resources PSI has available for you. We are fortunate to be able to subscribe to the top journals on the field and we maintain files on all fundraising, philanthropy and nonprofit management topics. We have a fine library and lend you books. And of course, all of our staff are ready to respond to your questions. Please feel free to write to me with any needs and we’ll make sure you receive a response. Check out our website for webinars, our handbooks, our careers in fundraising handbook, and much more!

You’ll find on this website some very interesting nonprofit statistics which are valuable to know since all Adventist organizations are part of this sector in the United States. Click here

You will also find interesting this Op-Ed by one of my long-time colleagues and friends who works for the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Dr. Tyrone Freeman. This is just one of many items we have seen appear in recent years on cultural influences on philanthropy. Read here

Also in conjunction with the above topic, just a reminder to check out my book which is listed on our website which contains comprehensive coverage on the topic as well, Diversity and Philanthropy—Expanding the Circle of Giving. Also look at my website which keeps this topic alive, with new and current information as well as guest columns on various topics by people from many different cultures—www.diversityandphilanthropy.com. Sometimes we miss including donors of different backgrounds and traditions because we don’t understand their preferences for giving. It’s simply a matter of respect to honor our differences when it comes to philanthropy . . . and of course in our everyday lives.

PSI just delivered a live-streamed webinar on donor-advised funds by Bill Stanczykiewicz of The Fund Raising School and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. We appreciate his excellent presentation. The PowerPoint will be posted on PSI’s website. Watch for our next and final webinar on planned giving and how it fits into a fundraising program. Presenters will be Jim Brown of Western Adventist Foundation and Consultant Jim Gillespie.

I am currently working in nine different countries in Africa and continue to greatly appreciate the forward-looking professionals who are eager for information and training and ready to apply the principles. Many, of course, have already been doing fundraising and are seeing much success. My gratitude to Elder Ted Wilson and the General Conference for making this possible.

Until next time!  My best to each of you,

Lilya

lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

Mobile:  317-250-8274

For archived messages click here.

Even though it’s summertime, our work never abates, and I know that’s true for you.  And for Adventist education, busy times lie ahead and are approaching quickly!

PSI will be presenting at the ASI conference in Orlando on August 2 and will also be exhibiting and presenting at the 2018 Teachers Convention in Chicago.  We hope to see some of you there!

Just a reminder that we have a very important webinar coming up on August 28 on donor-advised funds, a true hot topic today since more major donors are choosing this as an easy way to give.  Please watch for further news about this, both on our website and via an e-mail blast.

And speaking of major donors, I’ve fielded several questions about how to approach and speak with major donors.  Please write me for some information if you need it, or are interested.  One article recently appeared in The Chronicle of Philanthropy on “What You Should and Shouldn’t Do When Meeting With a Donor.”

The current political turmoil in the U.S. is having an influence on giving, according to information from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), ”Sluggish First Quarter Raises Concerns for Year-Long Giving Outlook.”  Probably one of the best reminders of how to maintain fundraising income is to be sure we are responsive and take care of our donors!  Estimates are that approximately 60% of donors quit giving because of how the organization treats them!  So, let’s be cautious and be responsive!

Just a reminder of what PSI can do for you, besides responding to phone inquiries, sending materials, and visiting you on site—we have a great resource library and also have a series of webinars on our website!  We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you!

Until next time!

Lilya

lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

Mobile:  317-250-8274

For archived messages click here.

As of July 4, 2018

The PSI 2018 conference is over, and according to feedback we’ve received, it was both a profitable and pleasant time. We hope you enjoyed receiving the daily e-mails and in the near future we will have photos and presentation slides on the PSI website. Our sincere thanks to the planning committee, many of whom also served as volunteers, and our outstanding speakers!! And special accolades to Randy Fox, who headed the effort and spent many sleepless nights ensuring the conference would be a success. Our planning committee and on-site volunteers were David Burghart (chair), Wally Amundson, Janice Da Silva, Becky Becker, Breanna Bork, Carol Bradfield, Alphonce Brown, David Colwell, Nancy Gerard, Charlotte Henderson, John Huynh, Chris LeBrun, Andrew Lay, Ronnie Mills, Rob Raney, Audie Robinson, Kara Turpen, and Janel Ware. Additional planning committee members whom we also thank were David Faehner, Lou Gehring,  Volodymyr Grenchenko, Sharon Heinrich, Rick Remmers, Nik Satelmajer, Hal Thomsen, Kenny Turpen, and Darren Wilkins.

At the conference we exhibited an array of books, which many enjoyed reviewing and borrowing. PSI has an extensive library, including a special collection of leadership books, and we’re happy to lend these to you upon request. We try to keep the collection up to date while at the same time share timeless volumes and historic texts.

We’re very pleased to welcome our newest staff member, Joel Nuthalapati! (include photo, get paragraph bio).

The article in this link might be of interest to you. It mentions Giving USA and religious giving.  A growing social movement is trying to bring scientific rigor to philanthropy. Click to read: Can “effective altruism” maximise the bang for each charitable buck?

Another article worth noting is in the AFP eWire, Vol. 18, Num. 23, June 6, 2018, “Sluggish First Quarter Raises Concerns for Year-Long Giving Outlook.” The results are based on the noteworthy Fundraising Effectiveness Project of which PSI is a part. If you can’t access it, write me.

If you’re ever concerned about how to accomplish a face-to-face funding request, look up this article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, “What You Should and Shouldn’t Do When Meeting With a Donor,” in the April, 2018 issue. Again, if you can’t access this valuable piece of information, write me.

We were pleased to pick up some new schools for the PSI Model for Academy Philanthropy (MAP) program. If you know of an academy or K-12 school that’s interested, please refer them to our website: Model for Academy Philanthropy.

Happy Fourth of July! As a refugee and immigrant, I’m particularly fond of this special holiday and wish each of our readers a pleasant and thoughtful celebration.

Until next time!

Lilya

lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

Mobile:  317-250-8274

For archived messages click here.

First and foremost, of course, is one more reminder of our upcoming PSI conference, June 26-29.  You’ll find all the information you need on our website, but of course, write or call us at any time.

An interesting issue that surfaces from time to time, with fair regularity is the old idea that “if every person gives $100, and we have 250 members or friends, just think how much money we can raise!”  I heard about this twice last week.  I’m sure if you’re reading this you know this strategy was debunked as long as as in the sixties, when experts began writing professional books about fundraising as a formalized and organized activity, but perhaps others around you will urge you to think of this idea.  It doesn’t work, for both practical and human nature reasons.  Just fyi!

Early in 2018 the Giving USA annual survey of state laws was issued.  This is important information for us to know so that we’re all in compliance with what our individual states require.  If you’re not aware of this, write me.

Donor-Advised Funds are becoming more and more prevalent as a way for major donors to give.  The director of The Fund Raising School, Bill Stanczykiewicz, will be presenting a live webinar on the topic on August 1.  I also save the best articles and advice on this topic, so if you need some information, especially on how to access such funds, write me and I’ll forward either copies or links.

Speaking of webinars, check out the ones we have on our website, presented by top senior professionals in our field.  Mark Lindemann is continually adding to this set, which eventually will consist of  a full complement that matches our general version of our handbook, Successful Fundraising.  Just as a reminder, we have four versions of this handbook, the second revision of the original one designed for churches and church-related organizations, a Canadian version, and one in Spanish.

An informative article based on new research appeared in the Daily Update of the Chronicle of Philanthropy, April 17, 2018, “$9 Trillion Will Transfer From Americans’ Estates, New Analysis Says,” by Heather Joslyn.  It’s a good reminder of the mutual benefits to the donor and the organization regarding planned gifts, and how there is much room for growth in that area.

A personal note—I will be traveling for work in Central Asia from May 25 to June 8 and will be a bit slower in responding or sending news, but do keep in touch whenever you need to or wish to.  Until next time!

Lilya

lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

Mobile:  317-250-8274

For archived messages click here.

• ATTENTION!! Important opportunity!
• Remember that Awards will be given in recognition for outstanding service, volunteerism and generosity in K-12 education, higher education, healthcare, and supporting ministries at the PSI conference in late June. Submit your nominations NOW for someone who has volunteered or given to your organization. See PSI’s website for forms.
• WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU AND RECEIVING YOUR NOMINATIONS!

Just want to remind you of two special services PSI can offer through its staff or experienced consultants which may be valuable to your operation.  First is planning assistance; we can come on-site and train, sit down with you and help you with your plan, or provide you with materials.  Second is an assessment, a procedure that is positive and not punitive, and frequently provides substantive information on what’s what, how can fundraising be improved, and what recommendations can be made from a professional viewpoint.  Just contact us.

Which reminds me—don’t forget our excellent library with timeless and up-to-date books that you can check out!

We just held a webinar on corporate giving, including in-kind gifts.  An upcoming webinar will be on Donor-Advised Funds, given by Bill Stanczykiewicz, Director of The Fund Raising School, which many of you have attended, at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.  This will be on August 1.  Watch for further notice!

Wealth Engine just produced a 2018 U.S. Millionaire Report, which you can download from their website, https://www.wealthengine.com/.  Also, an interesting article appeared in The Chronicle of Philanthropy Daily Update, Chronicle of Philanthropy Daily Update, April 10, 2018, “’Modern Donors’ Are Changing How Charities Should Raise Money,” by Nicole Wallace.  If you don’t get the Chronicle, ask us for a copy of this article.

Until next time, which is approximately in two weeks!  See you by e-mail as well (we are now sending these News and Notes by e-mail to our constituents).  Remember to nominate someone worthy for an award and honor that person as well as your own organization!

Lilya

lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

Mobile:  317-250-8274

For archived messages click here.