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News and Notes – as of April 1, 2019

As of April 1, 2019

We who do professional and donor-centered fundraising often ask the question, “What do donors want?”  Now there’s a book about successful fundraising communications published by popular author Tom Ahern, What Your Donors Want . . . and why!  The subtitle is “The Ultimate Guide to Successful Fundraising Communications.”  You can borrow this book from the PSI library.

Are you job hunting, or just needing to update your resume?  A recent article in Bottom Line Personal, (BottomLineInc.com), had an article on “New Rules for Breakthrough Resumes.”  I can share a copy if you’re interested.  Don’t forget that PSI’s website,www.philanthropicservice.com, has a site for resumes and job notices.  We would like to improve this service for our clients and constituents, so please send suggestions as well as content.

Also, don’t forget our free book on careers in fundraising, which you can download from our website, Your Future in Fundraising. Let’s work together to increase the number of fundraisers in the Adventist Church and its organizations!  Which remind me—be sure to remember our Career Opportunities program.  You can look up the information on our website.

For our colleagues and clients in Canada, Advancing Philanthropy, the journal of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, published an article “Taxes and Charitable Giving in Canada,” by R. Scott Fortnum.  If you want this information, just e-mail me.

Speaking of e-mail, at times it seems like the more we are able to communicate through various tools, the less we do.  The news journal The Week, March 1, 2019, had a short item summarizing a New York Times article that stated “Competent people answer their emails,” by Adam Grant.  E-mail is still a good means of communication with our donors and friends, so let’s be competent and attend to e-mail promptly, courteously, and effectively.

Do you work with low-income people, immigrants and refugees, women and girls, or people with disabilities?  The survey by Grantmakers for Education found that three-quarters of foundations said their grants go toward these population groups.  PSI can help you research for these grants.  Contact lorenahernandez@nadadventist.org.

For those of you in healthcare, the Healthcare Philanthropy Journal published an article on “Engaging Physicians in Philanthropy:  Twelve Years Later,” by Clifford I. Harris, M.D. in the Fall 2018 edition.  Very helpful in suggestions on how to reach this donor group.

Congratulations to a PSI friend, Dr. Steve Kamajian, who received the national humanitarian of the year award In Chicago by American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians — for work in free clinics and for the homeless.

Watch for upcoming notices about an organized set of webinars that accompany the handbook titled “Successful Fundraising – A Handbook for Best Practices”,  which can give you short and concise learning experiences.

Until next time, and looking forward to hearing from you,

Lilya

Lilya Wagner

lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

Mobile:  317-250-8274

For archived messages click here.

News and Notes – As of March 4, 2019

Over the years I’ve frequently heard many and varied questions and statements regarding fundraising, but two stand out, mostly because of their great importance and impact.  First, “We tried fundraising but it didn’t work.”  Second, “What DOES work in fundraising?  Can you give me the ten easy steps?”  Although there are no quick-and-easy steps to fundraising, there are good answers based on best practices and research.  Briefly let’s look at the first statement.

What are the factors that make fundraising fail?

  • Lack of an institutional plan that shows credibility and use of funds.  Donors need to see a plan.
  • Little or no involvement by leadership or administration.  If the leader isn’t committed to philanthropy, why would anyone else be interested?
  • Isolating the fundraising professional or person in charge of fundraising, not keeping him or her in the information or respect loop. Lack of board involvement and giving.  If the family doesn’t give, why should anyone else?
  • No history of fundraising and therefore no credibility, or major gaps in the history of fundraising at an institution.
  • Lack of transparency or accountability in use of funds.
  • Not keeping promises to donors—diverting funds from intended cause or project or program.

There are many other reasons but perhaps these will suffice to get organizations and their leaders thinking about the realities of successful fundraising.

So now for the second question–“What DOES work in fundraising?  Can you give me the ten easy steps?”

There is no such thing as a magic formula, easy steps, or quick fixes.

Fundraising is a professional activity based on sound principles.

The key is knowing how to adapt those principles to the cause or organization.

It takes a team to do good fundraising and it’s NOT a solo performance, and there are good reasons for this . . . to quote The Fund Raising School—Fundraising is—

  • The right person asking
  • The right prospect
  • For the right cause
  • In the right way
  • For the right amount
  • At the right time

There is much more information and a great deal of help available through PSI, a service of the North American Division.  Please contact me with any questions or comments.  Next month I’ll talk about the benefits of fundraising, besides the financial income.  There are many worth considering!

An interesting item listed in the Chronicle of Philanthropy Daily Update.  Title of the article is in bold on the following link: Click here.

An important new item prepared by PSI with the help of Jim Greenfield and Dr. Don Pursley is information on how to work with accounting on recording, handling and reporting unrestricted gifts, what to do if a goal isn’t reached and you need to communicate with donors, and also some suggestions on restricted funds.  Ask for your copy:  lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

The good news is that philanthropy continues to grow and well-intentioned people, including celebrities and the wealthy, are seriously involved.  In the AARP Bulletin, November 2018, was an article about “7 Keys to Generous Giving:  Marlo Thomas shares lessons from a lifetime of charity work.”  If you do not receive this publication and would like a copy of article, email me.

A final thought . . . “Please stop with ‘I’m too busy!’”

News Flash–just received this valuable information. 

Did the 2017 tax law change the way Americans give to charities? Here’s what early data show. Read here

Until next time, and looking forward to hearing from you,

Lilya

Lilya Wagner

lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

Mobile:  317-250-8274

For archived messages click here.

News and Notes – As of February 3, 2019

The year has barely begun, although, as someone just said to me, January seemed like five months long!  As you proceed with your activities, plans, and fundraising, maybe you want to know whom to ask about some specific projects.  While there’s a lot of collaboration among the small PSI staff, some have specific responsibilities.  The major areas of PSI function are:

  • Website and webinars—Mark Lindemann
  • Foundation research and proposal writing—Lorena Hernandez
  • Fundraising Fitness Text—Randy Fox
  • Churches and their organizations—Michael Brown
  • Academy fundraising and healthcare activities . . . and anything else!—Lilya Wagner

Of course, each staff member has many more responsibilities and we’ll share information about those as we move along 2019.  Remember that e-mail addresses are simple to remember: firstnamelastname@nadadventist.org.  Our general information phone number and e-mail are:

Philanthropic Service for Institutions

9705 Patuxent Woods Drive

Columbia, Maryland 21046

800-622-1662

Fax: 443-259-4887

PSI general email address:  helpdesk@philanthropicservice.com

Also, don’t forget that on the home page of our website there are some videos about PSI activities and services.  The first one on the top, right-hand side provides a good overview which can be a reminder for you or an introduction to PSI for someone who doesn’t know us.

A most significant document has been recently published by the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Marts & Lundy consultancy.  Here is a brief introduction to this valuable information piece.  You can find full information at http://philanthropyoutlook.com/.  We encourage you to peruse this truly worthwhile document based on much research and prepared by leading professionals in the field of philanthropy and fundraising.

This edition of The Philanthropy Outlook projects giving for the years 2019 and 2020 in relation to the year 2018.3 We explain how different economic variables will affect giving by source and to the three subsectors during these years, and provide additional context for the giving predictions. This context includes information about how broad economic conditions, in combination with specific policy changes, may alter the philanthropic landscape. We also offer insight on how overall giving and giving by source may also be affected by these contingencies.

If you need to know about professional development opportunities, besides the ones that PSI offers, please write me.  I track what’s available, plus I receive information on webinars, conferences and books and can share information on what’s best available “out there” to match your needs.  Today, versus when I started in the field long ago, there is a plethora of offerings and they range from A-Z in quality and content, so it’s best to check on what we should spend time and money. The Fund Raising School does a Monday podcast; watch for more information as we work on ways to make it easy for you to learn about these and connect.

Some noteworthy and helpful articles that have appeared recently are these:

            From Advancing Philanthropy Vol. 25 No. 3, “Growing Giving” by renowned researcher from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Dr. Una Osili (www.afpnet.org).

In Time magazine, December 17, 2018, “5 Ways Charitable Giving Is Likely to Change in 2019” by Martha C. White.

From The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Daily Update, January 7, 2019, “Disruption Ahead: What to Know About Donor-Advised Funds in 2019,” by Drew Lindsey.

If you don’t get these journals, write me and I’ll send you a copy.

Finally, I saw this inspirational sign on a building when traveling for work somewhere in Canada.  I thought it was a truly great statement of belief and action. (I apologize for the quality of the photo—I took it while in a car).

Until next time, and looking forward to hearing from you,

Lilya

Lilya Wagner

lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

Mobile:  317-250-8274

For archived messages click here.

News and Notes as of January 3, 2019

As of January 3, 2019

To begin with, there are some articles that maybe will help you kick off the year right. If you don’t get these publications, we can send you a copy of a particular article, upon your request.

  •  “What Donors Say Will Prompt Them to Give More” was a topic featured in the Dec. 11, 2018 issue of The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Daily Update.
  • The latest report from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is available from their website. It states that there is a clear link between social norms and charitable giving. The general website is www.philanthropy.iupui.edu and you can find this report on the WPI site as well.
  • Also in The Chronicle of Philanthropy is an article about reaching younger donors–“Live online videos can be effective for raising money and telling stories, and more big charities are getting in the game, nonprofit fundraisers say.” This article appeared in the December 3, 2018, issue of the Daily Update.
  • One more item from The Chronicle of Philanthropy, “Eight Fundraising Trends to Watch in 2019,” the January 2 issue of the Daily Update.

If you and your team or leadership are concerned with endowments and investments, there was a helpful article in The Wall Street Journal: Nonprofits returned an average of 6.7% annually in 2009-16, a new study shows, under-performing to a great degree. Still, experts say endowments aren’t meant to beat the market, but to be resilient over long periods. Read the full story

If you’re doing fundraising globally and reaching across borders, a new book by Ted Hart will be of interest to you—Cross-Border Giving: A Legal and Practical Guide. Information can be found here: https://www.cafamerica.org/publications/cross-border-giving/ As the write-up says, “A timely and comprehensive book, Cross-Border Giving is required reading for any professional in international philanthropy and is relevant to any person or organization working across borders. Cross-Border Giving covers a multitude of topics including: ethical grant-making, the closing space for civil society, equivalency determination & expenditure responsibility, preparing for an audit, and many more.”

PSI has revised and updated its list of software for fundraising data records. Please write me if you wish to have this new list.

PSI has also developed a new system by which we can help our clients with funding research and proposal writing, particularly for foundations. Watch for further details!!

Finally, as we continue to discuss and act upon strategies for diversity in our organizations, this painting which I saw in a dear friend’s office may inspire us all!

Until next time!  My best to each of you,

Lilya

Lilya Wagner

lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

Mobile:  317-250-8274

For archived messages click here.

News and Notes as of December 5, 2018

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 12th 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 1st 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

Lilya Wagner

lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

News and Notes as of November 8, 2018

“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

Lilya Wagner

 

 

lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

Mobile:  317-250-8274

For archived messages click here.

News and Notes as of October 5, 2018

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

Lilya Wagner

 

 

lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

Mobile:  317-250-8274

For archived messages click here.

News and Notes as of September 5, 2018

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

Lilya Wagner

lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

Mobile:  317-250-8274

For archived messages click here.

News and Notes as of August 20, 2018

PSI participated in both the ASI and the 2018 NAD Teacher’s Conventions which occurred just a few weeks after PSI’s own conference in Ft. Lauderdale.  Visits to the PSI exhibit and attendance at sessions were good—and we’re glad for that because we would like all NAD organizations to be aware of this unique resource—a fundraising consulting and training department—which is supported by the Division. Because of the NAD’s foresight, we are able to serve any Division organization at no-cost, or low-cost.  So, we look forward to hearing from you if we can be of service.

Projections for fundraising income are a bit uncertain this year. This news was sent because PSI is involved in the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, a national effort to determine fundraising results and how to improve organizational activities. The implication is that we should take another look at how we respond to, communicate with, care for our donors, and how we make a case for support.

Report: Red flags could indicate slow down in 2018 US giving

Such red flags as a 6.3% decline in total donors and a 2.4% dip in total revenue year-over-year in the first quarter indicate charitable giving in the US could be slowing, according to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project. Elizabeth Boris of the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy at the Urban Institute says it may be too early to declare a decline in giving, citing tax code changes that may have bumped up 2017 giving and the fact that most donations are made in the year’s final quarter.

The NonProfit Times (Morris Plains, N.J.) (5/31)

No doubt you’ve been receiving e-mail notices about an upcoming webinar on donor-advised funds, which will be held on-site but also live-streamed.  This is a very important topic for today, especially since some misconceptions have been published in articles and columns.

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

3:00 PM-4:00 PM EST

Main Location: North American Division Offices    Amphitheater

Satellite Location: GC Building, Conference Room 2I-13/14

(Live online streaming will be available)

RSVP Off Site Live Streaming

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6172009958314619394

Presented by Bill Stanczykiewicz

Senior Lecturer and Director of The Fund Raising School

Watch for further notice about the last webinar of 2018, to be presented on November 13 and which focuses on planned giving as part of your overall fundraising program.  Guest speakers Jim Brown of Western Adventist Foundation and Jim Gillespie, independent consultant and planned giving specialist, will share information on how even a small fundraising program can use this most important tool which is of mutual benefit to both the donor and the organization.

Sometimes an organization needs to do project fundraising—a short-term, one-time, fundraising effort for something like a mission trip or a special need for a school.  This can be a part of the overall annual sustainability fundraising program, or an independent project.  One good tool for this, besides the ubiquitous bake sale and car wash, is crowdfunding.  Another opportunity has been presented by Heritage Health Foods, an Adventist organization, and their School Fundraising Program.  According to their information:

“Have an event at your school—fall festival, holiday, spring picnic, class project—and we will give ‘X’ amount of dollars back to the school per cases sold. Contact Jim Aumack  jaumack@heritagehealthfood.com or call 423-238-4211.”

Do you wonder about generational giving?  An informative article appeared in the Chronicle of Philanthropy Daily Update with this title—“Boomers Dominate Giving, and Likely Will for Several More Years, Researchers Say” (June 1, 2018, by Timothy Sandoval).  The article also addresses other generational trends.  For more information, write me.

Wishing you a pleasant beginning of the school year, whether you are a parent, teacher, student, board member, conference educational leader, or someone interested in the benefits and opportunities of Adventist education!

Until next time!

Lilya

Lilya Wagner

lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

Mobile:  317-250-8274

For archived messages click here.

News and Notes as of July 30, 2018

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

Lilya Wagner

lilyawagner@nadadventist.org

Mobile:  317-250-8274

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