10 Reasons Why Most Major-Gift Programs (Stink)! — Nos. 8-10
In my opinion this has clouded how we do our business. I want nonprofits to hire great people who know how to get stuff done. If we focus on impact rather than ratios, all the stuff the "police" are worried about will get taken care of.
I want to see half of a nonprofit's time and energy focused on donors and caring for them. A nonprofit's role in society is to be a bridge between the donor and the need. In the past this has meant that the road is usually one way, from donor to need. But today, this means an equal amount of traffic back and forth. Remember, you're having a direct impact on the life of your donor as much as you are on the need you are trying to meet. This is a radical new thought in how nonprofits act today. But, so was real customer service in the for-profit world 30 years ago.
Jeff Schreifels is the principal owner of Veritus Group — an agency that partners with nonprofits to create, build and manage mid-level fundraising, major gifts and planned giving programs. In his 32-plus year career, Jeff has worked with hundreds of nonprofits, helping to raise more than $400 million in revenue.
