Harness the Power of 'P'
Step 8: Peers
Whether you are new to the fundraising profession or a 30-year-plus veteran, you always need information. The best way to obtain information on new trends and best practices is to develop a peer network. Many fundraising organizations have mentor programs. You need to determine what is right and comfortable for you. Constantly seek advice, counsel and guidance. Always remember that due to the nature of our profession, there are no wrong answers. By sharing information, one is better able to compare and contrast programs. It is also best to get involved in a variety of professional organizations where online networking and fast answers to questions exist. No idea is actually new — it's just new to you.
Duke Haddad, Ed.D., CFRE, is currently associate director of development, director of capital campaigns and director of corporate development for The Salvation Army Indiana Division in Indianapolis. He also serves as president of Duke Haddad and Associates LLC and is a freelance instructor for Nonprofit Web Advisor.
He has been a contributing author to NonProfit PRO since 2008.
He received his doctorate degree from West Virginia University with an emphasis on education administration plus a dissertation on donor characteristics. He received a master’s degree from Marshall University with an emphasis on public administration plus a thesis on annual fund analysis. He secured a bachelor’s degree (cum laude) with an emphasis on marketing/management. He has done post graduate work at the University of Louisville.      Â
Duke has received the Fundraising Executive of the Year Award, from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Indiana Chapter. He also was given the Outstanding West Virginian Award, Kentucky Colonel Award and Sagamore of the Wabash Award from the governors of West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana, respectively, for his many career contributions in the field of philanthropy. He has maintained a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation for three decades.
