A kinder, back-to-basics approach to donor relations amounted to a 30 percent increase in contributions for D.C.’s Heritage Foundation.

By Margaret Battistelli Gardner

Focus on the mission
The foundation, according to all involved, is adamant about staying true to its mission. Lack of conviction, Walter believes, is part of the reason many organizations run into fundraising difficulties. While it’s tempting to jump on issue bandwagons that surely would bring in a flood of donations — flag burning and statehood for D.C., for example — the foundation doesn’t give in.