An Interview with Sean Scanlon, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology

FS: Can you share a recent fundraising success? Why was it successful?
SS: The Lab is starting to see a significant increase in bequests and other planned gifts. Recently we received word of a $130,000 bequest from a long-time member of the Lab who had never given more than $35 during her ten years as a member. We are lucky to have a growing number of equally generous planned gifts each year from people who recognize the long-term value of a unique organization like the Lab. We believe this occurs because of the long-term loyalty to the Lab that our members develop through our award-winning publications like Living Bird Magazine, programs like the Home Study Course, participatory programs like Project Feederwatch and more.