Perry Jowsey, Director of Development, Freedom Service Dogs

By Heather Fletcher

FS: How would you describe your fundraising philosophy?
PJ: In a phrase, grassroots. We rely very much on person-to-person introductions for new donors and dedicate very few resources to traditional "donor acquisition" strategies. We create meaningful opportunities for core, medium and major donors so they can feel the impact of their gifts. We evaluate our target markets (dog lovers, veterans' affairs and those who support people with disabilities), and we provide direct funding mechanisms to make the biggest difference in the area that is most personal to them. In the end, fundraising is all about aligning donor passions with giving opportunities in a way that makes the biggest difference possible.

FS: How do you reach out to supporters and potential supporters in ways other than purely fundraising? Are you engaged with social media and social networking?
PJ: It's important to regularly schedule outreach in alignment with a well-conceived moves-management philosophy. We strive to "touch" donors and prospects throughout the year without the intention of soliciting funds. Our donors receive quarterly newsletters via standard mail, and we strategically intersperse events that have a fun flavor but also showcase what we do as an organization. We have biannual "graduations" where we invite the community to come and celebrate the conclusion of training a class of service dogs and passing the leash to their new partners.