Perry Jowsey, Director of Development, Freedom Service Dogs

By Heather Fletcher

Regarding social media, we do have a presence and have used it to publicize events and direct members to other media outlets. For our organization, the fundraising element of social media has been much more indirect, and my belief is that you set yourself apart more in a negative way by not being in this game than you actually gain revenue-wise from making social media a top priority (exceptions being very well-branded national programs).

FS: Can you describe a recent successful fundraising effort?
PJ: I believe fundraising to be much more reflective of a process than an event; many elements function in concert to create a cumulative effect. Thus far in 2010, Freedom Service Dogs has received more charitable dollars year-to-date than at any point in our history, and we're doing so with less operating expenses than in 2009. Fundraising is interconnected to ongoing donor communication and stewardship, visibility via public relations, and creating opportunities for active engagement. As for a specific effort, we created an event from the ground up this August in three weeks that was well-received, with 250 paid guests who came out for an opportunity to enjoy cocktails in a $20-million mansion in support of our mission.