Interview With Kenneth Grunke, Director of Individual and Major Giving, Pillars

FS: Any major difficulties or setbacks you’ve faced along the way? Things you would do differently with your fundraising?
KG: “We would definitely perform more test marketing on our pieces, which we are now currently in the process of doing. We simply aren’t doing it enough. We also need to receive more active feedback and input from our donors. We are currently identifying ways throughout our fiscal year in which we can elicit the input of our donors. Donors consistently want to be involved — and not just when they receive the annual appeal, survey or newsletter. It’s more about tapping into their talents. Many charities are vying for the same person’s support, and what is most important is the charity that develops the strongest relationship with that donor. It becomes a balancing act at times, but I believe it needs to happen.”