Reflections on 10 Years

FundRaising Success published its first issue in November 2003, which makes this our 10-year anniversary year. To celebrate, we’ll be taking a look back at past issues throughout the year.

Following are some words of wisdom culled from the June 2006 issue.

From Matthew Sherrington, then-director of development, Greenpeace USA (cover story, “Seriously Innovative”):

• “People love or hate Greenpeace. There’s no point inviting people in with a soft message, only for them to leave if they don’t like the full picture when they realize it.”
• “The environmental sector is known for its premiums: stuffed toys, tote bags, umbrellas. How on earth is dumping that sort of stuff [in mail] consistent with a message about conservation of resources? So we don’t do it.”

From Senny Boone, then executive director of the DMA Nonprofit Federation (Words to Live By column, “Feuding for Free E-mail"):

• “There must be a balance between our need to communicate, advocate and seek essential resources, and the need to prevent spam and other Internet scams.”

From Johni Hays, then-senior planned-giving consultant at The Stetler Co. (feature, “The 7 Commandments of Planned Giving”):

• “Thou shalt not ignore donors’ motivations, goals and financial situations; make recommendations without adequate technical advice; recommend an inappropriate gift vehicle; recommend the donation of inappropriate assets; recommend techniques that are ripe for IRS scrutiny; allow the tail to wag the dog; act as trustee unless qualified to do so.”

From Tim Burgess, co-founder, The Domain Group (Because It Matters column, “Vetting for Value”):

• “To successfully measure the efficiency and effectiveness of your fundraising program, get a handle on the Net Present Value you’re producing from your acquisition and donor-cultivation efforts. Then focus your campaign strategies in those areas where you can create the greatest improvement.”

From Abny Santicola, then-FS associate editor (TechTalk column, “Dear Skippy …”):

• “Imagine a school fundraising letter so personalized that it contains a quote not just from any teacher but from your child’s teacher. Or both your children’s different teachers. A letter that also went to the Joneses down the street, but with quotes from the Jones kids’ teachers.”

From Julie Dorf, then-director of philanthropic services, Horizon Foundation (Donor Focus, “Queer Eye for the Straight Organization”):

• “Before starting any kind of marketing or fundraising activities specifically focused on the LGBT community, make sure your organization’s nondiscrimination policies include sexual orientation and gender identity; also, make sure your personnel policies and practices include equal provisions for domestic partners and families by adoption. Many inquisitive LGBT donors will (and should) check on such things before opening their wallets. Also, take a quick audit of openly LGBT staff and board members. Enlist their support early for your efforts. If there are no openly LGBT members of your board or staff, it might indicate a need to do some work on your organizational culture.”