Futures in Fundraising

Former Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, George Wirth joins Alexander Haas President and CEO David King on this edition of Futures in Fundraising to discuss the culture of philanthropy within faith-based organizations and the pastors' role for casting the vision for fundraising.

David Elrod and Margaret Venable of Dalton State join Alexander Haas President and CEO David King to discuss the importance of achieving HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) status and how fostering student engagement on campus builds university ambassadors for the future. Plus, David and Margaret share their thoughts on tuition costs, managing large donor gifts and how to personalize donor communications. 

Author, CEO and Founder of MarketSmart Greg Warner joins Alexander Haas President and CEO David King to share tips for fostering donor relationships by giving them what they really want. He says, “If you work through the process correctly, you don’t even have to ask donors for a gift.” 

While #GivingTuesday is a major, nation wide giving campaign held each year the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, your donor and social media strategies should stretch beyond. In this episode of Futures in Fundraising, Muscular Dystrophy Association Executive Vice President and Chief Impact and Philanthropy Officer Adam Cotumaccio joins Alexander Haas President and CEO, David King to share specific strategies for maximizing your #GivingTuesday reach along with tips for nonprofit leadership and growth to help your organization finish the year strong. 

"The key to being a good fundraiser is being donor centric." Lula Dawit, Director of Planned Giving for The Woodruff Arts Center joins Alexander Haas President and CEO, David King to discuss the importance of planned giving. The two dive into the continued impact of the 2017 Tax Act, managing fundraiser/donor relationships and how the arts are shaping the local Atlanta community. 

“If you are not on social media, participating in conversations, your voice is absent as a nonprofit.” Peter Panepento, Philanthropic Practice Leader at Turn Two Communications joins Alexander Haas President and CEO, David King to share tips for strengthening donor relationships and generating awareness via social media, the press and other media outlets on this edition of Futures in Fundraising.

Anthony Rodriguez is Co-Founder & Producing Artistic Director of Aurora Theatre. Among other fundraising challenges, the Theatre moved locations in 2007. Thanks in part to their strong community/donor relationships, the Theatre has continued to grow and expand. In this episode of the podcast, Anthony talks with Alexander Haas President and CEO, David King about how they've built such a strong community foundation and shares tips for arts fundraising. 

Mary Wieler, President of the Museum Trustee Association joins Alexander Haas President and CEO, David King to talk museum board enhancement and education. They discuss state and local laws regarding endowments, what board members need to know specifically about museums to better serve the board, how to understand economic cycles that impact donations and more.  

The recently passed tax legislation disallowing 80% of tax-deductible “gifts” has raised issues when it comes to athletic seating deduction/counting. Athletic departments now require individuals to pay for the privilege of purchasing season tickets. On this edition of Futures in Fundraising, Tom Jennings, VP of University Advancement and President of the Florida State University Foundation joins Alexander Haas President and CEO, David King to break down what all this means for colleges and universities.

Your nonprofit needs to start a fundraising campaign. Now what? Alexander Haas President and CEO, David King joins Laddering Works’ Cynthia Hayes to explain the steps for selecting fundraising counsel. From initial interviews to RFP’s to finding the right culture fit, David points out key factors to take into consideration.

More money can often translate into more problems. Once your organization has needed funding, the next decision is allocation. Eddie Stuart, Vice Chancellor of University Advancement for University of North Carolina Wilmington joins Alexander Haas President and CEO, David King to share insights on fostering collaboration among university staff and promoting alumni giving long after the graduation ceremonies are over.

When you hear “risk management,” do you instantly think of insurance for your nonprofit? Ted Bilich, CEO of Risk Alternatives joins the podcast to change that mindset and help organizations see how managing uncertainty can prepare the path for a successful future. He also shares results of their recent survey and interviews with foundations and their grantors concerning risk management.  

On this Special Edition of the Futures in Fundraising Podcast, Alexander Haas President and CEO, David King breaks down the numbers in newly released Giving USA 2018: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2017.

As your organization adapts to a new vision, your donors come along for the journey. And as your donors change, how they think about money and philanthropy may also change. In this podcast, Alexander Haas President and CEO, David King is joined by Jennifer Jones, Assistant Professor of Nonprofit Management and Leadership at the University of Florida and David Daniel, Director of Field Operations for The Nature Conservancy. The two share recent research and specific steps your organization can take to maintain strong relationships with donors.  

Philip Mazzara, President and CEO of Providence Health Foundation joins Alexander Haas President and CEO, David King to share steps along his career path from advancement to fundraising and how mentorship helped shape that journey. Philip and David also discuss the challenges and rewards of capital campaigns and what the future of health care looks like.

At LSU, moving the culture needle is just as important as reaching fundraising goals. On this episode of Futures in Fundraising, Daniel Bozard, LSU Foundation Vice President of Development joins Alexander Haas President and CEO, David King to talk metrics, accountability and culture building. How can institutions track success? How have recent tax changes impacted giving? Listen in for helpful insights!   

What defines a successful board? How do institutions determine what matters most on their campus grounds? Rick Legon, President of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges joins Alexander Haas President and CEO, David King to discuss higher ed and current issues impacting students on this edition of Futures in Fundraising!

The impact of global health stretches far and wide, reaching communities locally and globally. Maria Thacker Goethe, Executive Director of Georgia Global Health Alliance joins Alexander Haas President and CEO, David King to discuss this initiative along with other insights including tips for running a successful nonprofit and how to build meaningful relationships with donors.  

Dr. Kyle Marrero’s background in music lends itself to planning for the future, guiding faculty and helping students achieve success at the University of West Georgia. As Dr. Marrero points out, each individual is important to the overall goal, but each must be allowed to play to their area of expertise. In this episode of Futures in Fundraising, Alexander Haas President & CEO, David King talks with Dr. Marrero about higher education, breaking down barriers and student success, both in the classroom and beyond.

Giving has changed. Many of us have phone in hand most of the day and spend hours in front of our computers. Quinetha Frasier joins the podcast to share how MyPledger is making the switch to digital giving easier, for both organizations and donors, and why tracking the success of campaigns through data is essential.

One school, one mission, one campus. That vision inspired Natasha Lebowitz to accept a position on the board for the Atlanta Jewish Academy. But what started as a volunteer position moved into full-time dedication as Natasha became Development Director for the school. In this podcast, she and Alexander Haas CEO, David King talk about that transition, how Natasha’s mentor inspired her to reach for more in the fundraising field and share tips for others looking to develop their career.

James Hackney joins Alexander Haas President and CEO, David King to share how he followed his passion and became Senior Director of Development for Yale Divinity School in the spring of 2014. Currently leading the School’s efforts to raise $200,000,000 and meet 100% of student financial aid need by 2022, James details how previously being a consultant at Alexander Haas prepared him for the journey.

Nonprofits focus where they should… helping others. Thus, 48in48 Founder, Adam Walker set out with the goal of helping nonprofits. Traveling to different cities, Adam, his team and volunteers help create 48 websites for 48 local nonprofits in 48 hours - helping these organizations spread the word about what they do and giving them the ability to accept donations online. Now, isn’t that worth an all nighter? 

"What if there was a way I could give back with every swipe?" That’s the question Stephen Garten asked himself one day while trying to decide which piece of “junk” to spend his credit card points on. Inspired by his philanthropic father and the changing industry, Stephen created Charity Charge, a credit card that allows users to donate 1% cash back on everyday purchases to a cause of their choice. In this episode of Futures in Fundraising, Stephen shares how the card works and what’s in store for the future of giving. 

The world needs more philanthropy. If you are just starting out in fundraising, want to get into fundraising, or are a veteran development officer - you are greatly needed. This month, Ron Schiller, Founding Partner of the Aspen Leadership Group, joins us to share tips for advancing your career in development. In this episode, Ron explains how the transferable skills from his background in the arts set him up for success in fundraising - and how you can direct your career in fundraising to achieve your goals. Check out the newest episode of Futures in Fundraising! We highly recommend joining the Philanthropy Career Network - a rich resource for fundraisers of all experience levels. Membership is free and the resources are first class. PhilanthropyCareer.net

Online tools/resources: Book recommendation: Last Stand: Ted Turner's Quest to Save a Troubled Planet by Todd Wilkinson Personal habit that contributes to success: Answering the phone and good text message etiquette Ice breaker for new donor prospect: Ask questions about their personal experience with the organization Best piece of advice ever received: Learn to lean out of your comfort zone If you could spend 15 minutes with any living person, who would it be and why? Ted Turner because of his success as a businessman and philanthropist. Not living? Thomas Jefferson because he is a fascinating, learned man. Contact info: bouknightmendal@gmail.com or piedmont.org

Online tools/resources: Book recommendations: Belief and Confidence by Ronald J. Schiller Abusing Donor Intent: The Robertson Family's Epic Lawsuit Against Princeton University by Doug White Topgrading (How To Hire, Coach and Keep A Players) by Brad Smart Personal habit that contributes to success: Work hard. "The harder you work, the luckier you get." Ice breaker for new donor prospect: Always start with a "Thank You" for what they have done, and follow up with something discussed in their discovery call. Best piece of advice ever received: AFI. AFM. "Ask for it. Ask for more." If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it?: For work: Visiting a donor. For personal time: Hiking. Contact info: ryan2@clemson.edu

Online tools/resources: Planned Giving resources on nationally-hosted sites. A great example of this is the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. Personal habit that contributes to success: Being easy to talk to. Ice breaker for new donor prospect: Talk about their background and who they know. You are sure to find shared interests and common acquaintances. Best piece of advice ever received: Don't talk over the ask. What was the make and model of your first vehicle?: An orange Volkswagen Beetle. Contact info: ty.tippett@dekalbmedical.org; Direct Line: 404-501-1679

Online tools/resources: The Alexander Haas Blog Guidestar The Exceptional Board's Blog by BoardSource Book recommendation: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey Personal habit that contributes to success: Following up with, staying in touch with, and being available for colleagues and donors. Ice breaker for new donor prospect: Find something in common. Best piece of advice ever received: “Soft on people; hard on results.” "If you were given a yacht, what would you name it?": Deborah Lee, for the most beautiful thing in my life: my wife. Contact info: m.key@alexanderhaas.com  

Success quote: Pick out five to ten goals that you want to pursue and write them down. Recite them daily and soon you will do it from memory. Best piece of advice ever received: “When you find yourself enjoying something, it is more than likely something you have an aptitude for and you should follow that.” Personal habit that contributes to success: Take time to think things through. Physical activity helps free up the mind to think more clearly. Internet resource:    www.dsgiving.com Book recommendation: The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential by John C. Maxwell Parting piece of advice:  Find something that you enjoy doing and will do past the point of when you're tired or even possibly something that gives you energy. Follow it and figure out if you can make it into a living. Contact info: bill@donorsearch.net  

Success quote: “The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me." - Ayn Rand Best piece of advice ever received: “Don't sell your time. Sell your expertise.” Personal habit that contributes to success: Really listening. Internet resource: Google and Giving USA     Book recommendation: Designs for Fund-Raising: Principles, Patterns, Techniques by Harold J. Seymour Essential Principles for Fundraising Success: An Answer Manual for the Everyday Challenges of Raising Money by G. Douglas Alexander and Kristina J. Carlson Parting piece of advice:  Do what you love and love what you do. Make it matter. Contact info: ms.del.martin@gmail.com

Success quote: “Enthusiasm is so important. Prospects are persuaded more by the depth of your conviction than the height of your logic. They are won more by your own enthusiasm than any documentation you can offer." - Jerold Panas, Born to Raise: What Makes a Great Fundraiser; What Makes a Fundraiser Great Best piece of advice ever received: “Focus on your top line and what you are doing to stay focused on bringing in additional revenue.” Personal habit that contributes to success: Maintaining and reviewing lists and handwritten thank you notes. Internet resource: Blue Avacado Book recommendation: Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant Parting piece of advice:  Don't be afraid of going by your gut. Contact info: jeffsmythe@outlook.com

Success quote: “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” – Alan Lakein “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9, NKJV Best piece of advice ever received: “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Keep focus on the BIG PICTURE.” Personal habit that contributes to success: The ability to create a team environment that fosters collaboration. Communication is also key whether you are in a big or small development office. Communicate through it all! Internet resource: The National Center for Charitable Statistics Book recommendation: Invitation to the Party: Building Bridges to the Arts, Culture and Community by Donna Walker-Kuhne  Parting piece of advice: BE CREATIVE!  Think outside the box and look for sources that INSPIRE you! Do not be afraid to step away from what your predecessors have done. Contact info: www.truecolorstheatre.org