Fundraising is done at every level of the organization. Every employee that interacts with a donor can impact the constituent’s relationship with the charity. To highlight this point I would like to share a short story that happened to me just a few days ago. I think it illustrates how even small gestures can have large (and negative) consequences.
What we in the nonprofit world need to realize is that the problems with the dollar are much larger than the USD/NIS rate of exchange. Changes in the dollar affect the world – Israel is just one of many. The Bank of Israel’s moves to buy dollars might be helping a little and the in the short term stemming the decline of the greenback, but Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer is similar to David trying to fight Goliath armed with only a rubber band. Many argue that the problems of the US dollar are larger in scope and strength than anything that Fischer can throw at it.
Patrick Swayze: He was awesome. With that said, can nonprofit organizations benefit from the wisdom of his awesomeness? Absolutely. For starters, if nonprofit execs would have his dance moves, I think that they would find fundraising a much easier task.
I came across this article from Guidestar (reprinted from Opportunityknocks.org). Actually, the full title is “Stories of Smart (and not-so-smart) Grantmaking in a Tough Economy.” This article is a great example of short and sweet. The author, a fundraising consultant with more than 20 years of experience, shares three stories from clients. The questions in each story are the kind of questions that nonprofits are asking every day; each with a different lesson.
The arrests of 44 individuals 3 mayors, 5 respected community rabbis, a score of government officials, and others on Thursday of last week (July 23) should highlight the dangers of organizations donating to international causes; and I guarantee you, the I.R.S. is having similar thoughts.
Even before the dust settles in the States, Israel and her charities will already start to feel the effects from last week’s scandal.
Last week (July 23) in New Jersey, an undercover police operation revealed a rainbow of criminal dealings. The implications of the scandal vis-à-vis charities are too vast and far-reaching to be dealt with in one post. Over the next day or two I will address the pertinent issues. Questions and comments are welcome.
Isn’t it amazing that the meeting we have the most often is the one that we are least prepared for? We dress up in our best and spend hours preaching to the couch in hopes of nailing that “really big”…
I recently came across an article on the UK Charity Commission website entitled “The Economic Downturn: 15 Questions Trustees Need to Ask” and was very impressed by its comprehensiveness. The questions in the article cover four main areas: Strategy, Financial Health, Governance, and Resource Usage