Businesses

Most fundraisers all well aware of the fact that during 2009, only about 4 percent of philanthropic giving in the United States came from the corporate sector. For many years, I have proposed that this figure could be raised in nonprofits added a more personal touch to their corporate fundraising. In fact, I would love to see universities and other large institutions eliminate their Corporate/Foundations Relations offices. Corporations are not foundations (although many of them do have corporate foundations that handle their philanthropic giving) nor do the two entities have similar philanthropic philosophies. Foundations are in the business of giving money away! Corporations and businesses have a different purpose: to make money for their stockholders or owners. However, this does not mean that corporations are money-grubbing, totally self-interest driven, and tight-fisted. Many businesses, although bottom line is critical to their existence, are excellent corporate citizens, supportive of their community, and concerned about the people living in these communities.  Read more

Powerpoint presentation.  Read more

The Role of the Development Office

Why a Development Office
Most nonprofit organizations at some point in the organization's life must face the reality that in order to continue to be viable they need to raise funds. Even if grants or fees for service fund a large percentage of their programs, eventually these funding sources may change or dry up altogether and if they want to remain in operation, they will need to begin a fundraising program. Most organizations, even if programs are funded by grants and contracts, have unmet needs that need to be funded. Establishing a development office before the organization finds itself facing a serious funding cut is the best way to assure the organization's future. Most development programs take two to three years before they are "showing a profit."  Read more