Award Winning Blog

Wanted: More Fireworks!

As We The People celebrate America's 230th Independence Day amid fireworks, barbeques, volunteer fire department parades, the televised PBS special from the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and heaven only knows how many political speeches and kissed babies, it's probably wise to think about the word “independence” itself. Especially in our trade where there's damn […]

Learn More July 4, 2006

Wikipedia Alert!

The Chronicle of Philanthropy warns (available to Chron subscribers ony) that charities should monitor descriptions that might be published about them in Wikipedia, the community-authored online encyclopedia. The article notes several instances where inaccuracies or deliberate misinformation has been posted, sometimes by well-meaning, but not well-informed supporters; sometimes by critics. We agree … check, correct, […]

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Bated Breath and Hyperbole Aside, Here’s A Winner!

At a time when the Buffett gift is generating a lot of media attention about charities and their stewardship, it's worth revisiting this report from Public Agenda on donor attitudes toward charities. Good work despite its sometimes bated- breath tone and hyperbolic descriptions. The study, sponsored by the Kettering Foundation and Independent Sector takes the […]

Learn More July 2, 2006

Contrarian Approach to Legacy Marketing

At a time when most institutions' planned giving programs more resemble a tax seminar than anything noble and motivational the Legacy Giving Group has come up with a unique and measurable program. It will revolutionize the industry and no doubt send shivers through the establishment, let-keep-doing-it-the-old-way crowd. You can find a copy of the Legacy […]

Learn More July 1, 2006

Daily Fix – Marketing Blogs to Inspire You

Commercial marketing blogs have proliferated lately, and can be an excellent source of creative stimulation for non-profit marketers. The Viral Garden blog assembles a weekly top 25 list of marketing blogs based upon Alexa rankings of site visits. Two of my favorites are Seth’s Blog and Daily Fix, but hey, different strokes for different folks. […]

Learn More June 30, 2006

Donor Loyalty — the Holy Grail

Face it. Nothing sends more shivers up the line from Membership Director to CEO to Renewal mailing #1 isn't performing as well as last year!” Prospecting returns ebb and flow. We sigh. But nobody can tolerate an underperforming renewal series. We panic. Wouldn't we all enjoy donor retention rates marred only by death! Wouldn't we […]

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