First Day Podcast

Nathan Stelter, the chair of the board of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP), discussed the recently issued Standards which provide guidance for planned gift fundraising. The Standards, organized into three categories, outline the importance of leadership buy-in and sustainable program-building, realistic assessments of an organization’s ability and capacity to execute the program, and incorporating a donor-centric approach to planned giving donors. Stelter recommends keeping planned giving simple and realistic, understanding the donor's perspective, and treating them like family when it comes to planning a transformational gift. The National Standards for Gift Planning Success provide a framework for organizations to assess their current strategies and identify potential areas for growth in planned giving.

Bobby Donahue and Katie Duranick Stewart discuss the importance of special events in fundraising and how they fit into the overall plan of a nonprofit organization. They suggest deciding ahead of time what the organization wants to achieve from the event and building consensus among all members of the team. The hosts emphasize not treating special events as separate projects, but incorporating them into the organization's annual plan by evaluating them, following up with key donors, and engaging non-donors. They also stress the need for events to align with the organization's mission and being unique enough to excite attendees and the crucial need for follow-up after events to ensure support for the nonprofit.

Andrew Hibel discusses the role of technology in planned giving. He notes that technology has allowed for easier access to information and resources, making it easier than ever for people to learn about planned giving. Hibel also stresses the importance of using technology to streamline the planned giving process and make it as easy as possible for donors. He suggests using online platforms and tools, such as planned giving calculators, to help donors navigate the process. However, Hibel also notes that technology should never replace the personal touch of a one-on-one conversation between a fundraiser and a donor.

Dr. Sarah Nathan stresses the importance of annual giving programs in fostering relationships, raising unrestricted gifts, and enabling operational flexibility for nonprofit organizations. She emphasizes that gifts of all amounts are significant and that fundraisers must embrace inclusivity while designing annual fund programs. Key planning tools such as gift range charts, donor retention calculators, and donor measurement tools can help fundraisers optimize their strategies. Dr. Nathan also highlights the need for building and maintaining strong relationships with donors, especially during times of crisis such as the pandemic when small gifts can have a substantial impact.

Dr. Gen Shaker discusses the importance of fundraising training for higher education Deans and faculty to effectively engage in philanthropic fundraising and convey their organizations' visions. The Fundraising School offers custom training courses, public courses, and tailored courses globally, including the Fundraising for Deans course, to provide leaders with the necessary tools and knowledge to engage in successful fundraising efforts. The importance of a partnership between development officers, faculty, and academic leadership is emphasized, where all parties bring expertise and openness to understanding each other’s roles and responsibilities.

Dr. Beth Breeze and Dr. Tyrone Freeman discuss how crucial volunteers are to the success of nonprofit organizations, emphasizing the unique importance of volunteers for financial contributions and civic engagement. They recommend that fundraisers engage both staff-driven and supporter-driven volunteers and follow a six-step process for volunteer management that includes matching volunteers to their role, onboarding and training, and thanking and acknowledging them. The speakers also stress the importance of DEI in volunteer recruitment and management and how it should be a part of the entire organization's values, not just a set-aside category.

Dr. Elizabeth Searing discusses the importance of communication during challenging times for nonprofit organizations. She emphasizes the need for leaders to be transparent and honest with staff, board members, and donors about the organization's financial situation and the steps being taken to address it. This includes being clear about the organization's priorities and the potential impact on programs and services. In addition, Searing suggests that leaders should be proactive in reaching out to key stakeholders and creating opportunities for feedback and input. By engaging in open and honest communication, nonprofit leaders can build trust and foster collaboration during challenging times.

Amy Lampi, Associate Vice President of BWF, highlights the significance of data-driven fundraising and soft skills for successful fundraising. She emphasizes the need to utilize data to empower fundraising teams within organizations, enabling them to inform decisions and raise more funds by embracing efficiency models. Lampi advocates combining different ideas to innovate and encourages fundraisers to think ahead and devise new ideas for the field. She further stresses the need for data-driven leadership starting at the top, with every staff member being comfortable with databases, along with the importance of developing soft skills to become successful leaders.

Gasby Brown and Bill Stanger discuss the importance of board members donating and fundraising for their nonprofit organization. Brown emphasizes the need for board members to invest in the organization before asking others to do the same and shares tips on engaging hesitant board members in fundraising. The duo also emphasizes the importance of diversity, especially economic diversity, on boards of directors and encourages intentional recruitment and retention of board members by setting clear expectations and providing proper training.

Ethical Fundraising: A Practical Framework by The Fund Raising School