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Volume
4, Issue 1 - Winter 2002 |
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Here it is, a brand new year and time for a change in things, but it’s
usually just easier to do things as we always have. Unfortunately, then the
results are usually the same. It’s time for a New Year’s resolution for
CHANGE!
“OK” you say, “But change is hard and people in my organization resist
change, so how do I make change happen?”
The
magic is in the MARKETING. Marketing is an
exchange. Marketing requires that you discover what others perceive they need or
want, and then design a way for them to get it if you can (and if it is in the
best interests of the organization). To become a successful Change Agent, you
must learn to sell the benefits of change to
everyone in your organization.
Successful Change Agents are good cultivators. They plant seeds of new ideas,
apply fertilizer and water often to generate an organization-wide atmosphere of
new ideas. It is not important to get the credit. You must understand that when
change is good for your organization, it is good for you.
Soon, others will look to you as an innovator and someone who makes things
happen.
Volunteers
Volunteers need to know their efforts are appreciated and recognized. They
need to feel a sense of belonging to an organization and they need to make a
difference. If a volunteer Board member isn’t attending meetings and getting
involved, ask him what needs to change to get him involved. Maybe it’s a change
in meeting times, a different committee assignment, training in fundraising
skills or the like. Often, the change will benefit others, as well.
Fundraising
If a special event is down in attendance and profit, consider changing the
date, the place or the theme to give it new energy. Plain old letter annual
campaigns are dull. Consider changing the annual fundraising letter to a
non-event invitation to give it a new look.
Staff
A new view is often all it takes to get staff in the change mode. Consider
moving offices, moving desks, painting walls, or challenging everyone to
rearrange their desktops for a new outlook. Appoint a Change Agent Team to
generate new ways to do the same old things.
Membership
Membership down? Survey members about their needs and get them involved in
making changes. If people don’t perceive the benefits we offer as benefits they
want, they won’t join, it’s that simple.
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Contents
Who Gives? How Much?
And What About 9/11/01?
We are all wondering about the effects on giving as a result of 9/11 but
there are few who have the answers. Many nonprofits rely on corporate and
foundation grants and some have received notice of reduced or unfilled pledges
as a result of funds redirected to disaster efforts or reduced investment
profits. However, corporations and foundations combined gave only 17.3% of
charitable donations in 2000. We’ll just have to wait and see how this changes
in 2001-2002, but the fact remains that individuals historically continue to
represent the largest percentage of charitable gifts.
According to Giving USA 2001 here is the breakdown in billions for giving in
2000: Corporations gave $10.86 (5.3%); Foundations gave 24.5 (12%); Bequests
represent $16.2 (7.8%) and Individuals gave $152.07 or 75%!
Before you hit the panic button on how much is left after disaster and relief
funding, consider this: more than $800 million has been given to relief funds,
but in 2000 approximately $190 BILLION was given to nonprofits in the US.
Therefore, the disaster dollars represent only about 0.4% of all usual giving.
What does this mean for your organization? Simply put, it means that if you
have been successfully meeting community needs, fulfilling your mission, working
from a diversified development plan and communicating all this effectively to
donors and potential donors, I doubt that you’ll see a major long term negative
effect as a result of the 9/11 events.
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Contents
More Great Internet
Resources for Nonprofits
…
and speaking of Marketing, Carter McNamara, a respected nonprofit consultant,
has a free on-line program which guides nonprofits on how to develop a marketing
plan. Visit his site at
www.managementhelp.com. Carter also has a
thorough list of nonprofit resources listed on his site including things about
benefits and compensation, customer service, leadership development, policies
and procedures, planning and overall management.
… and speaking of volunteer management, there is a terrific discussion forum
on all aspects of volunteering including management, recruitment, fundraising,
leadership … go to
www.CharityChannel.com and hook up with the
free Volunteer-Issues forum to learn from your peers in the nonprofit business.
There are several other forums hosted by this site that you will also find
interesting and useful, I am sure.
Back to Table of
Contents
Two Great Books
Available Now:
The ABCs of Building Better Boards & Fast Fundraising Facts For Fame & Fortune!
Now you can add two great books to your agency library.
The ABCs of Building Better Boards is just what you need to
improve your Board’s potential. It includes ideas for recruitment, retention and
recognition and has some great forms for you to copy and use.
Fast Fundraising Facts for Fame & Fortune
is full of ideas to improve your fundraising, including how to ask effectively,
special events essentials and new ideas for fundraising. Buy both books and get
a discounted price!
Call (505) 899-1520 or Email me at
to discuss volume
discounts for staff or volunteers.
Order Now So You Don't Forget!
Go to the Order Form to order your copies of
The ABCs of Building Better Boards
and
Fast Fundraising Facts For Fame & Fortune ©
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My
Mission:
To strengthen the base of support for America's worthwhile
nonprofit agencies and organizations, from school PTAs to
multi-million dollar national and international agencies.
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Contents
What People Say
About Jean Block
"I attended [your workshop] and thought it was one of the best I have been to. The day was full of great information that I could actually use!"
Marlene Lewis, Alton, IL
" Normally I'm not big on fundraising, but what you said made me feel empowered."
Callie Heyl, Greensboro, NC
"If all teachers could be this motivating, we'd all be more productive."
Libba Skarnulis, Houston, TX
Jean Block
Consulting, Inc.
7915 Cliff Road NW
Albuquerque NM 87120
(505) 899-1520
Fax (505) 890-5285
Email:
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