How long do I need to plan a fundraising concert?

We are considering putting on a concert as our first fundraising event, but we are looking at a six-month turnaround. Is this doable? An event - not a fundraising event - can be put together in six weeks, six months,...

Governance Q&A: Is it ethical to pay grant writers a percentage of grants received?

Is it ethical to pay grant writers a percentage of grants received? This question comes up all the time, as many charities would like to have a chance at new monies with no cost to them. They do not understand...

E-mail campaigns and fundraising

E-mail is fast becoming an integrated part of fundraising programs. On average, Canadians receive six permission-based e-mails a week. Seeking and obtaining permission is the starting point for any successful e-mail fundraising campaign. Permission should be obtained before sending out...

Digging deeper: The evolution of the prospect research field

Wanted: a passionate, inquisitive, analytical, proactive thinker with a well-developed sense of curiosity, good judgment, the capacity to persevere, and strong computer skills. That's what Lori Bennett, CFRE, looks for today in a prospect researcher. She is the manager of...

Rural roots: Making the case for small-town philanthropy

Most Canadians live in urban centres or their surrounding suburbs. Everything is close at hand, whether it's groceries, the theatre, a bookstore, or the family doctor. Not surprisingly, the majority of Canadian nonprofits also set up shop in urban areas,...

Finding the right community partners

Managing sponsorships is a tough business. There is plenty of work, collaboration, expertise, time, effort, money and measurement involved in making sponsorships work - on both the "buy" side and the "sell" side. By putting themselves in the mindset of...

Governance Q&A: Serving businesses and helping nonprofits in the community

I am an independent consultant serving businesses in my community. I would like to help some nonprofits too. Can you tell me about some ethical ways to help? Thank you for wanting to help local nonprofits. Most business consultants have...

Building trust in sponsor relationships

Sponsorships can be a powerful marketing and public relations vehicle. Clearly, the right sponsorship relationships can add rich value to a company's employee care, customer care and community care priorities. And that is why building trust and confidence is the...

True caring in action

Care is a popular word these days. It is certainly used often to describe the support that organizations give to communities in which their employees work, live and play. Caring communities, caring organizations and care values are all phrases used...

Data reporting for funders

The information in this article is current as of April 7, 2004. Most nonprofits providing human services get financial support from some formal funding body such as government, a foundation or a centralized fundraiser like the United Way. All of...