The IRS has introduced a new process to apply for non-profit status, in what appears to be an attempt to relieve the backlog of new applications.  The typical Form 1023 is one that requires a very significant amount of work and practically requires engaging specialized legal advice before an organization can hope to prevail in […]

Just last week, a client told me that one of her volunteers said, “I never knew fundraising was going to be so much fun.”  That story made Arthur Brooks’ piece in the Sunday New York Times all the more real.  At times, it is hard for professional fundraisers to remember why we enjoy our work […]

In our view, the most important point of this study is that maintaining a laser focus and investing in wealthy donors is worth the cost. This article at The Chronicle of Philanthropy on an AHP study caught our eye.  At first glance, the idea that those organizations that spend more money raise more money doesn’t […]

This post could be listed as shock therapy for fundraisers.  Mark Atkinson has posted a fictional letter from Mrs. D. Donor to her favorite charity describing her frustrations.  As so many organizations race to the end of the year with a myriad of appeals, this blog post reminds us to work toward placing a greater value […]

Fundraisers seeking to understand donors will find the following article from the New York Times of interest, and a call to work toward identifying the donor’s perspective.  This article also presents an interesting perspective of philanthropy from the financial adviser’s view.  When working to secure major gifts, the donor’s financial adviser often plays an important […]