Gaining Insight into a National Nonprofit

Last Thursday, I had the distinct pleasure of being the keynote speaker on “Technology and Fundraising” for the daylong kickoff meeting of the New York Tri-State area of YMCA’s. It was an inspiring day to be ushered into the inner workings of the largest YMCA in the world, as well as a large number of small to medium size YMCA’s, while they kicked off their annual campaign known as Strong Kids.

I always consider any trip into New York City an education in and of itself. However, this was neat and eye opening for so many reasons. First, the event was held at one of the most historic YMCA buildings in America, the Westside YMCA, just west of Central Park. When I entered the historic surroundings I could easily see and feel their programming in action on numerous fronts, ranging from pre-school children to senior citizens. The best part of such high quality programming is everyone had a smile on their face as I said hello to them.

Secondly, as the morning unfolded, I watched the leaders help the huge throng assembled explore every facet of successfully kicking off and running a large scale annual campaign in communities ranging from small villages in Western Connecticut to the Big Apple itself.

As the noon hour approached, I wondered how I should alter my remarks for the keynote to tie in with all that had been previously communicated. How could I make technology even more relevant and perhaps even come to life for such a group?

I decided to reflect on my own recent experiences as capital campaign co-chair for the Central Indiana YMCA.

Hopefully, a few Jay Love stories would help tie together what they were embarking on and many of my talk’s key points. No matter what, everyone always seems to enjoy a good story, especially if it is someone who is walking in the same shoes, at least part of the time.

My first story focused on the number of emails and text messages which were required to assemble the campaign co-chairs, the executive director, the director of development and the three members of the family with the potential for a lead gift. I saw many smiles and nods as I described the ebb and flow and just how much important data regarding the ”ask” was being amassed. Sharing a successful ending to that particular story helped. I was also pleased to state that all of the key data and notes from the story were going into a GOOD database!

After that initial connection, it allowed the rest of my talk’s key concepts to flow nicely. All agreed we are in a whole new era of communications in the charity world and that technology will be a huge part of the future. Case in point -- when I asked how many had either read or sent an email or text message since the morning had started, the number of hands raised were easily more than 80%!

Throughout much of 2008, I have ended my speeches by sharing a dozen New Year Technology Resolutions I helped a few older relatives to create late in 2007. These seem to hit close to home with most senior executives in the charity world. They range from joining a social networking site to setting a Google alert to actually using their cell phone by sending text and video from it. It has been neat to receive so many emails saying how many of the senior executives actually took to heart and tried the resolutions for themselves. I am willing to bet their nonprofits are much better off because of their newfound interest in technology. Do you think their NPO web site might actually have an executive director blog or podcast now?

The afternoon was even better for the YMCA’s attending. They were treated to four different case studies built around actual annual campaign success stories from peer groups. By late afternoon they were departing energized and knowledgeable about one of the core pillars of any nonprofit, a successful and growing annual campaign. I left with a deeper understanding and respect for those who do such vital work day in and day out for a large national charity. Needless to say, being a part of such a learning experience is what makes serving this marvelous sector seem more like personal passion than a job week after week!