Search results matching tag 'major gifts'

Transparency: The True Cost of Fundraising

10B8B77F-6804-4BB9-8EAC-42F8BF3A2049 — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:02:00 GMT

Justify the Work and Maximize Efficiency
by Nancy Appel and Michael Lowstetter

In this article, Nancy Appel, executive director of development for Hazelden, and Michael Lowstetter, chief financial officer for Shepherds Ministries, describe what it takes to determine the real cost of raising funds.

In today’s economic environment, fundraising is important to every nonprofit. But how do organizations reduce costs and improve impact? Nancy Appel, Hazelden’s executive director of development, and Michael Lowstetter, Shepherds Ministries’ chief financial officer tackled the topic of what it takes to determine the real cost of raising funds.

“Being transparent is the key to determining the real value of a fundraising campaign,” explained Lowstetter. “We want to look at the things running well and maximize those efficiencies.”

It’s more than the cost to raise a dollar and return on investment, Lowstetter and Appel said; it’s about justifying the work being done and maximizing the efficiency. To do that, organizations need to be transparent.

“We should ask ourselves questions like: What are we providing? What does it cost? How does the cost to accomplish one activity compare to the cost to accomplish another? Can we spend more to get more?” Appel suggested.

Popular fundraising measures are: return on investment, total revenue, total expense, cost to raise a dollar — total expense and total revenue are important, but are they enough?

According to Lowstetter and Appel, organizations must understand the process of fundraising to really be transparent and determine the true cost. Then “calculate the cost for the current year not when the funds actually come in. Evaluation is where the impact on the long-term process is determined,” Appel said.

Lowstetter and Appel offered up these tips in transparency:

Events

Events are the most time-intensive but can give organizations significant net revenue and a predictable scenario: Do the work, get the money. According to Appel, a one-time event may not be conducive to building long-term relationships and support around an organization’s mission.

Items to remember when calculating the true cost of an event:

Location rental or facility costs (even if the event is held at the organization’s facilities)
Food and service costs
Consultant fees
Design, printing, and mailing costs
Staff costs of planning, attending, and follow-up

Annual Fund

Appel said that annual funds usually are high in cost to raise a dollar compared to other fundraising methods. “To be successful with an annual fund, a nonprofit really needs to idenfity those who are prospects for major gifts and build support for the mission.”

Items to remember when calculating the true cost of an annual fund:

Design, printing, and mailing costs
Telephone calls or campaign costs
Staff cost
Fundraising staff
Gift administration

Major Gifts

While conducting a major gift campaign can be very cost effective, the return is unpredictable but can be terrific with just a few larger gifts, Appel explained.

One area that is expensive but necessary is staff and travel, added Lowstetter. “Travel is often required to make that connection with a potential donor. With costs going up, it can get pricey,” he said.

Items to remember when calculating the true cost of major gift campaigns:

Gift processing costs
Status reporting costs
Travel and entertainment costs
Staff costs: gift officer, president/executive director, gift administration

Planned Giving

Planned giving is very long-term in scope. It can be decades until gifts are realized. “These long-term gifts should be integrated into the total fundraising efforts and it can be done economically,” said Lowstetter. Although it can be difficult to measure potential because it’s hard to prove until you realize the gift amount”

Items to remember when calculating the true cost of planned giving campaigns:

Design, printing, and mailing costs
Telephone calls or campaign costs
Travel and entertainment costs
Legal, investment, and other consultant costs
Gift administration and reporting costs
Staff costs: planned gift officer, gift administration

Lowstetter said the ability to accurately calculate expenses for activities decreases greatly from events to annual fund to major gifts, and especially with planned gifts. “But the answer is in how transparent you can be,” he explained.

“Recognize fundraising not only as a means to build revenue, but also as a way to help your supporters have a voice in your work, demonstrate their gratitude, stay connected, and support your nonprofit status,” added Lowstetter. “And listen to them,” he said.

Database Administrator at Lesley University, Boston, MA

8287466b-336b-40c2-8983-cd1eb24f2050 — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 20:48:05 GMT

12/5/08

Lesley UniversityJob PostingTitle: Database Administrator

Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will take primary responsibility for the constituency database (currently Raiser’s Edge). Reporting to senior management in the Office of Advancement, the Database Administrator will provide database support to all staff in the Advancement Office and serve as liaison to other administrative offices such as Finance and University Technology. Major responsibility is to work to integrate the development database with the University’s administrative system. Produce weekly, monthly, quarterly and other standard and ad hoc reports and lists as scheduled and required. Conduct month end closing process, serving as the liaison to the finance department to reconcile gift records and reports. Assist in the creation of a policy and procedure guide. Assist users with database questions and improve day-to-day efficiencies. Maintain and enhance as needed, the data structure of attributes, code tables, business rules and all other set-up functions. Receive and implement all database updates and upgrades and prepare users for the upgrade(s). Work with Registrar’s office to import new graduates into the database. Participate in Raiser’s Edge/Blackbaud or relevant user group sessions, meetings and conferences and communicate appropriate information to database users at Lesley University. Serve as Advancement’s liaison with vendors for technical issues, software support contracts, and new product research, evaluations, and implementation, and with Lesley’s office of University Technology as appropriate. Supervise Database Assistant.

Required Education, Experience, and Skills:

Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred. Strong technical skills to maintain and enhance database capabilities and ability to integrate Advancement database with the University administrative system. Three plus years of experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar database software and all components of Microsoft Office. Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Able to work on multiple projects simultaneously, with minimal supervision, and prioritize appropriately. Strong communication skills and desire to work as part of a team. Supervisory experience. Experience in a nonprofit fundraising environment, preferably higher education, with an understanding of donor cultivation/solicitation practices. SQL programmer skills are a plus. Windows administration experience or training is a plus.Experience with data exchange between disparate systems preferred. Corequisite questions:

Do you have a Bachelor’s degree?
Do you have three plus years of database administration experience, preferably with Raiser’s Edge or a comparable program?
Are you proficient in all components of Microsoft Office?
Do you have one to three years experience in a non-profit fundraising environment?
Do you have supervisory experience?
Do you have strong technical skills?
Are you authorized to work in the U.S?
Do you have the ability to produce management revenue reports of varying kinds?
Do you have experience implementing an on-line community using software such as Encompass, I-Modules, or Convio?

Apply Online at http://www.lesley.edu/hr/postings.html

Administrative Assistant for Major Donors and Planned Giving

71F326ED-F2D0-4039-9E30-60733AF4A53C — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:23:41 GMT

Bread for the World, a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad, has an exciting opportunity for an individual to provide professional administrative and program support to the Director of Development, the major donor and membership team. This person must have an enjoyment for and commitment to donor services. Must possess strong administrative and computer skills, particularly MS Office Suite. Raiser’s Edge or similar databases and contact management systems a plus; a High School diploma is required with a minimum of two years of nonprofit or donor relations experience. Ability to coordinate and plan special events; ability to conduct research, multi-task and meet deadlines; detail-oriented; willingness to be flexible; and a team player. Send cover letter, resume, availability and references to: HR Manager-AA, BFW, 50 F Street, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, DC 20001, or fax 202-639-9401; or email: human.resources@bread.org in Word 6.0. No phone calls please. BFW is an EOE.

Executive Director Position Available - Equality Advocates Pennsylvania

B2124113-743D-4777-AF71-EA27AB38C6B8 — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:55:59 GMT

EQUALITY ADVOCATES PENNSYLVANIA (formerly the Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights) seeks a passionate, empowering, and dynamic leader to personify its mission to achieve equality for LGBT Pennsylvanians through direct legal services, education and policy reform.

POSITION SUMMARY

Provides visionary leadership to oversee and direct strategic program development with effective short and long-term strategies to achieve the 3-part mission.

Develops and manages a comprehensive fund raising program, including annual giving, major donor giving, law firm and corporate giving, special events, institutional giving, and public funding.
Directly responsible for fiscal operations including budget, financial management and reporting; manages risk and compliance, facilities management, information technology, and web development.
Develop and maintain effective relationships with a diverse Board.
Hires, supervises and mentors staff and volunteers using sound human resources practices; maintains a working climate that attracts, retains and motivates a diverse staff of top quality people. Directly supervises the Legal Director, Development Coordinator, Business Manager, and Education and Outreach Coordinator.
Promotes the visibility and reputation of Equality Advocates and its 3-part mission. Liaises with key stakeholders in the LGBT community and allied community groups and organizations. Directs marketing, publications, and public relations.
Directs lobbying efforts and related activities. Establishes and maintains relationships with state, local and community leaders.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree required with 5 or more years related work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Law, MBA or professional degree strongly preferred.
Prior executive management experience required with non-profit management strongly preferred.
Able to translate strategy into operational plans and results-oriented action.
Knowledge of and commitment to justice and equality for LGBT civil rights essential.
Strong leadership, fund-raising, and fiscal management skills required. Prior experience with major donor fundraising essential. Prior grant proposal writing desired.
Excellent management skills with the demonstrated ability to develop staff and build a high performing, positive work environment.
Exceptional interpersonal, written, verbal, and technology based communication skills needed. Solid computer skills.
Valid driver's license required; must own or have access to a car. Some travel and evening/weekend work required.

The successful candidate will be a change agent and visionary leader with the ability to effectively collaborate, empower staff, negotiate, build consensus, and implement projects across multiple levels. They will:
o possess the ability to create a compelling vision for the future and communicate it to others in a way that inspires commitment and support

be adept at public speaking, including as a media spokesperson

o value diversity and be able to work effectively with people from different backgrounds and cultures
o work collaboratively with others towards goals to foster partnerships and teamwork

anticipate challenges, initiate innovative approaches to them, and demonstrate resourcefulness and persistence in overcoming obstacles

Equality Advocates Pennsylvania Offers

Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Excellent employer-paid benefits package
Family-friendly work environment
Equal Opportunity Employer

To Apply

Submit a current resume and cover letter that includes salary requirement to Equality Advocates Pennsylvania via one of the following methods:

Mail to Executive Director Search Committee, 1211 Chestnut Street, Suite #605, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Fax to 215/731-1544
Email to HR@equalitypa.org (electronic application preferred).

Associate Manager, Donor Relations The Robin Hood Foundation New York, NY

18152F05-8FB6-4838-85AE-4B56F745A2CB — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 20:00:55 GMT

Description:

Robin Hood holds steadfast to a single mission: fight poverty in New York City. We believe in reducing poverty for today’s generation and preventing poverty for generations to come. Robin Hood finds, funds and partners with over 240 of the most effective schools and programs in the city’s poorest neighborhoods to save the lives and change the fates of those who battle educational failure, joblessness, teen pregnancy, abuse, AIDS, hunger and homelessness. We then provide management assistance and support services to make them even stronger. When we see unmet needs, we launch initiatives to address them. The board underwrites 100 percent of overhead, fundraising and evaluation so that every dollar donated goes directly to organizations serving families who struggle against poverty.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Manager of Donor Relations, the Associate Manager will be part of a team that manages a broad-based donor/prospect cultivation and stewardship program that serves the entire Development department. This position’s main function will be to act as a liaison between various teams—primarily Donor Information, Research, and Marketing—to help maintain and manage data integrity, gift coding, donor acknowledgement and direct mail campaigns. The Associate Manager will also play an integral role in all stewardship activities and events to support Robin Hood’s overall fundraising goals and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Partner with Corporate/Major Gifts/Leadership Gifts/Donor Information teams to coordinate and support the daily gift coding and acknowledgement process.
Create and run reports, pull mailing lists and generate mail merges from Raiser’s Edge.
Assist in the preparation and execution of direct mail campaigns such as the year end campaign; raffle campaign; lapsed donor campaign. Conduct analysis and evaluation of all campaigns, and provide recommendations for continual improvement.
Serve as liaison to fundraising staff on outstanding pledge fulfillment.
Help research, manage and expand the matching gift program.
Analyze and improve data integrity through innovative problem-solving.

Education Requirements Bachelor’s degree required.

Additional Qualifications:

Qualifications

3-5 years professional work experience in non-profit Development, or comparable marketing background.
Extensive experience with at least one database system, preferably Raiser’s Edge.
Facility using computer software; advanced working knowledge of Excel.
Familiarity with annual giving campaigns or direct marketing a plus.

Additional Qualifications

Curious and innovative problem-solver and unconventional thinker.
Flexibility and good sense of humor is a must.
Systems-oriented, highly organized and pays close attention to detail.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and complete multiple task requirements simultaneously.
Great interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate with different working styles; collegial and committed team player.

How to Apply:

To Apply Please send a cover letter and resume to https://home.eease.com/recruit/?id=46463 with “Associate Manager, Donor Relations” in the subject line. Save and upload your resume and cover letter as one document. In the cover letter reference “Associate Manager, Donor Relations” also. No phone calls, please.

Application Deadline October 22, 2008

Robin Hood is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We will contact only those candidates whose professional experience and background meets our requirements.

Senior Director of Development: The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg

4DE0050A-5B34-4C2B-9E3C-C7E3E83EE0E1 — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:16:31 GMT

Please pass this information to your colleagues. Thanks.

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The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg seeks to fill the position of Senior Director of Development.

The Senior Director of Development is responsible for the management and execution of major gift, corporate gifts, planned gifts, and high end annual giving programs for The Arts Partnership. This position will oversee the Annual Campaign and its components: Gignilliat Society and Arts X Society. In addition, the Sr. Director of Development oversees all long term capital campaign efforts undertaken by The Arts Partnership.

The Sr. Director of Development serves as a dynamic spokesperson for the arts, science and history programs we fund to program constituencies (current patrons, major prospects – foundations, corporations, individuals, and community, etc.). They must be comfortable in the research cultivation, solicitation, reception and stewardship of major gifts (i.e. those exceeding $10,000 annually). This person must also be comfortable in communication and partnership with the Board of Trustees and leading the Development Committee of the Board.

The Arts Partnership is seeking an individual with a minimum of 5 years of experience including major gift experience. This individual should be energetic, creative, a team player, and dedicated to the success of the arts, science and history of Spartanburg. Previous management experience preferred but not required. The Arts Partnership provides a fast paced environment with many components in the development office and the opportunity to significantly increase philanthropy for the funded organizations.

The Sr. Director of Development will report to the President of The Arts Partnership and will oversee the Director of Annual Giving, Database Coordinator, and Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Salary is commensurate with experience and The Arts Partnership offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Applicants are asked to submit an application letter and a list of references to H. Perry Mixter, President and COO, The Arts Partnership, 200 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306 or via email to mixterhp@spartanarts.org. EEOE.

About The Arts Partnership:

The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg was founded in 1993. Our mission is to provide cultural leadership for Greater Spartanburg by developing, strengthening and promoting the excellence, scope of educational role of the arts, humanities and sciences and furthering their financial strength, as well as their significance in the life of our community and the lives of its citizens.

For more information visit our website: www.spartanarts.org

Major Gifts Officer - New York, NY or Washington, DC Metro Area

A8018D9F-2597-4525-B3DF-38E1C2796410 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:31:02 GMT

Major Gifts Officer (Eastern Region)
Compassion & Choices

New York, NY or Washington, DC Metro Area

Compassion & Choices, the nation’s largest and most effective advocacy organization for end-of-life care and policy, seeks an experienced Major Gifts Officer (MGO) to work with $1,200+ donors in the Eastern Region. Reporting to the Director of Major Gifts, this position will be responsible for a portfolio of approximately 300 major donors and major donor prospects. S/he will personally identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors as well as support board and volunteers engagement in major donor fundraising. The MGO will have:

A minimum of 5 years of successful major gift fundraising experience is required and experience in an advocacy or social justice organization is preferred
Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution required, CFRE preferred.
Ability and willingness to travel approximately 30% of time.

Advanced written and oral communication skills.
Proficiency in all areas of Microsoft office and Raiser’s Edge
Passion about civil liberties advocacy in general and end-of-life choice specifically.
A collaborative work style, strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact effectively with staff, board members, volunteers and high-level donors

This position will operate from their home office in New York, NY or Washington DC metro areas. Open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity and national origin, age, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, HIV status, or religious affiliation. To Apply:Please send cover letter and resume to Victoria Nolten at vnolten@compassionandchoices.org. Please put “Major Gifts Officer” in the subject line. No phone calls.

Development Associate & 2 Admin Assistant Postions with Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon

5C5D0A02-3F5E-4F57-96C9-7EDFCF554F7E — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 20:28:24 GMT

The Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon currently has several openings in our Office of Resource Development. The Archdiocese of Portland is the second oldest Catholic archdiocese in the United States, includes all of Western Oregon North to South, and serves approximately 389,000 Catholics. The Archdiocese includes 147 Catholic Parishes and Missions and 52 Catholic Schools. Our Resource Development staff support all Archdiocesan development efforts including annual, major, and planned giving, as well as special events. We also serve as a resource and agent for all parish and Catholic school development efforts in our various church communities. Our annual fund, the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal, raises more than $3 million annually from over 25,000 donors to support parish based programs and ministries throughout the Archdiocese. The current Director of Development has guided the department through nine years of significant growth in all areas of development. We are currently seeking three new positions to help us expand our development efforts even further, and with a constituency of our size, there are endless opportunities for success. For more information on the Archdiocese of Portland, please visit our website at www.archdpdx.org, or our planned giving website at www.archdpdxgift.org. We hope you will consider joining our development team! Development Associate for the Catholic Archdiocese of PortlandDevelops, organizes, and implements fund raising programs for the Archdiocese and Parishes utilizing direct mail, telemarketing, and personal solicitation. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of fund raising, and operation of non-profit organizations is required. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Highly developed independent judgment, interpersonal relations, and public speaking skills necessary. Proficiency in spreadsheet, word processing, and all basic office equipment is required. Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in communications, finance/and/or marketing or an equivalent combination of education and experience with 5-8 years’ experience in a comparable position; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job’s essential functions. Valid drivers’ license required. Practicing Catholic preferred. Experience in Raiser’s Edge a plus. Bilingual in Spanish and/or CFRE would be viewed favorably.

This position is full time, with corresponding salary and excellent benefits.

Administrative Assistant 3
Wonderful opportunity for an exceptional Administrative Assistant to support the Archdiocese of Portland’s Resource Development Department. The right candidate is able to perform complex functions, keep extremely accurate records, work independently (within the scope of the job), and handle a wide diversity of work situations. Excellent interpersonal and highly developed organizational skills are mandatory.

Proven ability to optimize all software in the Microsoft Office Suite is essential. Experience with Raiser's Edge a plus. Impeccable written and oral communication skills are crucial. Acute sense of discretion and overall professional integrity are vital to the success of this department. Ability to utilize critical thinking skills towards being highly responsive to a fast-paced, shifting set of goals is imperative. Accurate typing and/or word processing at 60-80+ wpm. High school diploma or equivalent required, 2-4 years’ college preferred. Minimum of 4 year’s administrative experience or equivalent training and/or education. Prefer some experience in Development/Fundraising and/or non-profit organizations. Practicing Catholic and valid driver's license preferred.

This position is full time, with excellent benefits.

Administrative Assistant 2
Full time, benefit eligible administrative assistant to Financial Services and Resource Development. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel. High degree of accuracy and word processing to 60+ wpm. Proven ability to produce accurate correspondence and reports in a timely fashion. Experience with Raiser's Edge a plus. Effective written and verbal communication skills. 10-key by touch. High school diploma or equivalent required. Minimum of 2 years secretarial experience or equivalent training and/or education. Accounting knowledge, valid driver’s license, practicing Catholic, and bilingual in Spanish preferred.

For consideration, please send cover letter and resume referencing the position to gift@archdpdx.org or Attn: HR, 2838 E. Burnside St., Portland, OR 97214.

Two Development Job Openings - Norwich, CT

3FCB7BB3-1AEC-4719-ADB3-F28E8340C04B — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:23:07 GMT

The Norwich Free Academy Foundation, Inc. is seeking two experienced professionals to join its fundraising team as of July 2008:

Assistant Director of Development

The Assistant Director of Development will assist in designing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies for the NFA Foundation. Primary responsibilities include managing and executing a coordinated program for fundraising; cultivation and solicitation of major gifts; concluding the Sesquicentennial Capital Campaign; overseeing donor recognition activities; and managing the Gulliver and Slater Planned Giving Societies. The ideal candidate will have a college degree; a minimum of five years ofl fundraising experience with a proven track record in major gift solicitation and/or capital campaigns; and strong interpersonal skills. Computer proficiency is necessary; Raiser’s Edge experience, desirable. Willingness and ability to travel required.

Coordinator, External Relations

The Coordinator of External Relations will be responsible for providing in-depth research profiles on prospective donors; planning and implementing special events; and coordinating the marketing efforts of the NFA Foundation, Norwich Free Academy and the Slater Memorial Museum. The ideal candidate will have a college degree, a minimum of three years of development or public relations experience in a non-profit environment; and outstanding organizational, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Adobe CS2 including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator & Acrobat required. Experience with Powerpoint and Raiser’s Edge, a plus. Limited travel required.

Qualified candidates please submit letter of application, salary requirements, resume and three references by June 18, 2008 to Director of Human Resources, Norwich Free Academy, 305 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360 or to foundation@norwichfreeacademy.com.

About The Norwich Free Academy & and The NFA Foundation, Inc.

The Norwich Free Academy offers over 2,500 students a unique combination of the best in private and public education. NFA serves as a secondary school of choice to Norwich and seven surrounding communities (Bozrah, Canterbury, Franklin, Lisbon, Preston, Sprague, and Voluntown), as well as tuition students. The Academy is a privately endowed, independent, comprehensive high school.

The NFA Foundation, Inc. supports Tradition & Innovation at the Norwich Free Academy. By providing human, material and financial resources, the Foundation promotes NFA's efforts, assists the Academy in furthering its tradition of excellence and helps to fulfill its goal of serving the needs of all its students.

Visit www.norwichfreeacademy.com .