5 Ways to Strengthen Your Organization’s Philanthropic Culture

Posted on January 19, 2017 by Giving Speaks

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Embrace Philanthropy—What it is, and What it does

Philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to causes that create positive circumstances for people and a community. The practice of giving money and time to help others is the heart of philanthropy. The word philanthropy comes from the Latin word philanthropia, from the Greek philein (to love) and Anthropos (human being), and was first used in the early 1600’s.

Voluntary Action for the Public Good.–Philanthropy is not simply fundraising, and it’s not simply stewardship. It’s that and more. The central motivation for philanthropic giving is for the common good: to help make people’s lives and circumstances better.

Form a Philanthropy Team—everyone is essential.

From the receptionist to the Executive Director, everyone on staff is a part of the team that creates the culture of philanthropy reflected in your organization. Every encounter makes a difference in creating an impression about your organization and how it is run.

If the first person your donor or volunteer encounters in your organization does not understand the importance of philanthropy, you could lose your donor.

Philanthropy Begins with the Leadership—100% participation and no less.

When you assume a leadership role in an organization—particularly board leadership—you must demonstrate your commitment to the financial health of the organization. Every member of the board and financial leadership must make an annual contribution within their means. Every year. If the organization is not worthy of its leadership’s generosity and support, how can they expect others to give at levels appropriate to their capacity?

Conveying your organization’s mission, vision and values to inspire generosity and loyalty in the hearts of your supporters.

The development of your organization’s philanthropic culture increases your level of sustainability for the long haul. Your strongest supporters will be those who are passionate and committed to what your organization does to make a difference in the world and its inhabitants. Ideally, the return on the philanthropic investment in your organization on the part of leadership and donors will be the real impact of those you serve. Sharing the outcomes of donor generosity is essential–let people know the great things you have been able to accomplish because of their generosity and support!

Express appreciation with sincerity and joy

When the organization is accountable to its donors and honor the intentions of their gifts, authentic relationships and community are nurtured. As organization leaders, we can be attentive to donor needs for recognition and advocates for donor interests in how their funds are used within the organization. Thank often and share your stories of success and making a difference!

May you discover new ways to create and nurture a culture of philanthropy in your organization each and every day~

Laurel Amabile portrait 2

Laurel's signature cropped

Laurel Amabile, CFRE, Giving Speaks blog

Sources of inspiration for this post:

Collins, Mary Ellen. Essential Assets. Advancing Philanthropy, Winter 2015.

Payton, Robert L. Philanthropy: Voluntary Action for the Public Good. www.paytonpapers.org

Fundraising When You Are Feeling the Squeeze

Posted on February 21, 2016 by Giving Speaks

Is your organization feeling the squeeze in its funding? Are you having to focus more on cutting expenses than on developing your programs and services?

You are not alone. Here are some tips from professional fundraisers that can help…

Fundraising professionals agree that success unpredictable economic times involves intentional planning and attending to foundational philanthropic practices. The following is a list of core elements for your organization to have in place to build resiliency and help manage the challenges as they arise:

Compelling Mission Statement—a clearly articulated, dynamic and impactful mission appeals to people’s interests, creating value for the organization and its mission in their minds and hearts.

Most people want to make a positive difference through their actions and their charitable giving. They want to know their contributions will make a difference because your organization is making a difference in people’s lives and communities. Leaders must be prepared–individually and collectively–to articulate the organization’s mission, purposes and vision in appealing and compelling ways to elicit heightened levels of engagement and generosity among your supporters.

Assess and acknowledge your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges (threats), building on your strengths and opportunities while strategically managing your weaknesses and challenges.

Self-awareness is key. Conduct a thorough and candid analysis of your organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats/challenges (SWOT). Translate the results into an action plan that will maximize your strengths and opportunities–these are your organizational assets. As leaders you can use this self-awareness and knowledge to plan realistically and work effectively to navigate the challenges and overcome the barriers to success.

Avoid dramatic shifts in fundraising methods and staffing.

Most organizations rely on their professional and support staff to maintain week-to-week functions, particularly record-keeping and finance. Some organizations have a smaller infrastructure and leaner staffing. At times of heightened financial anxiety, the needs seem to increase and feel more urgent, sometime prompting desperate actions. Staff and Board leaders must work with intention to employ effective fundraising methods and stewardship practice that will sustain the organization over time.

Keep public relations and marketing strong.

Work to increase your visibility through a well designed website, public witness, media coverage, and partnering with other organizations with common values. Experiment with social media venues, crowd-funding, and other innovative and lower-cost technology. Pay close attention to what modes of communication people elicit the best response–do more of what works best with your constituents and donors.

Build support by spreading the enthusiasm about what the organization is doing.

As leaders, it is essential to talk in positive ways about your organization: what you are excited about, how the organization is supported financially, and what you are doing to make good things happen. Avoid the vortex of negativity or doom and gloom about your financial limitations. You are the public face and voice of the organization and its mission. Your enthusiasm for your mission and the positive difference your organization is making will catch peoples’ interest and inspire their generous support.

Inspire trust in the leadership of your organization. Practice accountability and authentic communication.

Share information about how contributions are used to fulfill the organization’s mission and purpose. Educate donors and volunteers about the importance supporting your mission and the causes you stand for over time. Don’t gloss over the rough spots, but don’t over-focus on your limitations. This information should be readily available upon request or in general ways on your website.

Meet and communication with donors regularly, informing them of the organization’s needs. Invite questions, feedback, and ideas for improvement.

A relational approach to fundraising is essential to sustain the highest levels of generosity and giving to the organization. Regular personal contacts throughout the year via phone, email, and postal mail are critical to promoting strong relational ties to the organization, the wider faith, and partner organizations. Individual volunteers and donors need to know they are valued and important to the organization beyond any financial contributions they make. Saying “Thank You” in as many ways possible is a priority.

Remember that fundraising requires a highly relational approach that demonstrates your organization’s commitment to its mission and to those whose lives are touched by its mission.

DEFINING YOUR FUNDING PRIORITIES–Identify up to 6 fundraising priorities, with 3 action steps for each priority area:

Priority #1

Priority #2

Priority #3

Priority #4

Priority #5

Priority #6

Once you have identified your funding priorities, put your annual development and stewardship plan in writing using the following format and information:

Generate your compelling case for funding support
Write up a concise one-page description of each priority area/program for sharing with donors and funders
Estimate the costs of funding your programs and operations
Identify your funding sources–individual, groups, businesses, grants, foundations/corporate giving programs–estimating the revenue goal for each
Create materials or presentations about your funding priorities with the interests of each donor or group in mind
Develop a timeline for your plan
Know what you will track and measure for successful outcomes
Evaluation of the plan at regular intervals
Adjustments that could be made if necessary
Celebrate any and all successes!

Wishing you great prosperity and success,

Laurel Amabile, Giving Speaks

Other Helpful Planning Resources:

Fundraising When Money is Tight, by Mal Warwick. 2009. Jossey-Bass.

Raising More with Less, by Amy Eisenstein, CFRE. 2012. Charity Channel Press–“In the Trenches” series.

Creating a Compelling Case for Funding

Development Planning Template

Giving Speaks Consultation

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Giving Speaks

Giving Speaks offers consultation and services customized to suit your organization’s unique mission, goals, priorities and needs.

If your organization has not recently clarified its strategic vision and/or mission, priorities, short- and long-term goals, you may benefit from having an assessment process conducted. This type of in-depth review of the organization and its funding programs is often a good place to start.

The charitable giving and fundraising landscapes are changing!

With the changes in the economy that are affecting charitable giving, it is more important than ever for organization leaders to follow best practices in their stewardship and know the most current strategies for effective fundraising programs.
Fundraising has changed dramatically in recent years with the increasing availability and social-networking and online media. Organization leaders must gain familiarity and comfort with these new fundraising opportunities.
Donors are more sophisticated and selective than ever before. It is essential that you know how to relate to your donors effectively to maximize giving to your organization.

So, what does Giving Speaks have to offer you and your organization?

Assessments of fund development programs and stewardship practices
Strategic visioning and mission clarification processes
Planning for short-term, mid-range, or long-range goals
Coaching for professional and board leadership
Training for stewardship and fundraising volunteers
Campaign planning
Preaching, worship planning, faith development, and workshop presentations

Workshops can be conducted as webinars for your congregation or organization using Skype, Google Hangouts, Go To Meeting, or Zoom. This is an affordable and easily accessible means of providing your staff and volunteers with focused training in these vital areas of organizational health and well-being without the added costs.

Contact Laurel Amabile, Giving Speaks, for more information: