Last week I had two inspiring and unexpected conversations. The first went something like this: “I love meeting one on one with donors and showing them the results of their investment .It is just so much fun.” The other one was: “It is so much fun to connect with potential donors who care so much about mission and help them connect the dots with their philanthropy.” What was interesting about these comments is that one of these people has been in this work for over 30 years and one is a month into the work. And, what they both know is that fundraising is fun. Consider now your own experience. Make a mental list of all the things you think are fun in the nonprofit sector and chances are that… Read more »

The Science of Philanthropy Initiative will hold its second annual conference next week, Nov. 7 and 8, in Chicago. The meeting will feature the results of research addressing social preferences and charitable giving. The conference will be webcast live from the University of Chicago. If you are interested in joining any part of the webcast, which is free, just go to the conference website at the time of the event you wish to view. You can see a schedule of presentations at that same link. The online webcast will be hosted using Adobe Connect software through your web browser. If you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting before, please test your connection here. Can’t attend the live webcast? Conference sponsors will post the videos and slides from the talks… Read more »

Our friends at the Association of Fundraising Professionals remind us that for 50 years now their members have honored and lived by a code of ethical principles and standards — and we believe it is an excellent one. In fact, the AFP code is part of our fundraising training at Foraker. For those of you involved in fundraising, in fact this is good for everyone, please review the standards AFP believes are essential for ethical behavior…. Read more »

Are you looking for an inspiring and knowledge-packed day to increase your skills in securing major gifts? The Washington Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals invites Alaska board members, CEOs, and development officers to attend its annual symposium on October 10 in Seattle. Top fundraisers from around the country will share their insights on successful major gift strategies. Take your questions to Seattle and come back with renewed enthusiasm for ways to support your organization’s mission. Click here for more information on sessions and speakers…. Read more »

The Alaska Native Heritage Center celebrated the news that it was the recipient of a $295,000 grant by presenting an ancient and unusual Yup’ik Eskimo dance performed with an enormous mask. The Center was one of four Alaska art groups that will receive over $1 million from the national ArtPlace initiative. Read more-… Read more »

People who rely on Alaska’s nonprofit organizations — and that includes just about all of us — need to look at a recent report on the economic health of the sector. It’s sobering and mirrors a broader issue that Alaska leaders have talked about for years — the need to move away from heavy dependence on the oil industry and federal funding and set up systems that equitably balance the cost of providing needed programs and services. This is the lead for a recent Compass article by Dennis McMillian that was published in the Anchorage Daily News. Read the full piece here…. Read more »

There are a few general rules about board giving. The most important is “opportunity, not obligation.” This means that if the board members feel like they “have to” give, then it is likely they will not give at the level that makes them feel good or is helpful to the organization in the long term. If this conversation starts for the first time when the organization wants to approach a funder, it is easy to get stuck in “how much” rather than “why” it’s important that board members make a charitable contribution to the organization. I encourage organizations to remember several important points about board giving: As lead investors, board members show the community and funders that they believe the organization is a good financial investment and can be trusted…. Read more »

After a brutal year that included personnel cuts and a dramatic reduction in giving, the Rasmuson Foundation anticipates a transition ahead to “the new normal” — cautious optimism and increasing donations to Alaska charities and artists. Read more-… Read more »