"In mass-scale direct response fundraising, telling emotional stories wins hands down," says Australian expert Jonathon Grapsas. So put aside the notion that your ask must include a rational argument.
"We make an incredibly powerful economic impact, especially when you include the leveraged impact of donations and volunteer hours," says Ontario Trillium Foundation CEO Robin Cardozo. But charities don't get enough credit for that or for their innovation and willingness to collaborate.
Ottawa's Fraser Green has a major gifts strategy that will work for even the smallest organizations. Like a compass, it has four major points, and it will help you navigate your way into a successful major gift program.
Share your views on corporate sponsorship in our reader poll (right).
Many years ago, Hilborn assistant editor Lisa MacDonald worked as provincial director for The Terry Fox Foundation (TFF) in Manitoba. One of her biggest frustrations was the "restrictions" the Foundation placed on corporate sponsorship. Still in tune with their grass roots beginnings, TFF's directive to staff was clear. Terry's name and his Marathon of Hope would not be sold to the highest bidder.
After attending a screening of The National Film Board's documentary, Pink Ribbons Inc., she's convinced that in a world where blatant sponsorship has become the rule for event-based fundraising for cancer research, The Terry Fox Foundation stands alone.
Marnie Hill, CFRE from Victoria, British Columbia is one of three new members elected to CFRE International's board of directors.
Ms. Hill is currently Manager, Gift Planning with the Canadian Red Cross. She's active with local, national and international efforts of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), serving eight years on the board of AFP Foundation for Philanthropy. She is also a past president of the AFP Vancouver Island Chapter.