Archive for the ‘Local Nonprofits’ Category

Show Me the Money!!!

 
 
 
 
 
 

Who Gives?

Every year, a comprehensive study of charitable giving is  published by the Giving USA Foundation in a book called Giving USA. This is a very useful tool for anyone raising funds or giving to nonprofit organizations, and I highly recommend it.   

The book and report provide analysis and trends in giving over time, and is often considered the annual report on philanthropy. 
 
You can download the Executive Summary of the report at www.givingusa.org, or consider investing in the book.  

In 2010, $290.89 billion dollars were donated; of that, only 19% came from corporate and foundation grants. That is still a lot of money, but what about the 81% that comes from individuals?   Healthy organizations draw income from several sources, and individual giving is critical to a well-rounded development plan.

Often my clients are directed by board members to “go get grants” before a true assessment of their financial development plan is addressed. A healthy organization has a blend of revenue streams. Grants may be part of that, but an organization should rarely be funded primarily by grants. 

For more information on strategic development planning and expanding individual giving programs, join my mailing list, subscribe to my news feed, or contact me directly.  

 

 

Nonprofit belt-tightening strategy

Everybody is doing more with less these days.  So am I.    

Stage
Theater Stage
Nonprofit organizations are tightening their belts and revising strategies that were previously successful. But in the case of the New  York Ballet, some of their most loyal donors are seeing red.  And I’m not simply referring to the lighting onstage.

Read the related story in the New York Times and share what you think of this strategy.

 

Becoming Unplugged…

I’ve been thinking about becoming unplugged since last Friday night, while we were at a Family Retreat at Greene Family Camp in Bruceville, Texas.

The camp director challenged us to turn off our cell phones and electronic devices as part of a 24-hour event called the National Day of Unplugging, sponsored by the Foundation for Jewish Camp and One Happy Camper. At first, an expression of shock appeared on the sea of adult faces throughout the dining hall. As Loui held his phone high in the air and turned it off, I joined most of the adults who followed his lead. “It’s only 24 hours,” I convinced myself in order to participate.

The gifts that came from that simple act were amazing. I thought of many friends who observe their Sabbath on Saturday or Sunday and refuse to work that day.

I thought of how dependent we become on our electronics, and I vowed not to turn on my phone.

Joy Climbing Alpine Tower

During that retreat, I treated myself to the freedom of spending quality time with my family and with myself. I engaged in lively conversations with people from Texas and Oklahoma, and participated in workshops that challenged both my mind and my spirit. I didn’t miss my phone, my apps, or my email. On Sunday, I continued the tradition.

I watched my daughter with pride as she played daredevil on the zip line and climbed to the top of the Alpine Tower. She has enough courage for both of us, and I’m amazed at her enjoyment of those activities. Mostly, I was proud that she invited me to join her. I might not have noticed that if I was distracted by my business. And I’m proud of myself for prioritizing my family without interruption last weekend.

So what are your priorities? And what do you need to unplug? I want to hear from you. Please post a comment.

Back by Popular Demand

We are pleased to announce our continued partnership with the Wellness Program at Family Service Center of Galveston County to present the Power of Self Esteem Course to employees of Galveston County nonprofit and government-funded institutions.  Our offering this summer was a huge success!  Want more inforrmation? Click to see a detailed course brochure.

Details

Registration Deadline & Contact

Friday, September 3, 2010

Contact Caitlin Kurz @ (409) 370-3652 or ckurz@fscgalv.org

 

Course Dates & Times

September 10, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.,

September 11, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. &

September 25, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

Location

2200 Market Street, Room 608, Galveston, TX  77550 – map 

 

Exciting New Partnership With Family Service Center of Galveston County

We are pleased to announce our partnership with the Wellness Program at Family Service Center of Galveston County to present the Power of Self Esteem Course to employees of Galveston County nonprofit and government-funded institutions. Click for brochure.

Details

Registration Deadline & Contact

June 24, 2010

Contact Caitlin Kurz @ (409) 370-3652 or ckurz@fscgalv.org

Introductory Evening Date, Time and Location

July 1, 2010, 6 – 9 p.m.

2200 Market Street, Room 608, Galveston, TX  77550 – map

Course Dates, Times and Location

Thursday Evenings, July 8 – August 19, 2010, 6 – 9 p.m.

2200 Market Street, Room 608, Galveston, TX  77551 – map

 

 

Who is Janet Cohen?

janetportraitpurpleJanet Cohen, certified Life and Executive Coach, has been helping nonprofits increase their success since 1983.  She has helped international, national and local organizations raise millions of dollars and increase awareness about their programs in her career.  Janet is dedicated to using her experience and knowledge to help your organization achieve success and increase the quality and impact of your services.

She is knowledgeable about cultivating long-term relationships with supporters and collaborating across organizational boundaries to achieve exponentially increased success.  Her deep-rooted background in relationship development is an added asset to her approach.  Janet uses coaching with her clients to teach them “to fish,” so to speak, which benefits her clients long after projects are completed. 

Janet is a member of the International Association of Fundraising Professionals.  She attends conferences, seminars and continuing education opportunities as a learner as well as a presenter.  Janet regularly speaks at luncheons, offering insight on topics such as Diversity and Inclusion, Web 2.0 and Social Media, Donor Cultivating, Motivating Boards, Major Gifts Fundraising for Small Nonprofits, and many more.  Janet also presents at annually at events like AFP’s International Conference and Ask the Experts.  She authored and teaches “Writing Winning Proposals” annually as part of the partnership between AFP and Rice University’s Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership.

What really sets Janet apart from other consultants is her strict adherence to a code of ethics based on integrity and quality. As a certified Life and Executive Coach and a member of AFP, Janet subscribes to more than her own set of ethical standards.  Click to view: AFP Code of Ethics, ICF Code of Ethics

Categories
Links: