The Future: Online Donor Recognition

September 17th, 2009

There is a shift in modern philanthropy away from foundation giving toward a new philanthropic model that includes highly organized means for a much larger number of individual donors to participate in the growing global philanthropy industry.  What should donor recognition be when there is no opportunity to gather the donors in one place, when there are no walls for plaques and when the individual gifts are smaller but the impact of the giving is huge? Why is it so important that we find new ways to achieve meaningful donor recognition online?

Fundraisers today are challenged with shifting the delivery method for donor recognition and telling a more complicated, larger story. Continue reading »

Donor Recognition “Branding” within Your Organization

August 27th, 2009

Most often one thinks of branding as a marketing activity but if you flip the branding coin you see how basic marketing theories go hand-in-hand with donor recognition. The two together work as a team, enforcing your organization’s overall presence, personality, and values. Continue reading »

Gwinnett Medical Center’s Second-Generation Philanthropy Center Installs

July 30th, 2009

The Philanthropy Center installed July 28 & 29 in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Mirrored alcoves at the entrance to the hospital’s new lobby recognize the key role played by those who give of their time, talent and treasure in support of quality healthcare in the Gwinnett community. This new installation represents an expansion in the scope and volume of the previous Philanthropy Center, first begun in 1994, and highlights philanthropy as a core value to the Gwinnett Medical Center. Continue reading »

Fundraisers Get Ready!

July 8th, 2009

Overall, giving in America is down this year, but a quick look at economic history reveals two heartening constants for fundraisers:

• A deep slump in the economy is not typically mirrored within the philanthropic community. Instead, only a dip or a less steep climb in giving during the same time-frame has been the norm.

• An economic slump is historically followed by a significant and long term increase in giving! Continue reading »

It’s Never Too Early to Start

June 2nd, 2009

Many fundraisers do not address the design and implementation of donor recognition until the later stages of a capital campaign. There is a misconception that “plaques” need not be planned until the building’s construction is well underway.

However, best practices for donor recognition have shown significant benefit to early donor recognition planning in three distinct areas:

Continue reading »