Lovely vs Functional Displays

November 16th, 2009

Just a quick word of warning to those of you about to sign that contract with your favorite vendor for a lovely display . . . is that display also functional?  Will it become another pretty thing that you outgrow or find disappointing in its ability to serve over time?

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The Full Potential of Donor Recognition

August 31st, 2009

No one but a donor recognition consultant would take as much time as I just have to grapple with establishing the “best” definition for donor recognition. However, my daily activities demonstrate that too many folks think they know just what donor recognition is (plaques) and too few consider the full scope of what it ought to be. So for those willing, here is some well-invested “thinking about thanking”.

Donor recognition is the public acknowledgment of a gift received, carefully crafted to both honor the donor it names and motivate the potential donors in the audience. Continue reading »

Defining Philanthropy Center

August 4th, 2009

Our firm regularly uses the term “philanthropy center”. We have to remind ourselves that this term has meaning to us as donor recognition consultants, but may be foreign to others, even our fundraising clients.

A philanthropy center is a premier destination for the celebration of donors and the many ways that an organization has benefited from philanthropy.

As a “center,” a grouping of displays goes beyond the standard “donor wall,” communicating opportunities to give and fostering enhanced giving by current donors and new donors alike. Continue reading »