Tag: Major Giving

The Odd Couple: Capital Campaigns and Planned Giving

Written by website@neigerdesign.com on November 5, 2019. Posted in Uncategorized.

Historically, planned giving and fundraising campaigns have had a somewhat rocky relationship. There is sometimes a dismissive attitude towards planned giving (and, by extension, those making planned gifts) from the principal and major gifts departments of development. This attitude usually stems from the rather erroneous assumption that those prospects opting for planned gifts really are “getting off easy,” and that development shops that promote planned giving enable major gift prospects to take the easy way out.

Taking Full Advantage

Written by website@neigerdesign.com on November 5, 2019. Posted in Uncategorized.

Hopefully some of you took the time to read a recent story in the New York Times about the upcoming shut-down of the Minitel System in France. The article related that this system, which was a pre-curser of the Internet, provided French families with connections to restaurants, doctors, movie timetables, and all sorts of information for which we now rely on the computer. Apparently, one of the last bastions of Minitel use has been the dairy farmers of Brittany, who have avoided moving to the computer, but now find themselves with little choice, since the Minitel system is about to be shut down for good. Some worry that the farmers are likely to go back to using hand-written registries to maintain records of their herds and to keep track of their business.

Positioning Your Organization for Growth Post-Recession

Written by website@neigerdesign.com on November 5, 2019. Posted in Uncategorized.

When the Great Recession hit in 2007, many financial advisors were telling investors to stay in the market in order to, eventually, benefit from an anticipated rebound. But that’s the world of investing. In the nonprofit world, this advice would prove to be nearly impossible to follow.

With a decline in the economy, giving also declined. Reduced funding meant that we had to take a hard look at our budgets and make some tough decisions. Many nonprofits were forced to reduce staffing and resources for development operations.

According to the Giving USA report released last week, giving has finally surpassed the high from before the recession. When we’re working with clients, we’re seeing a renewed sense of optimism, and that’s exciting. But how can we make the most of this upward trend to strengthen our development programs and, ultimately, our organizations?

Four Ways You Can Start Your Fundraising Year Off Strong

Written by website@neigerdesign.com on November 5, 2019. Posted in Uncategorized.

As June winds down and summer kicks into high gear, many nonprofits are also closing in on the end of their fiscal year. Whether your year ends June 30, December 31, or on a more creative date, many fundraisers put most of their focus on getting to that finish line.

Chances are you’ll have a lot to be proud of, but while it’s important to celebrate your accomplishments, it’s equally important not to let the celebration last too long into the new year.

Momentum is your friend. It’s understandable to want to catch your breath after sprinting to the finish line. But your new year will be much less stressful if you follow these four tips to help you get a good start at the beginning of the year.

Client Testimonial: Hephzibah Children’s Association

Written by website@neigerdesign.com on November 5, 2019. Posted in Uncategorized.

We recently had the pleasure of working with Molly Philosophos and Liz Condon at Hephzibah Children’s Association. Hepzhibah Children’s Association provides group homes and foster care for children from abusive or neglectful homes. Hepzhibah also offers family services and award-winning daycare.

Big Gifts Take Time

Written by website@neigerdesign.com on November 5, 2019. Posted in Uncategorized.

I was interested to read the story in Crain’s Chicago Business this week about the $30 million contribution given to DePaul University by Chicago businessman and philanthropist, Richard Driehaus. One sentence in the article particularly caught my attention. “DePaul’s president broached the possibility of the large gift with Mr. Driehaus in June.” If that sentence is accurate, it suggests that this very significant contribution followed a path similar to many other transformational gifts over the years. It reinforces something that those of us in the major gift business have known for awhile…that large gifts and commitments often take considerable time.