“I don’t care about sustainability. If the organization isn’t here in 10 years, then it wasn’t important enough.”

While I believe in and understand Darwinian tendencies, when it comes to organizations, I’m not so sure it’s that easy. Instead of sitting back passively and waiting for organizations to fail, why not seek out those that show true results and invest in measures that help them become sustainable so they continue to serve the community in the most efficient and effective ways? If they don’t have proper assessment measures, invest in that before letting what could be the best solution to a social problem go down in flames.

“We’re not going to fund you because you’re not a sinking ship.”

The first person wants organizations to die and this person wants to save them. They’re set on either perpetuating failing organizations or they like to be the savior. Unfortunately, it shouldn’t be about either. Basing funding decisions solely on cash flow management or calls of desperation don’t help anyone. Instead, save those that show plans for true change and improvement.

“I can’t support you because my boss makes me give to United Way.”

I’ve heard this more times than I care to count. I know it’s unintentional but United Way is slowly killing philanthropy. Every time this is said, I’m pretty sure a Unicorn dies. It’s peer-to-peer fundraising gone horribly wrong, inserting arm-twisting corporate power and authority into what should be a beautiful giving experience. In most cases, their boss, boss’s boss or boss’s friend is chairing the campaign and IT. CAN’T. FAIL. Instead of encouraging philanthropy first and letting people support organizations they feel compelled to, campaign captains leverage their authority and often literally stand over underlings until they write a check. It makes me sick. If they don’t give, or don’t give the right amount, they’re called in for a (bad) chat with their supervisor and it even shows up on performance reviews. Really? If ‘Living United’ is really ‘Forced Giving’ – count me out.

“I want all of my donation to go directly to the cause.”

Usually what they mean is that they want to support programs and don’t value or understand the importance of administrative and fundraising costs. This is an elementary approach to philanthropy. I’ve jumped on this soap box enough. Read why here, here and here. Instead, think of it as multiplication philanthropy. ‘Nuff said.

“We’re not going to support you because our friend doesn’t work there anymore.”

This is a classic case of misdirected giving. It was clear they weren’t giving for the cause, but only as a favor. Sure, we all support our friends in their walks, runs and efforts to help causes that are close to them. This rarely turns you into a life-long supporter of charity X. It’s important that the organization staff build relationships between supporters and the organization, not between supporters and themselves. The latter is not sustainable and will do damage when/if there’s ever a change in staff. If there’s a transition, discuss the implications of departure on organization communication and donor relationships. As a supporter, we do want to support and do business with those we care about but do your best to give for the cause’s sake. All will be better off.

“I’m not going to specifically fund or sponsor any particular program. I’m going to trust you do what is best for the organization and those you serve.”

The stronger your relationships and conversations, the more this will start to happen. Similar to this lady, this person fully trusts the organization and the people that run it. Once you’ve done your homework and believe in an organization, give them your dollars and time, but more importantly, trust them to do what they need with it. Don’t create arbitrary rules and recognition for them to follow.

What have you heard or said? Do you agree with my concerns and reactions? Let me know in the comments.

How do you know when your organization is ready for a capital campaign?

Here are my top ‘absolutes’…

1. Strong base of sustainable, annual support
2. Strong volunteer engagement in fundraising at the leadership levels
3. A clearly defined and compelling need

Ian shared…

“I think an organization’s knows when it is time to expand when programs and facility space have reached their capacity and other alternatives like remodeling and renovations have been exhausted. “

How should organizations prepare?

You need a strong case statement for support. See these downloadable examples from Tom Ahern.  Feasibility studies are also crucially important. Here are 5 Questions a Feasibility Study should answer and Ian’s 7 goals of a feasibility study.

Where/how do you recruit volunteer help?

Once you have a strong case study and confidence from a feasibility study, you need to recruit your campaign chair. As Ian shared “The feasibility study really sets you up for how the campaign is going to be run and by whom. The chair needs to be some that most cannot not say “no” to. A real influencer in the community who can open doors for others on the committee to make an ask.”

He/she should must have…

1. Ability to make a significant gift
2. Well known/respected in the community (ask around first!)
3. The interest in your mission to engage their closest friends/colleagues
4. Experience fundraising (other campaigns, other boards, etc.)
5. Accessibility
6. The understanding that they will be making asks and recruiting a campaign committee – who will be making asks

For more, learn from the Boy Scouts – who conduct capital campaigns regularly.

When/how do you go public?

Conventional wisdom is that you must have at least 50% committed prior to going public. In a difficult economy, the later the better. You should be confident that the campaign will succeed before even starting, let alone going public.  Ian shared that many foundations won’t consider a proposal until 50%+ is committed and “others, like matching foundation grants, like to be the ones that cross the finish line for you. So if you open up to the public and gets some real head way, once you reach that level where you are almost done a foundation can get you to the finish.”

When you go public, make supporters proud of their help – give them buttons, pins and swag to brag. It builds excitement, interest and ambassadors sharing about the need with other community members.

For the rest of the conversation including how to get a derailed campaign back on track, post-campaign stewardship and major pitfalls to avoid, replay the conversation and follow Fundchat on Twitter.

Tonight at 7:30 PM EST I’ll be joining Ian Adair to chat about capital campaigns LIVE! It’ll be hosted on the fundchat blog (scroll down) and you can watch/comment there. You can also comment via twitter using #fundchat.  There are some GREAT things in store – see you then!

Nathan

The good

Legacy Project

Every year the NFL gives the host city 1 million dollars to be matched locally to renovate a community center, revitalize a school or make some sort of ‘lasting legacy’ of community impact for hosting the game.  It’s like taking a bottle of wine as a hostess gift. A $1 million bottle of wine.  Indy thought bigger and the Legacy Project was touted as one of the leading reasons the city was awarded the big game.  Today over $154 million has been invested in the Near Eastside including 21, that’s right 21 neighborhoods. It’s the shining gem of the event and it’s simply incredible.

First & Green

It’s a web-based program where participants log environmentally friendly activities, like carpooling and taking shorter showers. Together they offset 1.4M pounds of carbon and saved 2.5M gallons of water…oh, and planted 2012 trees.

Super Cure

Fun fact: Indianapolis has the world’s only breast tissue bank, so the host committee built an effort around raising funds and collecting breast tissue donations (both living and cancerous). Though I’m usually not a fan of all the pink, well done ladies, well done.

The State of the Union

A goal of the host-committee was to show that it wasn’t just Indianapolis’ game, it belonged to the whole state. Prepping for chilly weather, volunteers (including grandmas and prisoners) knitted over 13,000 scarves for visitors, kids from everywhere wrote over 36,000 welcome messages for hotel guests and Indy Car produced one-of-a-kind Indy cars of every team that are positioned around the state connecting those outside the beltway to the big game and encouraging visitors to see all the state has to offer.

The bad

Not hiding (but not helping) the homeless

Detroit, Dallas and Jacksonville all attempted to round-up, hide or displace the homeless in their cities during game week fearing a negative impression. Instead, the bad PR did much worse. Indy made the commitment, for the first time in recent memory, do what no other host-city had done. Nothing.  Wouldn’t you think, though, that will the several community efforts listed here (and there are many more) that the host committee would have first planned a major effort around the social issue that other cities had been worried about – and the one that would be most visible to visitors? Maybe not.

Anti-social media

The host committee is making this the most ‘connected’ Super Bowl yet including an incredible 2800 sq ft social media command center with 20 people working 15 hour days.  Think NASA meets Minority Report meets Twitter.  They then selected 46 social media mavens, based on a Klout perk to be social media ambassadors, promote things, etc. Problem is, some people freaked out, felt uncool and have divided the once close-knit Indy social media community. Can’t we all just be Facebook friends?

Super Baskets…of Bibles?

Baskets of ‘hope’ were collected and sent to over 7000 sick kids in the 32 NFL cities. Brilliant and touching, right? Interestingly, every one had a bible in it. Even more interesting is that the NFL and several media outlets, organizations and companies have promoted it so hard – considering the religious connection. I’m a occasional church goer – but sending sick children bibles as a sign of ‘hope’ – under the guise and logo of the Super Bowl – seems odd to me.

UPDATE: According to Jon Collins – the bibles are actually in ‘totes’ and parents have the option of accepting religious materials…

The ugly

Sex Trafficking

Sex trafficking is the eye-sore of the weekend. It’s estimated that 10,000 sex workers were sent to Miami in 2010 and Dallas made 133 prostitution arrests last year. Have no fear – the nuns are here! Some will slip through but the city is prepared and laws have been toughened just in time.

It’s easy to see that the good heavily outweighs the bad.  Congrats Indy (and more-over the host-committee), on the immediate AND long-lasting impact of your efforts on our great city, state and beyond.  Let the game begin.

1. Commit

Gates has committed to giving at least half of his net worth during his lifetime.  That may be a stretch for you, but instead, grow your philanthropy budget. It’s not as hard as you think.  Learn to live with less and share more. It’s thriftiness meets kindergarten, try it.

2. Engage your network

Gates has successfully challenged his rich friends to make a similar commitment.  Similarly, challenge your friends to give more, match what you do, run a 5k together, join an event committee together, give up your own birthday (and everyone’s) for charity, put your volunteer roles on your LinkedIn page and more.  You’ll give more, have more fun and create stronger relationships.

3. Fix a problem from both ends … and in the middle

In addressing malaria, Gates gives to research, makes distribution easier and invested to dramatically reduce the cost of the vaccine (by 99%).  Pick your issue and find 3 ways to comprehensively approach it.  Increase your financial commitment to invest in each and/or find two friends, determine your strategy and attack.  Want to help the local zoo? Donate to bring a new exhibit, buy gift memberships and host your kid’s (or your own) birthday party there to expose more people to what you love.  Want to help the homeless?  For one week buy an extra to-go meal each time you eat out downtown and hand it to someone on the street, donate stuff to a shelter (but do it right) and volunteer to tutor homeless children (prevention).

I leave you with this beautiful infographic on Gates and giving from Frugal Dad.

Source: frugaldad.com

Ask supporters…

1. What’s the largest impact you’ve had on the world?
2. The world needs band aids AND solutions to social problems. Which do you prefer to invest in and why?
3. How do you plan on teaching your children about philanthropy?
4. Are you hoping they (your kids) have the same community values or different ones?
5. What’s been your best giving experience?
6. What’s been your worst?
7. What person has had the most influence on you and your life?
8. How do you and your spouse/family make your philanthropic decisions?
9. Do you prefer to give a little to several organizations or more to a few?
10. What are your top 3 philanthropic interests and why?
11. How long do you usually stick with an organization or issue?
12. If you could volunteer full time – what would you do?
13. How do you define success?
14. What lead to you being successful?
15. How can we give others those same opportunities?

As a current/potential supporter, ask fundraisers or nonprofit leaders…

1. What motivates your employees and staff?
2. What does the organization look like in 5 years? 10 years?
3. What are your current costs per client?
4. What sort of impact are you getting for that?
5. Summarize your current strategic plan for me.
6. Who’s doing similar-type work?
7. How are you working with, or at least learning from, them?
8. What’s the best way to for me to introduce my network to you?
9. What connections/introductions can I make for you?
10. I’m making an unrestricted gift. Where/how will you use it and why?
11. What sort of professional training does your staff have?
12. What kind of turnover are you seeing and why?
13. How does the organization define success – and are you reaching it?
14. Can philanthropy solve this problem? If so, how much money is needed. If not, what else needs to happen?

So grab coffee or a meal with your favorite supporter or nonprofit staff and have a deeper conversation.  What’s missing? What questions would you ask?

If it were me?

I’d invest it in an effort that would change the world. One that would improve it as dramatically as possible. Better yet, an effort that would change how people decide ‘how to change the world’. An effort that helps people find the charities and organizations they want to invest in. Whether it’s based on location, service area, how deep or wide the impact is, and more. This effort would communicate information about the charity without judging them. Instead, it would help you understand the in’s and out’s of making that decision for yourself.

It would help you decide if supporting a charity that serves 100 kids in very wholistic and deep ways is better for you vs. supporting a charity that serves 100,000 children but in a very niched, less wholistic way.  It’s not about which charity is better. It’s about which one is better for YOU.

The end result is that you’re supremely comfortable and confident in your donation. And, you’re more likely to give more to more places in the future. All so we can grow philanthropy and improve the world.

Pipe dream?  No.  Why? Because there’s a group doing it.  A while back, Dan Pollata dreamed of an iTunes for charity and I’ve pushed for a social stock market. But so far, one of the best efforts is coming from the The Common Wealth Market.

I recently got a sneak peak of their Charity.is. A beautiful effort, 3 years in the making, to share unbiased information with the public about organizations and their impact. Most of all, it communicates the charity’s effectiveness and results allowing the supporter to make their own decision.

Explore their efforts and support them. Plus, when the site goes live, the money you invest now goes to whatever charity you pick later using the tool.  Genius works. Help support it.

As an individual supporter

I’m a fundraising nerd and proud AFP member, so I subscribe to the Donor Bill of Rights – something created by some really smart people and endorsed by countless organizations.  It basically says that an individual supporter should be…

• informed of the organization’s purpose
• assured their gift will be used for such purpose
• have access to financial statements and information about who serves on the board, and
• be respected when it comes to their information, questions, prompt acknowledgement and communication

It’s simpler than that.  Understandably, most individual donors expect organizations to…

• Use the donation for the organization’s stated purpose
• Be acknowledged promptly and accurately
• Protect their information
• Not be pushed too far or too hard

As a nonprofit organization

There’s no ‘organizational bill of rights’ (that I’m aware of) but I think organizations should be able to expect donors to…

• Support the organization with financial donations as they are able and willing
• Be communicative about their intentions and motivations for giving
• Understand and accept that all organizations have overhead
• Be consistent in their support and communicate when/if they’re unable to give

Of course, this assumes we pretend there’s not a dramatically different power dynamic that’s been created over the years between the ‘haves & have nots’ the ‘givers and receivers’ and thus, donors and organizations. Unfortunately, those expectations may currently be too great – but I’d challenge us to move towards them.

As a supporter, or an organizational representative, what are your expectations? How do you (or do you) communicate those to your counterpart?  In the spirit of the holiday season, all I ask is that you keep in mind the implications and expectations that come along with any gifts you might be giving and those you receive.

There’s a misnomer in philanthropy that the act alone is enough. Wrong.

Oooh, little Johnny would love this!

You can go through the motions but if you don’t stop, think, communicate and make a conscious effort to provide what’s truly needed, you’re often doing more harm than good.  There’s a serious point here and I hope my pent up teenage-emo-angst doesn’t muddle it.

I’ve heard countless stories of organizations accepting people’s old stuff that they drop-off.  The organization graciously accepts the items, smiles at the donor and walks them right out the back door to the dumpster or takes them to Goodwill or Salvation Army.  Many homeless shelters, addiction centers and other human service organizations get cars regularly pulling up to the back door with a trunk load of clothes.

They’re old, dirty, stained, ripped, or really, really ugly (think Aunt Ruby’s 1984 neon Christmas sweater…with kitty cats on it). And you say ‘at least it’s something’.  It’s a cop-out. The fact that you didn’t want it or need it isn’t the problem. It’s the expectation that a person who’s down on their luck, has no education, maybe made some bad choices (who hasn’t), deserves to try and get by on it?  And then what do we do? We laugh/judge when we see a homeless guy wearing stuff that doesn’t fit, has holes in it or reminds us of Aunt Ruby at Christmas.

The same goes for equipment.  A friend’s organization once had someone drop off a car load (literally) of broken desktop organizers, a dozen ginormous adding machines and horribly bent hanging file folders. Because he serves the community, should he have to use these items or get by on phones that are missing the number 8, computers with old green-screen monitors, or office chairs with a wheel missing?

How do we fix it?

Communicate.  Organizations can do a much better job of communicating to their supporters and the public what they need/want and what they don’t.

• Create a wishlist on your website. Keep it updated and drive traffic to it.
• Put up a whiteboard in the office so staff can communicate to fundraisers/marketers what the most urgent needs are and those that answer the phones, door and email are informed
• Give people a ‘script’ of how to politely decline a donation. “Because we’re in such a great community, our library is full. If you’d like to help our kids specifically, we need X, Y or Z.  If you’re looking to share the books, I’d suggest trying organization X, Y or Z.”
• Create solid gift acceptance policies so you don’t blindly accept a donation of real-estate because you think it’s worth millions and would greatly expand what you could do for the community – only to find out later it has 27 old oil tanks buried on it, you’re stuck holding the liability & clean-up costs (in the millions), the land is unusable and no one will take it off your hands (friend’s true story).

We all can do a better job of calling ahead, and thinking through what we are giving.

• When you clean out your closet or garage, make a pile of ‘good quality stuff that someone truly may need/want’
• Call the organization that you think could use it before you stop by
• Don’t be offended if they do not accept, loose the ‘at least it’s something’ mindset

I told that caller I appreciated her question very much and I’d get right back to her.  When I asked our program staff, they said “We’ve got a ton of books that no one reads. So yes, we can accept books as long as they are what kids would actually read. Whatever their kids like reading, our kids would like reading.” I passed the message along.

If you’ve got Twilight books, Diary of a Wimpy Kid or something your kids like reading and they’re done with it or have duplicates, we’d greatly appreciate it.  If you have The History of Wisconsin: Encyclopedia Britannica that’s missing 3 of the 8 chapters…and the cover, then no-thank-you.