The Christmas season isn’t over yet. Tomorrow, is the feast of the Epiphany.  The three wise men come bearing gifts for the baby Jesus. Of all the feast days, this one draws a most fitting parallel to the field of development.  Often, as adult professionals in the development/fundraising field, we get caught up in the structures and functions of fundraising and miss out on the rudiments.

Just before Christmas, a group of young people demonstrated some best-practices in a most endearing way. They gave their own gift to an entire parish with all the qualities one would look for in a good development plan.  Teenagers have an incredible capacity for creativity.   At my parents’ parish, Immaculate Conception Church in Clinton, N.J., the youth group organized a very creative and spiritual Nativity Walk; offering much more than a walk around the parish parking lot.

Amidst the milder temperatures this season, this outdoor activity was held on one of the coldest nights of the year – a balmy 22 degrees.  Members of the ICC youth group braved the cold for four hours as parishioners and guests walked through several live scenes of the Christmas story.

Their patience, passion for the faith, and hard work were most impressive.  The outdoor stations had live animals – including a llama!  Visitors were brought through the scenes by a ‘tour guide’, who, at the end of the walk, invited guests to spend time in prayer in the Church, and enjoy some refreshments.

Ah, it wouldn’t be a Daily Giving Adventure blog entry, if we didn’t mention giving.  Yes, the young people invited guests to offer a contribution (that would aid their youth group activities in the coming year – all of which are coordinated by volunteers).  How could one not contribute to such an extraordinary effort?  One could walk away feeling confident that their support would generate much good for the young people who provided a great experience.

There are many ‘take aways’ from this youth group’s Christmas activity. They connected with people who know them, or at least know of the youth group. They connected with people spiritually – sharing an extraordinary, youthful zeal for their faith.  (Such witness is both inspiring and contagious.) They connected with a key holy day of the year; spreading the word through bulletin listings, announcements and posters in the Church.

They invited, welcomed, informed, provided an experience, offered hospitality, thanked, and asked.  Above all, they gave themselves. They gave of their time (in the frigid cold, and in the preparation), talent, creativity, and resources (costumes, hot chocolate, baked goods).  They did all of this (with the help of parent volunteers) – sacrificing time and comfort for the good of others.

These are lessons for all development professionals.  As we evaluate year-end giving, we can ask ourselves questions evoked from this youthful example.  Have we invited, welcomed, informed, offered hospitality, thanked, then asked?  During the year, how much did we personally engage with donors, and potential constituents?  Did we infuse creativity into our efforts?  Did we offer a different experience (or information)?

As we go forward into 2012, let’s be inspired by this example.  I can’t wait to hear about how you transformed giving into a memorable experience.

[NPD, registered with the Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, is coordinated by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. ]

Giving Thanks for Volunteer of the Year - Don Freed

—-  November carries the theme of giving thanks.  National Philanthropy Day here in Cincinnati (sponsored by the Greater Cincinnati chapter of the AFP – Association for Fundraising Professionals) was a celebration of appreciation for the great people who contribute to area nonprofits.  Over 600 people descended upon the Hyatt ballroom – representatives from local nonprofits and their donors, volunteers who gave of their time and resources this year.   The luncheon featured special guests Lee Woodruff, wife of Bob Woodruff, an ABC news reporter who was suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of an IED explosion in Iraq in 5 years ago. Lee shared about her family’s experience during and after Bob’s injury; sharing the insights she captured in her book, Perfectly Imperfect: A Life in Progress.  Themes of gratitude, generosity from their experience spilled over to remarks about this day set aside to give thanks – noting the gracious people of the city of Cincinnati.

As this room celebrated praiseworthy philanthropy, there are thousands of people, and hundreds of area nonprofits absent from this special day.  Their presence was felt in the crowded room, as I thought of next year, and the potential for drawing more people to the celebration.

As I stepped through the rest of the day, I shared with my contacts the fact that it was National Philanthropy Day.  Most people did not know there was such a day, and asked what it was all about.  What a great opportunity to spread the word about the great people who support local nonprofits.  The irony, and future potential, of these encounters was that they too are involved in fundraisers for local charities.  Several people expressed interest in hearing Lee’s talk, and taking part in next year’s luncheon celebration.

I realized that I have a job to do in the coming year – identify future participants for National Philanthropy Day celebrations.  The National Philanthropy Day celebration provides more than an opportunity to give thanks.  It also connects people with the bigger picture of philanthropy in our city.  It is an opportunity to be inspired; to meet others who are passionate about their favorite nonprofit, and to share stories like that of 2011 Outstanding Volunteer of the Year honoree, Don Freed of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati.

Take-aways from this year’s National Philanthropy Day:

• Spread the word about National Philanthropy Day.  Better yet – spread the word about the great things people are doing for area nonprofits.  Let’s get the ‘scoop.’
• Start identifying people who are raising resources and doing good.  Make sure they mark their calendar for National Philanthropy Day 2012.

So, all of the empty chairs in the featured picture for this post will be filled in 2012 with more great people doing great things for Greater Cincinnati.  Time to start doing some “Good Spotting.”  #GoodSpotting  (Thanks to the Case Foundation for this great effort – “Good Spotting” – to recognize people who are doing good in the community. Enter their sweepstakes to win $5,000 for your favorite charity.)  Keep your eyes open.  You too can spot some good!

Pictures taken by me.

You’ll find more information and great pictures in the Dec 2011/Jan 2012 issue of Express Cincinnati.

November’s Nonprofit Blog Carnival – Giving Thanks

As part of November’s nonprofit blog carnival, I’d like to share some creative answers to the question: How are you giving thanks?

Oh, how I love creating special ‘thank yous’ to donors.  When an organizational supporter writes a check, or makes an online donation, it’s an expression of their interest in good work being done or great service being rendered.  Amidst the busyness of life, they’ve taken time to give a gift.  Wow.  That’s special.  Often, that’s deserving of a unique expression of gratitude.

Yes, beyond the typical ‘thank you’ letter, there are many ways to personalize this communication with donors.  I’d like to share a few approaches.  These ideas were generated out of a desire to go out of our way to personalize gratitude.

• The executive director sent an originally crafted thank you card.  (Scrapbooking was the ED’s hobby.)
• In a personalized thank you note (handwritten), I’ve told the donor that the organization was going to do something special at the facility – just for them.  (i.e. put a bouquet of flowers near their favorite picture in the lobby (and take a picture of those flowers, and send it to them); remember their prayer intentions at Mass (for faith-based, Catholic setting), etc.)
• I’ve created a special ‘thank you day,’ where the donor is invited to lunch at the organization. Patrons who have benefited from their kindness shared testimonies of thanks.
• Sending original pictures (either hard copy or digital) that were taken just for them. The pictures were of happy patrons, often showing something that was made possible because of the donor’s gift.
• I’ve had several patrons, or staff members (whom the donor knows and has a fondness for) sing a few bars of a thank you song into a special voicemail message.

In the busyness of life, where professional responsibilities take the lion’s share of their day, a donor should be pleasantly surprised by grateful communications.  These are moments that will stick in their memory – moments that will spark future conversation, and engage them more closely with the organization.

A few reminders that help tailor thank you correspondence:

• Know what’s close to the donor’s heart.  Remembering a few of their favorite things.
• Think of how the donor communicates. Use their preferred method of communication.
• Think of ways to make the acknowledgment come alive!
• Where appropriate, use social media to transmit the message.
• Make sure the format and content is appropriate for the organization, and the donor.

These are just a few of the 1001 ways to give thanks that I’m collecting for my blog.  This has been a great exercise for starting this blog feature.

For more information about November’s nonprofit blog carnival hosted by Pamela Grow, check out: http://www.pamelagrow.com/1764/november%E2%80%99s-nonprofit-blog-carnival-how-are-you-giving-thanks/

I can’t wait to see more dynamic ways to say ‘thank you!’

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The Fall has seen many great charitable events, awards, inspiring philanthropists, and news, that a ‘Fall Review’ is necessary.  These are just the highlights.  Countless stories still need to be uncovered.  (That’s where you come in. Share your ‘Fall Review.’)

[I’d like to thank my alma mater, University of Scranton, for reminding me of the annual ‘Fall Review’ – a variety show that is a campus tradition.]

On to our ‘Fall Review’ of charitable moments:

• Year of Faith:   Pope Benedict XVI announced a ‘Year of Faith’ – from October 2012 – November 2013.  This special year will open on the 50^th Anniversary of the start of Vatican II.  In his recent apostolic letter on the ‘Year of Faith,’ Pope Benedict XVI highlights charity among the spiritual goals.  “Faith without charity bears no fruit… Faith and charity require each other in such a way that each allows the other to set out along its respective path.”  From a deepening of faith, one is naturally drawn toward putting faith in action – returning the love shown to us.  “As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40) (Read Pope Benedict XVI’s entire apostolic letter, “Porta Fidei” about the ‘Year of Faith’ here.) Yes, we’ll circle back and track what will be happening in this ‘Year of Faith.’  Adventures in the new evangelization await.

• Remembering a Great Philanthropist:    Great businessman and philanthropist, Carl H. Lindner, Jr., died October 17 at the age of 92.  He will be remembered for his professional leadership and his generous support of countless nonprofits. His charitable work serves as an inspiration for Greater Cincinnati and beyond.  He would often remark that he wanted to do his giving while he was living – and that he did, in gracious, selfless fashion.  I invite you to learn more about his life and legacy (link). The more we know, the more we too can persevere, achieve and be inspired to give – humbly, with faith.

• Sports and Giving:  The Cincinnati Reds Community Fund recently received the 2011 Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy.  The Reds were recognized for their Match program – bringing suburban and inner city youth baseball teams together.  The award is presented by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.  For more details about this accomplishment, check out this excellent article. 

• Athletes Doing Good:  Catholic radio program, “Blessed 2 Play,” is a fun, engaging series that features interviews with athletes and sports professionals who are passionate about their faith. In a recent interview, the VP of Community Affairs and Publicity for the Kansas City Royals, Toby Cook, shared about the team’s community involvement and his own faith.  Blessed to Play can be heard on EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network.  Listen to past broadcasts. 

I am convinced that these examples of generosity and care can compel others to give – to be a philanthropic agent of hope.  Acts of charity aren’t reserved for the holy or capable few, but for everyone – you too.

Now, it’s your turn.  Where to begin?  Whether you are reading this for faith-based or professional interests, first take time to reflect, and pray about where the Lord has led you at this point in your life.

What are your interests?  What are you passionate about?  Think about the people in your life – family, friends, co-workers. Have they inspired you in some way?

After some reflection, write down the name of 2 or 3 organizations, places, people, or causes that inspire you to share your resources – financial, time, and/or services.

That’s enough for now.  Next blog: November 17, National Philanthropy Day.  There will be news and stories that will compel you to make a difference. More to come.

For those of you who need a little kick start in the morning, I highly recommend witnessing a sunrise. Nothing quite compares to the glowing light and crisp morning air that can awaken even the sleepiest person.

Something about a sunrise gives us hope. Hope that comes with beginning a new day – fresh with possibility – fresh with inspiration.

Experiencing the morning rays of sunshine can inspire us to think of those who need hope. The day ahead offers opportunities to share hope with another person.

This week’s challenge: Catch a sunrise this week. At that moment, ask yourself: “What can I give today? Whether it’s a word of encouragement, a helping hand, or a gift to your favorite charity, think of a way you can share hope. The same hope that the sunrise gave you.

“In you, LORD my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame…”  Psalm 25: 1-3

This photo is an original – taken during a beautiful September sunrise in Ohio. Get out there and take your own sunrise photo.

Today, September 8, 2011, Greater Cincinnati’s non-profits had a chance to shine.   Over 3 dozen non-profits manned booths on Fountain Square for Volunteer Expo 2011.  This great opportunity was sponsored by The Standard, a local company specializing in disability insurance and retirement planning services. The Standard believes a strong business is grounded by strong employees who are connected in the community.

Known as a quiet company, their presence on Fountain Square spoke loudly today. The company believes in giving back and making employees part of that.  Through volunteer time, an employee giving campaign, and an employee matching gift program, The Standard is making an impact in the communities where it does business.

The Standard’s employees generated a hub of activity today – connecting people with non-profits. Development professionals know that charitable support begins with people, with the very volunteers that keep non-profit programs going.

If you missed the Volunteer Expo, visit The Standard’s web page of links to many Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky non-profits.  Explore many great organizations. Pick one that you’d like to learn more about.

A little rain didn’t hold back great exposure for non-profits. Let’s build more awareness together. Today was just a spark to generate a fire of goods works.

The Standard's Harley Spring, VP Retirement Plans, (in baseball hat) chats with Expo visitors

A rockin' band added entertainment for Expo visitors

Daily Giving Adventures blog is designed to share information and inspiration about philanthropy and faith.  We’ll explore stories about what people are doing to make a difference for great non-profits in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky community.

Exploring Giving and Development (Fundraising):

The great spirit of giving generates great stories, inspirations, and motivation for all us of to ‘make a difference.’  We’ll explore stories about volunteers, great acts of kindness, and charitable works in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky community.

Faith-filled Inspirations:

Faith is the inspiration and motivation for great giving. Coming from the Catholic tradition, we’ll take a look – through photos, videos, podcasts and posts – at great spiritual and charitable work being done in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area, and beyond.

With each visit, you’ll gain something for personal or professional enrichment.  I hope this blog is a resource for those in the field of development, and those looking for inspiration.

Start-up thanks:    I’d like to thank the following people for their consult and instruction that helped get this blog up and running. Please visit their websites. They may be a resource for you or your business.

Dean Soto, with Productive Catholic and Prosulum.com – Dean provided great WordPress consultation, and helpful follow-up.  I highly recommend his professional services.    About Dean: He helps Catholics, and any business professional, find meaning in their work, life, and the Church.  He is an information security consultant and entrepreneur, father and husband, and a productivity freak.  At Prosolum.com Dean specializes in process management and business technology consulting.

Allen at Proactive Networking – I’d like to thank Allen for his initial consult on WooThemes that got several features up and running.    About Proactive Networking: An Information Technology and Web Company, based in Indiana, that helps companies become successful by leveraging technology to help them grow their businesses.  They provide complete technical support and consulting for businesses. Yes, they know WooThemes!

It happens everyday, but we don’t always see it.  Yes, a sunset. It reminds us that the day is coming to a close. God reminds us of this often with great color and visual grandeur.

A sunset offers a moment to pause (particularly when it’s a beautiful sunset).

A sunset offers time to pray.  Have you ever prayed all the way through a sunset – until the sun is totally out of sight?

This week’s challenge for you:   Stop. Wait for a sunset. Watch. Listen. Pray.

Please – report back:   Share a picture. Share your ‘sunset experience’.

This post was inspired by the trek of many pilgrims along the Camino de Santiago on their way to World Youth Day in Madrid.

If you’re back home here – take a small virtual journey through the trailer for the movie “The Way”:

http://www.theway-themovie.com

The Way (official trailer)

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UPDATE: (September 1, 2011)

The blog, The Deacon’s Bench, has also mentioned The Way; featuring another trailer for the movie.

Here’s the promo for Comments from the Koala.

Great homily by Archbishop Chaput, August 7, 2011.  Link

Learn how fear, failure and fatigue effect all of us.  Stepping out in faith can transform our faith and our perspective of daily life.