Synopsis
"Making a Difference" is an introduction to fundraising and nonprofit management. It gives a straight-forward description of how these entities are organized, and presents various techniques helpful in building and sustaining them. This book describes fundraising, marketing, public relations, and financial management. It has a practical hands-on approach, with examples of the techniques described
Approximately nine million people are employed by more than one million nonprofit organizations in the United States. Some work only in a specialized area, such as fundraising. This book gives them an opportunity to see how their own work complements that of the rest of the organization. Board members and volunteers, who often have much interest but little preparation for their important task, can use this book for self-study or for board development sessions. It will also be of interest to students in management programs, which often only covers management of f! or-profit entities.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Olaf Engvig grew up in Norway, and holds a Ph.D. equivalent in Maritime History. He has raised thousands of dollars to restore old ships, and has been head of several successful nonprofit entities. He has received several medals of merit for his work for the nonprofit sector.
Dr. Mona Engvig holds degrees in arts administration (Golden Gate University), sociology and education (Stanford University), and has been a music school principal for nine years. She is the recipient of numerous grants and rewards, amont them the Arts Administration Award and a Fulbright Grant.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER 1, FUNDRAISING
Ayola is too delighted and excited to fall asleep. A few hours ago she received her first scholarship. She has never before felt this fortunate, proud and appreciated! Quietly she turns on the light and opens her music dictionary.
Peter is leaving for China in three months. He is looking forward to being a real ambassador, presenting the sonorous chords of Debussy to young Chinese children experiencing this beautiful music live for the first time.
Lou waits eagerly backstage at the Green Symphony Hall. In sophisticated makeup and delightful costume she is about to perform with the San Francisco Symphony. Remembering her history, she recalls that Mozart also made beautiful music at a young age. She lifts her flute and steps out in the bright stage light.
Ayola celebrated her eighth birthday last month. Peter will turn thirteen while performing in China. Lou Hom is a high school senior from Peterson High.
They all belong to Parkville Music Center, a unique nonprofit organization offering high quality music education to children. The mission of the organization is to make wonderful music. The three levels of the music school guide young performers on their way to Flautissimo, the association's semi-professional performing flute choir.
Parkville Music Center brings spectacular music to the community and the rest of the world. The organization also transforms great children into fabulous performers, making a difference in their lives, - and in ours.
All these young performers are able to succeed because they are part of a nonprofit organization which makes it possible for them to develop their interest in and talent for music. For this to happen, however, funds are needed. This chapter gives an overview of ways to raise money for nonprofit organizations, and thereby making it possible to make a difference in people's lives.
In order to fulfill the mission of your nonprofit organization, money from a variety of sources might be needed. A lot of energy and commitment go into the process of motivating the community to offer support.
An independent artist might choose to live in a tent, eat soup and proclaim: "I do Art. I don't do money". A nonprofit organization can never afford to do so. With unsuccessful fundraising efforts, the members of the organization will soon find themselves at the "soup and tent"-stage, unable to serve the nonprofit organization's constituency.
Fundraising is not the sole responsibility of the director. Her role is to motivate, inspire and organize. The board, staff and volunteers must all be expected to act as ambassadors, presenting the organization in the community in the best possible way. Good leadership is to make enthusiasm contagious, not undertake fundraising alone.
The main responsibility for raising the necessary funds lies with the board. Their involvement in fundraising is one of the ways the funding community measures the financial health of the organization. Strong board commitment conveys to potential supporters that the trustees possess belief in and enthusiasm for the organization and its services. This signifies that the board members are deeply involved with the organization and eager to see it move forward.
Most likely, the board of a smaller nonprofit organization will consist of a special group of volunteers who each bring a unique set of assets to the organization. The goal is to have 100% giving, and a serious fundraising effort from each member. The trustees will not all be able to give monetary support at the same level. They shall, however, all be expected to give at sacrificial level, or as P. Burke Keegan (1990) expresses it: "Every board member should give not until it hurts, but until it feels good."
Just as important as the monetary support is the fundraising effort. This can take many forms, such as writing personal requests for donations, sharing their Rolodex and utilizing their contacts in the work place, or sponsoring the purchase of a new saxophone.
Throughout this book an imaginary music school will be used to illustrate approaches and techniques described. In this type of organization, the faculty is an important part of the fundraising team. Their role is to be ambassadors for the school, and to inspire the students to act the same way. The teachers also serve as the main link between the parents and the music school, and shall be expected to present themselves in the best possible way both as teachers, inspirators and communicators. Even the best fundraising efforts will fail if the parents do not feel that their children are treated with love and respect.
The most valuable fundraising assets of an organization serving children are the parents. This is also the pool from which volunteers will be drawn. It is extremely important for the success of this type of organization that all the parents are expected to participate in the fundraising effort in order to keep the tuition as low as possible. It is the director's responsibility to ensure that all the parents are involved, and to create a positive climate to encourage participation and cooperation. Open communication lines, trust, enthusiasm, coffee and cupcakes are vehicles to be utilized. It is also helpful if the parents sign a contract regarding their involvement when they bring their children in for the first time.
Money is raised by people from people for people. Our nation's approximately one million nonprofit organizations are offering value for value: the community's contribution enables the organization to fulfill the important societal needs
(The chapter continues with THE TOOLS OF FUNDRAISING, which includes sections on feasibility studies, individual contributions, phonathons, raising larger gifts, special events, corporate giving and case statements.)
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Search results for Making a Difference: A Guide to Fundraising and Nonprofit...
Stock Image
Making a Difference: a Guide to Fundraising and Nonprofit Management
Seller: Top Notch Books, Tolar, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Soft Cover. Condition: As New. Wraps show no wear, spine unbent. Pages are clean with no markings in text. Size: 8vo - 7¾" - 9¾" Tall. Seller Inventory # 209248