Previous |
Next |
April 14, 2008, 06:57 AM ET
Fund-Raising Tips for New Leaders
Randy Helm and Betsy Flanagan shared the stage on Sunday at a national conference for the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, in Boston. Their job: Help new trustees and leaders learn the fund-raising ropes.
Mr. Helm, president of Muhlenburg College, and Ms. Flanagan, vice president for advancement and university relations at Virginia Tech, shared a dozen tips on how to solicit donations. The audience kicked in a few more ideas.
Many have been knocking around for years, but they serve as a good reminder about what works in fund raising. Here are a few of their suggestions:
- Ask high.
- Don’t ask prematurely.
- When you’re looking for a really big gift, bring the president along. (“The donor may be offended if you don’t,” Mr. Helm said.)
- Never forget to find out who else the donor knows.
- Fund raising is like a pickle: “You don’t get a pickle squirting vinegar on a cucumber,” Mr. Helm said, “You have to let it soak.”
Add Your Comment
Commenting is closed.