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April 14, 2008

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.”

— Brad Wolverton

Monday April 14, 2008 | Permalink

Comments

1. Pickles? It seems that the analogy employed here is less than adequate to define the fund raising process. I would opt for a development of trust, specific projects ,illustrations of how the funds are being used for the betterment of mankind, perhaps a researcher and for large gifts, an accounting as to how their donation is being used and encouraging them to get their friends involved. Personaization by the persident is important,but the president’s staff must be able to recognize these individuals and show them a smile and respect,if they don’t offer that courtesy to everyone.

   — Brent    Apr 14, 08:22 AM    #

2. By “bringing along the president,” it’s clear to everyone that an ask is being made. If it’s not clear, it should be. People in leadership postions are not props. Use them wisely or just leave them at the office.

   — Doug    Apr 14, 11:44 AM    #

3. I think that these are great bullets for every nonprofit board to soak in(no pun intended), academic or nonacademic. I also think that one of the most critical and fundamental concepts that need to be stressed is stewardship and stewarding your donor appropriately. I think this is easily forgotten and we suddenly find ourselves blinded by our desired outcome.

   — Ken D. Grunke - Pillars    Apr 14, 03:05 PM    #

4. The pickle thing is “borrowed” from Harold J. (Si) Seymour. It is one of his many quotes that have endured through a lifetime devoted to fundraising and development. I’m certain that Randy would want Si to have credit for this creative thinking.

   — Geoff Whittaker    Apr 14, 03:09 PM    #

5. Thanks for mentioning that Si Seymour came up with the pickle line. Randy actually credited him with it. I only left it out in the interest of space.

   — Brad Wolverton    Apr 14, 03:57 PM    #

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