Our highly experienced panel will offer distinct perspectives on the importance of strategic planning - planning for process, facilitating the process, strategic marketing, and philanthropy!

Many thanks to our panelists at October's Roundtable presentation on Fundraising for insightful, informative presentations and advice.

Pictured left to right are our expert fundraising panelists:

Submitted by: Enid D. Horowitz

On Oct. 24, a damp Wednesday morning, a panel of professional fundraisers offered their expert advice to members of the Collaborative on how to seek support for charitable causes. Fundraising is a vital topic because nonprofits of all sizes must raise funds anew each year to support their mission and charitable work.

Five panelists spoke about the various ways to raise money. Matt Hugg, principal of "The Campaign for You" and a professor of fund raising in the Nonprofit Management program at Eastern University, launched the discussion with an overview of fund raising methods. "There is no perfect method of raising money," he said. People choose from several different methods-passive solicitation, earned income, special events, mail, e-mail and phone solicitations, grant proposals and personal solicitation-based on their comfort level. Matt pointed out that each method raised different important issues to consider, such as potential income and opportunity for community building.

Dale Dye, of DZD Development Associates, addressed grant proposals. She noted that only five percent to 15 percent of proposals are funded. Dale advised a two-pronged approach when seeking funding: (1) ask for a meeting with the program officer to explain your mission and present your case; and (2) find out as much about the foundation as you can through the foundation's Web site, Guidestar, the Foundation Center, or other sources. When writing proposals, be sure to use the foundation's format and answer all their questions clearly and concisely. Dale suggested tucking a story into your proposal. "Human interest stories are more interesting to read than dry facts," she said.

What do you do after you get the grant? Enid D. Horowitz, a development and communications consultant, emphasized the importance of stewardship, nurturing the relationship between your nonprofit and the funder. A popular truism says that "people give to people;" therefore Enid suggested treating foundation representatives as major donors. "Send them thank-you letters, keep them informed through your newsletters, and invite them to your special events when appropriate," she said. Such personal outreach is both courteous and memorable, and may yield valuable rewards.

Sam Friedman of S. Friedman Associates discussed recent trends in giving. Individual donors lead the pack, supplying 85 to 90 percent of a nonprofit's fundraising revenues. Foundation, corporation and government gifts contribute only 10 to 15 percent of revenues. For that reason, Sam said, "create a broad base of funding." Sam suggested that nonprofits communicate their activities and successes with donors through newsletters and direct mail, since people and foundations will give knowing their money is wisely invested.

Art Silverman, development director of CONCERN, a nonprofit child welfare agency, said, "Planning is the key for successful fundraising. Grant writing is 60 percent research, 30 percent skill and 10 percent luck." He offered two key tips: (1) differentiate yourselves from others in your field and (2 include serious evaluation techniques in your project proposals to show outputs and outcomes. Art cautioned that although foundations must spend five percent of their assets by law, they aren't a reliable source of ongoing funds. Many foundations won't support a nonprofit for more than three or four consecutive years, hence the need for good research and planning.

During a brief discussion on securing corporate grants, a guest recommended asking corporations for in-kind gifts and volunteers.

Rev. Kotzen thanked the panelists for their participation and announced that the next meeting of the Collaborative will take place Wed. Nov. 28. The topic will be Strategic Planning.

Enid. D. Horowitz
Nonprofit Development & Communications
215-646-3793
enidsmail@gmail.com

The Association For Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ADD), also known as Adults with Developmental Disabilities, a non-profit 501(3) (c) organization located in Jenkintown, has been in existence for thirty-four years. The organization offers developmentally disabled adults, ages eighteen and older, a professionally guided environment to enhance social and emotional skills, by providing educational, cultural, social, and recreational services and opportunities. Group sessions and activities nurture greater independence, positive work habits, and enhanced personal relationships. We seek to create public awareness and acceptance of the issues confronting our members and to maximize their ability to live fuller independent lives within their community.

Members from Philadelphia and the surrounding counties experience the educational opportunities that ADD offers. Weekly sessions in a group setting are offered to discuss news, issues, and topics related to everyday life skills. These sessions, chaired by a trained facilitator, are held in Elkins Park, Main Line, and Spring House. Social workers and special education teachers work to develop socialization skills, self-esteem, teach fiscal responsibility, and offer training focusing on how the members can best be integrated into their community. The result is to create an environment for the members to become more independent citizens.

The agency offers classes on developing self-help skills such as cooking, how to organize and handle a personal checkbook, proper use of ATM machines, etc. This gives the members an avenue to continually grow and learn. The structured environment develops lasting support networks (friends within the group) and provides educational outings to participate in trips to other cities, theater events, sporting events, theme park excursions, camping experiences with a focus on learning outcomes for each member.

The organization also has a Support Group Partnership (SGP) consisting of parents and caregivers who offer educational classes and volunteer opportunities.

For additional information you can contact Deidre Shaffer (Executive Director) at 215-886-9990 or e-mail the organization at adminadd@verizon.net. We hope you can become part of our extended family.