Featured Fundraiser: Boston Center for the Arts

(Photo courtesy of Craig Bailey/Perspective Photo)

The Boston Center for the Arts (BCA) is a non-profit performance and visual arts organization that encourages and supports working artists to create, perform, and even provide space for them to exhibit their works. By connecting these artists and the beautiful work they are creating, they are forging a connection with the community in hopes to bring in new audiences for the arts. For more than 40 years now, the BCA has been a meeting point of the surrounding South End of Boston and the emerging artists that occupy the area.

Fundraise.com spoke with Angela from the BCA over email to find out more about how they got started and what keeps them going.

How did the BCA get its start?

In a time when a building a day was being torn down in the South End, arts supporters had a vision. They took that vision to an auction and acquired the existing Cyclorama, Artist Studios Building (once named the Tremont Estates Building) as well as a privately owned small theatre over Emerson College to create an arts center.

The vision was to create a home for artists and the community. Like the Latin Quarter of the 1890s, they saw a bohemian neighborhood with cultural and artistic diversity among the resident artists and community patrons.

Over 40 years later, the BCA is still a home for working artists to create, perform and exhibit.

What motivates you in your fundraising efforts?

Boston is thriving with innovative artists who need a place to exhibit their works and we strive to make that possible within our community. Being a part of an organization that sees innovation daily encourages us to seek funding to support local artists.

What is your favorite part of working with the BCA?

Our favorite part about working at the BCA is all the excitement that happens on campus. From dance workshops to visual art exhibitions to film competitions, we have it all in one location. Each year, more than 200,000 people visit the BCA. Located in Boston’s South End and occupying an historic city block bordered by Tremont Street, Clarendon Street, Warren Avenue and Berkeley Street, the BCA is a resource to Greater Boston providing a creative “home” for artists, a welcoming arts destination for audiences, and an art connection for individuals of all ages.

Who benefits from your fundraising efforts?

“The dance residency at the BCA allowed us time, space, consistency and support… some of the most important factors needed to create high quality art,” said Courtney Peix, a recent dance resident at the BCA. Her company, Contrapose Dance presented their recent piece groundwork at the BCA in February 2012. Our fundraising efforts support working artists like Courtney to create, perform and exhibit across our campus.

What advice do you have for aspiring fundraisers?

Fundraising is rooted in relationships. For aspiring fundraisers, it is important to build relationships with people within your community and with funders that have a vested interest in your core mission.

What goals are you trying to reach by fundraising?

The BCA’s mission is to support working artists in the creation, performance and exhibition of new works. Through fundraising, we hope to continue this support by providing a platform and community for working artists in Boston.

Do you have any additional notes or stories about your cause you would like to share?

You would be amazed at all that happens on the BCA campus in the South End. Behind many brick buildings emerging, established and seasoned artists are creating new works. From dance residency choreographers leading a troupe of local, regional and national dancers to a curator finding multi-disciplinary artists for an exhibition. The BCA is a campus filled with visual arts, performance and community!

For more about the Boston Center for the Arts please visit: Online Arts Fundraising

(Photo courtesy of Silvia Lopez Chavez, BCA Studio Artist)

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Posted 1 week ago

Start Clearly Communicating Values: Attract More Positive Attention, More Passionate Donors & A Better Bottom-Line

Values are the principles a nonprofit organization or cause stands for, defends, and follows, no matter what the consequences. However, many nonprofits fall short when attempting to clearly communicate their values both internally with their team and externally with potential supporters.

When an organization fails to communicate values, opportunities to gain traction through more involvement with people or more dollars donated can be missed.

Here are 4 suggestions to help get you on the right path to communication:

Communicate Authenticity. Many groups state the values they aspire to, not the ones that are part of everyday practice. Strive to communicate the list of values that everyone would say describe the organization and the people behind it, today.

Building a list of values or refreshing the existing ones together as a group can be a great team building experience.

Communicate Usefulness. Nonprofits commonly make lists of values to share, but often neglect to include anything that really counts as a value.

For example, when a nonprofit says it puts its “focus on donors,” they’re talking about a strategy, not a value. Strategies don’t help much when it’s time to set priorities or make difficult compromises.

Find ways to ensure that strategies and performance objectives are built on your true values but that you’re not substituting values for strategies.

Communicate Universality. Even when a nonprofit’s values are authentic and useful, many team members are unaware of them. They don’t hear organization heads talk about values. They don’t see values discussed in communications with members, donors, or others, and they aren’t asked to think about values as they design or evaluate programs.

Organizations need to make sure their values are visible, and they need and to realize that no value statement will make a difference unless it becomes embedded in the group’s culture.

Communicate Priority. A warning sign that an organization is not values-based is when it offers the public a list of eight to 10 “values,” or even more. Because values are supposed to show what a nonprofit cares most deeply about, it is realistic to have three to five of them, and the organization’s leaders should be able to rank them in importance.

Many organizations have not had the difficult discussions about what they really stand for, yet this is an essential conversation; and one that will make attracting new members, supporters, and donors a much more mapped road.

AFP Advises Professional Fundraisers to Look 2-5 Years Ahead; We Agree

Recently The Chronicle of Philanthropy posted a video on their website featuring Andrew Watt, president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, in which he explains that the high turnover rate among professional fundraisers is the result of short-term thinking.

According to research by Penelope Burk, President of Cygnus Applied Research, the average development professional remains at his or her job for 16 months before they are lured away by higher salaries. However, the direct and indirect costs of finding a replacement: $127,650.

In her presentation at the Association of Fundraising Professionals conference in Vancouver, Ms. Burk said findings from a survey she conducted of 1,700 fundraisers and 8,000 nonprofit chief executives, suggest that it would cost just $46,650 to keep a good fundraiser happy by providing better salaries and other benefits, such as additional vacation time.

Demand for good fundraisers is so high that it is vastly outstripping the supply, Ms. Burk said. Most good fundraisers are on the job just three to six months before they get recruited for a new role.

“Only one out of three fundraisers experience even a day without a job,” Ms. Burk said.

However, Andrew Watt urges fundraisers to take the long view on their careers, citing the fact that it takes more time in a job to master the skills professional fundraisers need. He encourages professional fundraisers to consider staying in their position for longer for personal development reasons, and not just a shiny new salary.

We hope they agree.

In the interim, Fundraise.com has built tools to help grow the overall picture of the nonprofit and the skills of the individuals in the development office. Highly focused on the social aspects of the fundraising business, we have made our process as easy as possible to ensure multiple members of the fundraising team are able to use the system without laborious training and so organizations don’t skip a beat when a prized fundraiser moves on to a new job.

For organizations looking to retain their talent, Penelope Burk offers the following suggestions:

Promote internal talent. Adopt a succession plan and train employees to rise to the next level in the organization. “Your best hire already works for you,” Ms. Burk said.

Set aside training opportunities. Cutting money for professional development, as many organizations did during the economic downturn, will probably affect fundraisers’ performance. “The training budget is the one thing you should never allow to be cut,” she says.

Help ease workers’ schedules. According to Ms. Burk’s study, fundraisers most want help balancing the pressure of career and family duties. About 52 percent of fundraisers said they want the option to work from home, 51 percent want flexible hours, and 42 percent want additional vacation time.

Featured Fundraiser: Lexington Center

Lexington Center is a private, non-profit organization based in Upstate New York and serves those with developmental and learning disabilities, autism, mental illness, cerebral palsy, physical disabilities, epilepsy and/or traumatic brain injuries. The thoughtful and dedicated people that make up the organization provide a creative and nurturing environment for those they serve. Whether they are creating beautiful works of art or supporting their own rock band, Flame, Lexington Center has been helping its community for almost 60 years now!

Fundraise.com spoke with Tim from Lexington Center over email to find out more about how they got started and what keeps them going.

How did the Lexington Center get its start?

Over 50 years ago a group of parents who had children with disabilities created a place where their children could go to learn, live and succeed.

What motivates you in your fundraising efforts?

Accomplishing a goal that for everyone else seems impossible in the beginning.

What is your favorite part of working with the Lexington Center?

Seeing the positive effect the fruits of our fundraising has for the people we support and their families.

Who benefits from your fundraising efforts?

Everyone from the community benefits from our fundraising. Our current campaign is to create a community art center where people we support and everyone from the community can create works of art, cook masterful meals and make beautiful music. This center will bring people together of all ages and backgrounds - where they can express themselves and connect with fellow artists, chefs and musicians.

What advice do you have for aspiring fundraisers?

Be organized, have a clear attainable goal, get as much volunteer help as possible, promote your cause in a way that captures people’s hearts and inspires them to act.

What goals are you trying to reach by fundraising?

We typically fundraise for specific campaigns - like a custom tour bus for our rock band Flame (the world renowned musical group of people with disabilities) or for a new Arts Center that will include a recording studio for Flame and the community.

Do you have any additional notes or stories about your cause you would like to share?

One of the best ways to change public perceptions about people with developmental disabilities is awareness and community inclusion - fundraising is a great way for the community to connect with your program and take ownership of your mission.

For more information about Lexington Center please visit: Online Disability Fundraising

Talking Social - Facebook, Fundraise.com & You

According to the most recent Blackbaud 2012 Nonprofit Social Networking Benchmark Report, nonprofit survey respondents have been endorsing Facebook as their social network of choice with a steady increase in participation over the past 4 years.

98% of survey respondents have a Facebook page with an average community size of over 8,000 fans. Perhaps more importantly, the study also shows that a Facebook Like is worth an estimated $214.82 over the 12 months following acquisition – a definite reason to pay more attention to community you’re growing online.

Nonprofits are steadily increasing staff resources dedicated to maintaining social networking activities, though 79% still only have one person spending half (or less) of their time on social media tasks.

As a whole, budgets are continuing to increase for social networking activities, yet 74% of respondents allocate fewer than $10,000 and 43% allocate zero dollars. Since a Facebook Like costs 71% more than a Twitter follower ($3.50 vs. $2.05), how can you look to expand your Facebook community without breaking the bank or going over budget?

Let’s break this into steps:

Leverage the voices of your strongest cause-enthusiasts: You know who your most passionate voices are within your organization – they could be board members, active donors, volunteers, or members of your staff. Make a short list of whom you plan to enlist for this project.
Ask these voices to become “fundraisers” for your Fundraise.com campaign: One of the greatest features of Fundraise.com is that we allow individuals to fundraise on behalf of organizations and causes. By clicking the “join – become a fundraiser” button, individuals are given their very own Fundraise.com page, a unique link (that tracks and awards credit), and the ability to share information with all of their networks through email and social media without compromising the privacy of their personal data.
Watch your social media stress decrease while your community awareness grows: By splitting the social media tasks among some of your strongest voices, you will not only offer more messages in volume across the social media spectrum but also provide a nice cross section of genuine passionate voices – different people have different reasons of why they are involved and why others should be too; using the “become a fundraiser” functionality will help you to spotlight these individuals and their personal motivations. At the core of fundraising, we all know that it’s not causes that raise money, it’s people who raise money.
Plus, if the average US Facebook user has approximately 234 friends and you activate 5 new fundraisers on your behalf, that’s 1,170 new people you could reach on Facebook and a potential $251,339.40 you could raise over 12 months if they were all converted into Likes.

Short of the long – it’s work that potentially costs zero dollars and math that’s worth pondering.

Have any questions? Give us a shout via email at info@fundraise.com or phone at 857.445.4165. Happy Fundraising!

Featured Fundraiser: Community Food and Outreach

Community Food and Outreach is a non-profit organization based in Central Florida that is motivated by faith, compassion, and a desire to serve their community. They work to help break the cycle of poverty, to provide hope to people struggling with hunger. Community Food and Outreach offers hunger relief, crisis care, transformative education, and employment training opportunities.

Fundraise.com spoke with Justin from Community Food and Outreach over email to find out more about how they got started and what keeps them going.

How did Community Food and Outreach get its start?

The organization was founded in the fall of 2009 by Scott George and Austin Hunt. Previously, it was known as the Destiny Foundation until a decision was made to expand cost-share grocery and thrift efforts to include a crisis care in an effort to reach more people in need due to the effects of The Great Recession.

What motivates you in your fundraising efforts?

Our mission, which is “to provide a hand up for those in need, helping them to break free from poverty by offering hunger relief, crisis care, transformative education, and employment training opportunities” acts as our key motivation when approaching current and potential donors.

What is your favorite part of working with Community Food and Outreach?

My favorite part is seeing the results on a daily basis of our efforts in the lives of those who are currently struggling to stay afloat.

Who benefits from your fundraising efforts?

Mostly, its the working poor which make up 49% of the labor force in central Florida as well as the 16% of the labor force that are currently disabled and unable to work. Furthermore, we try to reach children who currently live in poverty, which make up 27% of the population in the Orlando Metro area.

What advice do you have for aspiring fundraisers?

Believe in the mission of the organization. Without that belief, your work is in vain.

Do you have any additional notes or stories about your cause you would like to share?

Through our efforts, 1800 families per week receive food and crisis care on our campus. While we do have an emergency food pantry, we require clients to take a crisis care class which focuses on life skills before they receive a second free bag of food and/or clothes.

To donate to this cause please visit: Online Community Food and Outreach Fundraising

Featured Fundraiser: Wake Up Narcolepsy

Wake Up Narcolepsy is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting narcolepsy awareness and research towards accelerating a cure. They provide funding towards accelerating a cure, increase awareness of narcolepsy, decrease time-lapse from symptom onset to proper diagnosis, and provide supportive resources for people with narcolepsy and their families.

Fundraise.com spoke with Monica from Wake Up Narcolepsy over email to hear the personal story that motivates them and how they gained a national presence after only three years.

How did Wake Up Narcolepsy get its start?

Wake Up Narcolepsy (WUN) got its start six months after our pre-teen son was diagnosed with narcolepsy. My husband and I are co-founders. Throughout the three months it took to get a proper diagnosis of narcolepsy for my son, we learned that narcolepsy is a very misunderstand, severely under-recognized and mis-diagnosed medical disorder. On average, it takes eight years to diagnose narcolepsy — we knew we needed to do something to help improve the lives of people with narcolepsy.

Who benefits from your fundraising efforts?

Ultimately, people with narcolepsy benefit from WUN’s fundraising efforts. Also, everyone we come in contact with including medical professionals are learning about narcolepsy, and, hopefully, getting people diagnosed within the first six months of showing symptoms of narcolepsy. Also, hopefully WUN’s efforts will spark more interest in the pharmaceutical industry for better treatment of narcolepsy.

What goals are you trying to reach by fundraising?

Fundraising will help Wake Up Narcolepsy to financially accelerate cutting edge scientific research of narcolepsy. We support narcolepsy research at narcolepsy research facilities such as Stanford Medical Center and Harvard Medical School.

What advice do you have for aspiring fundraisers?

For aspiring fundraisers, I would say if you have an idea that you think would work as a fundraiser, just do it. Don’t be afraid to ask for support; people will amaze you with their generosity and willingness to help/support your cause.

Do you have any additional notes or stories about your cause you would like to share?

Wake Up Narcolepsy was founded just a little over three years ago in Massachusetts and we now have a national presence with events in Washington D.C. and Nashville, TN. We are gaining momentum and hope to continue adding events throughout the country to raise narcolepsy awareness and support research.

To donate to this cause please visit: Online Narcolepsy Fundraising

How to Plan a Fundraising Banquet

As many of us know, the most common expenses facing nonprofit agencies are in program costs and the amount spent on fundraising and development for the organization. However, effective fundraising keeps administrative costs in check and takes best advantage of donations to collect the largest percentage of profits possible from the event.

A fundraising dinner also offers a chance to make personal contact with donors and establish a one-on-one relationship that may lead to future donations.

Schedule a Date: Research other organizations in your area to avoid crossover event dates and calendar conflicts. Next, contact locations you feel may be a good fit and schedule a walk-thru to see the space. Look to book the location as far in advance of the dinner as possible - many prime locations fill quickly, as do busy people’s schedules. Discuss the date and location options with your organization to explore pros and cons.

Select a Location and a Theme: After researching and visiting available banquet facilities, select a location that matches with your target demographic. Close attention to matching the venue with the theme can also add to the event.

Secure Food & Beverage: Solicit food and drink donations for the event from local restaurants, caterers, and food vendors. Aim to accept donations that match the theme and the event to make a coordinated menu. If some donations don’t match with the theme, such as popcorn for a formal banquet, don’t alienate the donor, but use the donated food for a later event or for another fundraiser planned for a different date.

Solicit Auction or Raffle Items: Auctions and raffles are a great way to raise additional funds at an event. By securing the items to be raffled and auctioned in the form of in-kind donations, all profits from the endeavors will go directly towards your cause.

Assign Tasks to Volunteers: Utilizing volunteer services can equal additional savings on staffing but require organization and management. Prior to the event, volunteers can sell tickets, promote the event through email and social media and assist in soliciting donations. During the event volunteers work can help to serve the food and welcome guests.

Good luck and let us know if there’s anything we can do to help.

Successful Fundraising Essentials

It’s 2012 - a new year with new goals and new fundraising efforts on the horizon. Yet as you move onto bigger, better, and larger levels of achievement, don’t forget the tried & true basics of fundraising success.

Tell Your Story:

Offer people an understanding of why you’re doing what you’re doing, and give them a reason to give.

Why are you fundraising?
Why is the cause important to you?
What impact will each donation have? (Ex - $25 buys a new backpack with school supplies for a child).

Set a Fundraising Goal:

Donors want to see fundraising success; and they want to participate in that success. Some people will even donate again if they see the goal number is within reach.

Set a fundraising goal on your Fundraise.com page
Raise your goal once you reach it and be sure to let everyone know you did (it’s a great way to thank people who have helped and motivate people who haven’t yet had a chance to participate in the success)

Add Imagery:

Add photos that speak to your potential donors – images that create a personal connection and are aimed to affect people emotionally.
Embed a video directly onto your Fundraise.com page.

Embed a Widget/Send a Link:

Embed a personalized donation form directly onto your Facebook page to accept donations from friends.
Put your goal bar or your donation form onto existing blogs and websites.

Spread the Word:

Share your Fundraise.com page with family, friends, colleagues, or anyone you may have vested interest in yourself or your cause.
Email contacts directly through Fundraise.com or use your email client of choice and include your customized fundraising link.

Keep Sharing: It’s important tosend updates on your fundraising progress. Communicating both challenges and milestones makes donors feel they’re a part of your fundraising efforts.

Post daily updates to Facebook
Try to tweet at least a few times a day
Re-email everyone who has not yet donated right before your event as a reminder or directly after your fundraiser has ended.

Be Persistent:

Don’t forget to ask people to donate
Don’t get discouraged – not everyone is going to say “yes,” but if enough people say “yes” for you to reach your goal, your fundraiser was still a success.

Say “Thanks”: Never underestimate the power of two monosyllabic words - “thank you.” Looking for some suggestions on how to thank donors better? Check out this post.