Mo Money, Mo Problems
Session 5F

Session Description: 

You want a big transformational gift? Great, what happens when it goes wrong? Open any fundraising news source and you'll find stories guaranteed to give you nightmares! We hear about nonprofits that have failed to abide by a donor's intent, which can lead to lawsuits, bad press, and potential fines, as well as donors whose affiliation with our institution may no longer be a positive one.

"It's like the more money we come across
The more problems we see"
- The Notorious B.I.G., "Mo' Money, Mo' Problems"

What is our obligation and what happens if we do find ourselves on the 11 o'clock news? What is the role donor relations plays in the fundraising cycle and how do we let our partners know they're wading into dangerous waters? How do we not become blinded by the money and when we see something amiss ensure we say something? Let's wade through these somewhat murky waters of big gifts and the complicated entanglements we get our organizations into when we accept them.

Shop Size
Suitable for any size shop

Experience Level
Suitable for all levels

Sector
Suitable for all sectors

Categories
Gift Documentation
Gift Management
Policies and Processes
Leadership
Other

About the Speaker:

Lynne Wester
Donor Relations Guru, LLC

Lynne Wester believes that donor relations is the key to unlocking fundraising success and that organizations must be as dedicated to the donor experience, or DX, as they are to the ask itself. Sometimes referred to as "the Olivia Pope of fundraising," Lynne helps organizations when they need it the most—when crisis or opportunities arrive.

Lynne and her teammates at the Donor Relations Guru Group partner with nonprofits large and small on initiatives from developing sound strategy and vision to utilizing technology and creating meaningful donor engagement, all designed to positively affect the fundraising bottom line. Her guidance has led her clients to be recognized on the national stage for fundraising innovation, creative communication, and groundbreaking donor relations work.

Lynne received her bachelor's from the University of South Carolina, holds a master's degree in strategic fundraising and philanthropy from BayPath University, and proudly sports a DUCKtorate from the Disney Institute.