In Service: The Column of the ADRP President
Michal Shaw AVP of Donor Relations Oklahoma State University Foundation
Does fear stop you from trying new things? Do you hesitate to advocate for yourself, apply for a new job, reach out and meet new people? If we had a guarantee that things would turn out well, we would likely be more inclined to go ahead with a new experience. Alas, the fear of the unknown too often holds us back.
To have caution when trying new experiences is normal, and even wise. However, if fear always wins and we never experience new things, then we stop growing. We get stuck in old familiar ways of being and doing things. We were born to be creative. Have the courage to be yourself and experiment with your creativity. And what better time to try new things and set new goals than a new year!
Out with the Old (Decade), In with the New
Suzanne Bellanger Stewardship Marketing Manager Brown University
The start of a new year always feels like a good time to take a step back, reassess where we are, and make some decisions about where we want to be in the coming year. As we say goodbye to an entire decade, I feel like my list is a bit longer than usual—and a bit more ambitious. Why not head into the new decade with the best intentions, the utmost confidence in our abilities, and a renewed commitment to fostering change, supporting our mission, and enhancing our work environment? In that spirit, I’m sharing 11 ideas that might help us (and you) do just that.
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: A Gift for Donor Relations Professionals
Krystina Wales Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship Greater Baltimore Medical Center
After the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was officially signed in late 2017, nonprofits held their breath, anxiously awaiting the precipitous dip in funding they were sure was to come. Nonprofits feared individuals would be less incentivized to give because the benefits of itemizing or relieving the burden of estate taxes were less attractive or applicable in some cases.
From the Archives: 'Twas the End of the Old Year in Donor Relations
As we reach the end of 2019, many of us are looking back at lessons learned and getting ready to leap ahead into a whole new decade. I've been exploring The Hub archives, which offer a wealth of timeless knowledge for ADRP members, as well as some fun and memorable insights. This holiday poem from 2013 is a great reminder that, even during our busiest days, it's important to remember why we do what we do, and to find moments of levity to share with our colleagues. However you celebrate, I wish you a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!
- Sarah Brickman, Editor, The Hub
'Twas the End of the Old Year in Donor Relations Diana Elvin
'Twas the end of the old year, and all through Advancement Time was a-ticking: last chance for enhancement
Computers were smokin', and money was booked We added it up—not a cent overlooked.
Coffee was perking, and snacks made it clear That the table was loaded to give us good cheer.
We welcomed our task without going berserk, And settled right in for a long night of work.
|
New ADRP Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Customize and Pre-Plan!
Beginning in 2020, your organization can build an entire year of sponsorship opportunities into one customized package. From webinars and The Hub to the Annual International Conference, your company can be featured prominently across the board. Pick and choose your favorite options to highlight your brand, and we will tie it up with a bow.*
Sponsorship sign-ups will be open in January. Stay tuned for more details to come!
*Regional workshop and conference sponsorship will remain separate
ADRP Regional Events
Upcoming Workshops and Conferences:
Southeast Donor Relations Conference (SEDRC)
SEDRC is taking place on April 30, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia. Registration is open, and we are now accepting proposals. Learn More!
New York City Regional Conference
Planning has begun for NYC 2020, scheduled for July 17. Mark your calendar!
Future Considerations and Plans
ADRP is constantly on the lookout for new regional event opportunities. Right now, we are running outreach for a potential event in the Pacific Northwest, and are searching for volunteers for the 2020 Midwest Regional Forum.
If you're interested in volunteering or would like to know more about how to plan a regional event in your area, please contact the ADRP Office.
The 2020 Webinar Series is On Its Way!
The ADRP Webinar Committee and office have been hard at work scheduling and finalizing the 2020 ADRP Webinar series. While we work toward completing the full list, take a moment to register for the first ADRP webinar of the new decade:
January 21, 2020 A Case Study: Donor Retention Business Plan Kimberly Arndts and Jordan Marshall, Albion College
We all know it makes good sense to focus on donor retention as opposed to going out and finding new ones. Identifying those donors who will supply the most "donor lifetime value," as Dr. Adrian Sargeant puts it, is critical to a nonprofit’s sustainability. But how do you do that? First you take a deep dive into understanding of where your organization is, taking into consideration the donor populations you want to know more about. Then, you take what is known in the nonprofit industry to create a comprehensive donor retention business plan approach that is shared with all partners who play a role. Join us for conversation as we explore one organization’s comprehensive donor retention business plan.
2020 Webinar Series Brochure
Please take a moment to ensure the mailing address listed in your profile is up-to-date so you can receive a copy of the 2020 Webinar Series brochure to post in your office.
Member Spotlight
Jewanna Apawu
Donor Relations Manager Johns Hopkins All Children's Foundation
ADRP member for about 10 years
How long have you worked in donor relations/stewardship and how did you get involved in this profession?
I transitioned from public relations/communications about 11 years ago. I began as a project assistant on a donor relations team, when I had no clue what donor relations was! I’m a skilled writer and creative, so I fit in well with my team and quickly became an acknowledgement writer and someone to brainstorm with for creative gift ideas.
Write for The Hub: We Want to Hear from You!
The Hub is seeking article proposals for new monthly issues!
Do you have a success story you would like to share? How did you handle a particular problem or project that seemed insurmountable? Have you discovered effective tactics that help gain a seat at the table? What are your thoughts on best practices or new, emerging ideas that take a donor relations/stewardship program to the next level?
We want to encourage our members—new and experienced—to share their insights, best practices, and what works (or doesn’t work!) when planning their shop’s programming and responsibilities.
We welcome all submissions related to donor relations and stewardship, but we especially encourage ADRP members to step forward and share their expertise and experiences in the profession.
The submission form is available any time you have an article proposal to submit. We have included the webinar topics for each month, in case you would like to tie your article to a specific webinar topic.
Please submit your article proposal today! We can’t wait to hear what you have to say!
|