If you were to count how many non-profit organizations exist today, we are more than convinced that every one of them debate internally what giving amount constitutes a Major Gift?  This varies for many reasons, and we have seen time and time again that most organizations are asking for too little. This surprises many financial experts even today.  Admittedly, we used to believe the same. However, through our 30 years of anecdotal individual experiences as well as specific feedback from colleagues and other reliable sources, we recognize and respect this going in when meeting our new clients.  Some organizations consider a Major Gift anything $5,000 or more.  For other organizations, it is commonly seen as $10,000 above for smaller sized groups and medium to large sized organizations do not classify donations at the major gift level unless it is at least in the amount of $25,000.  Some even higher.  We are aware of how this slows down development teams and we are here to help senior development staff determine what makes the most sense for each organization we serve.  Keeping up with competitors is essential but the amount must be realistic for your current organization and donor base.  We will study this with you and create a strategic plan for the best path going forward with high net worth individuals that you can cultivate and steward with amazing results.

If you were to ask the question is there any difference between a Major Giving Campaign and Capital Campaign, what would your answer be?   Most immediately believe they are the exact same thing.  Partially right — yet so wrong.  We can help create an internal donor base test to help best determine which type of campaign makes the most sense for the current status of the organization based on the needs, current, past and lapsed donors as well as key prospects and future stakeholders. 

We were once asked if searching through directories and lists of top 10 companies is best place to identify corporations that have the potential for awarding grants and sponsorships.  Well, this depends on your strategy.  Many are asking themselves right now what plan they have in place to approach businesses for the remainder of 2020 into 2021, especially with the unbelievable damage and uncertainty the world continues to experience. What a way to start a new decade, eh?   We want to help create a well thought out and customized plan for approaching those businesses in the corporate and healthcare sectors that have potential to be new revenue for organizations supporting causes that might very well interest their executive leadership and staff members.

The majority of individuals who venture into the world of philanthropy did not have a formal education in how to fundraise.  There is a plethora of literature, online tutorials, sales pitches to large companies more concerned about their surplus profits rather than truly helping non-profit Development Team members understand and learn that true fundraising is about relationship building with your constituents not cold and often one time financial transactions.   At Hinnen Philanthropy Advisors, we pride ourselves in taking the time to not only share our stories of success but get to know your team members helping and identifying the strengths as well as areas they need to improve and feel more comfortable making those ‘asks’ at the various levels.  Training with us will empower your Development staff team member and others to practice newly learned skills but also help refine the ones they had before meeting us.  After the first couple of meetings with us, we are confident that your team members will feel more prepared and comfortable with helping to raise more funds for your cause.

We pride ourselves knowing that our individual professional and personal backgrounds align well with the non-judgmental and culturally competent work practices that many special interest 501(c)(3) organizations desire but rarely receive.  As a matter of fact, we recently decided to not work with organizations who expressed outward discrimination, racism, oppression, and overall social injustice.  Diversity and sensitivity often go hand in hand.  We instill this in our staff and help each of our clients appreciate the fact that making this high priority continues to generate better relationship building opportunities that then with our help transforms into fundraising dollars. 

We call this our ‘Focused Comfort Approach Fundraising’ solution.  This spreads a wide net inviting many non-profit organizations to partner with us.  We offer assistance to many different branches of laser focused visions such as LGBTQ Mindfulness, Celebrity Driven Causes, Sports Philanthropy, Diseases, Mental Health, Family and Youth among the many other areas that fundraising dollars become generated.  We are proud to share our open-minded and non-judgmental work ethic with you.

Is your organization too “event-centric?” Some organizations rely heavily on making sure that their Gala Dinners, Golf Outings, Walks/Runs and other fundraising events are annual revenue generators.  We were initially surprised by just how many non-profit organizations ‘bank’ on paying their bills and raising critical “survival funds” to keep organizations afloat.  There are multiple problems with that mindset, and we are happy to discuss how best to evaluate your current fundraising plans regarding special events. 

With problems come solutions so proudly we have vast experience with Event Fundraising and we look forward to discussing how best we can collaborate to help you Fundraise and Amaze! 

Uh oh, what happened to the larger donations that were coming in annually from at least 3 or 4 different yet solid individuals committed to the cause of the organization?  Our guess without knowing any other circumstances is probably due to lack of follow up and overall poor relationship management.  Please, do not punish yourselves or staff and volunteers for allowing this to happen.  And, yes, even well-established organizations experience Donor Retention.   Communication is key, but understanding the dynamics of each organization’s infrastructure can help best evaluate and re-work a plan with Development Departments and Teams.