The Artful Journey

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The Tenets and Principles of a Fundraising Philosophy

Those organizations which are decidedly successful in the development arena almost always demonstrate a certain ethos or standard of behavior. The world isn’t perfect. Events don’t often unfold in a straight line. Sometimes the good guys lose. But over the long haul I think that successful fundraisers will reflect the following standards:

The good ones truly believe in the cause and organization they serve.
The successful fundraiser always makes paramount the interests of his or her donors.
The effective fundraiser spends less time worrying about competition for the philanthropic dollar and more time considering how to communicate the unique case for support of the organization being served.
The effective major gift fundraiser exhibits a belief in the economic and political system which makes possible philanthropic activity.
A good fundraiser never projects his or her organization to be something it isn’t in order to secure a gift.
The successful development professional manages the enterprise as if he or she means business.

These thoughts just shared with you are admittedly broad in scope. I have also developed some tenets specific to the task which guide me and, I believe, enable me to be more effective.

Major gifts fundraising is more art than science
Major gifts fundraising efforts are significantly enhanced when top institutional and volunteer leaders are involved.
Donors give to organizations they believe in — whose aspirations they share — not to needy causes.
The stewardship function — reporting on the use of gifts and administering irrevocable planned gifts — is too often given a short shift at our organizations.

This excerpt is taken from the book, The Artful Journey by William T. Sturtevant

If you're in fundraising, you should be here!

Tammy Zonker shares an overview of what to expect out of one of the most in-depth seminar programs in the nation.

Tammy Zonker is President of Fundraising Transformed, Fundraising Strategist, AFP Master Trainer, Assistant Dean, and speaker/coach for the Institute for Charitable Giving. Tammy shares an overview of the ICG's 3-day Major Giving Seminar during the spring and fall of 2022.

Tap to read Tammy Zonker's bio and our stellar faculty members who will be joining us in Costa Mesa on June 6-8, and Cincinnati on October 10-12, 2022.

Major Gift Strategies — Topics and Faculty for Costa Mesa

Each session reflects the unique challenges organizations faced last year, and how to strategically plan as we move forward. We are including as much time as possible, for small group interaction, panel discussions, and one-on-one opportunities with our faculty members. Our purpose is to bring additional depth, understanding, and recommendations to your organization.

Douglas Dillon – Dean

Moves Management^TM
Leadership & Program Inventory
Transforming Your Annual Giving & Major Gifts Program in Preparation for a Major Gift Initiative or Capital Campaign

Tammy Zonker – Assistant Dean