Colleges Weigh 'Yes We Can' Approach to Fund Raising

President Obama's campaign consultants bring their message of better fund raising through technology to the college campus.

Full-text article by Marc Perry is available via The Chronicle of Higher Education, 4.21.09. [Subscription required.]

Colleges Rethink Fund-Raising Expenses and Staffs

After several years of aggressive hiring, some college fund-raising operations are now cutting back as both revenue and investment income fall. The regrouping could slow growth plans on many campuses at a time when the need for private support has never been greater.

Full-text article by Kathryn Masterson is available via The Chronicle of Higher Education, 4.10.09. [Subscription required.]

A Mixed Outlook for Corporate Giving in 2009

While charitable giving by corporations and corporate foundations is expected to drop in 2009, the overall decrease may not be as severe as in past recessions.

Full-text article by Paula Wasley available via The Chronicle of Philanthropy, 1.07.09.

How Did Online Fund Raising Fare In 2008?

Online giving remained relatively strong in 2008, despite the creaky economy.

Full-text article by Caroline Preston available via The Chronicle of Philanthropy, 1.06.09.

Salvation Army Benefits From Holiday-Themed iPhone Application

Thanks to a new application by a Seattle mobile-media company, iPhone users can channel donations to the Salvation Army by listening to Christmas tunes.

Full-text article by Caroline Preston available via The Chronicle of Philanthropy, 12.12.08.

Jobless Numbers: Why Fund Raisers Should Keep an Eye on Them

Fund raisers should keep a close eye on joblessness statistics. Those numbers will determine just how challenging fund raising in the bad economy will be, according to a new report.

Full-text article by Holly Hall available via The Chronicle of Philanthropy, 11.11.08.

Americans Plan to Cut Back Holiday Spending, But Not Giving

Americans may be cutting back on their holiday spending because of the economy, but they still plan to give to charity, according to a survey conducted for PayPal.

Full-text article by Caroline Preston available via The Chronicle of Philanthropy, 11.07.08.

What Makes Fund Raisers Succeed

A 2006 study of nearly 600 college and university fund raisers who solicit big gifts found that those who raise the most work for institutions that are more systematic in tracking and applying performance measures.

"Everybody is suddenly focused on this issue," says Bruce Flessner, a fund-raising consultant at Bentz Whaley Flessner, in Minneapolis. "People used to say that it takes money to raise money. Now people want to know if they are getting a good return on the investment."

Full-text article by Holly Hall is avaiable via The Chronicle of Philanthropy, 2.21.08.

Bentz Whaley Flessner Advisory: Giving Through Tough Economic Times

It appears as if most economists believe there is a good chance the United States may slip into a recession in 2008. Whether you think there is coming recession or not, one thing is clear: the current downturn in the stock market will be a challenge for fundraising this year.

What does this mean for you?
The answer to this economic challenge is not to give up on fundraising should a recession arrive in 2008; but rather, the solution is to work harder and smarter than you did in 2007. Consider the following strategies.

Read more of this January 2008 Advisory on the Bentz Whaley Flessner website and learn what steps you can take to strenghten donor relations through this tough economic period.