Rich Friendship Pays Off

A 40-year partnership between colleagues has helped elevate Indiana U. into the elite ranks of fund raising.

Mr. Simic and Mr. Dove have been successful in part because they have become respected leaders among local movers and shakers, says Bruce Flessner, a Minneapolis fund-raising consultant. The two men have hired Mr. Flessner to conduct interviews with wealthy donors to help them set realistic fund-raising goals.

Full-text article by Holly Hall is available via The Chronicle of Philanthropy, 3.26.09.

The 2009 Big 12® Development Conference

The 2009 Big 12® Development Conference is rapidly approaching. Bentz Whaley Flessner will be represented by Bruce Flessner and Josh Birkholz.

Bruce Flessner’s“Fundraising in Hard Economic Times” presentation and “A Discussion on Philanthropy" with T. Boone Pickens. Josh Birkholz is presenting "Prospecting Tools and Strategies for Successful Campaigning" as well.

For more information, visit the 2009 Big 12® Development Conference website.

The 2009 Big 12® Development Conference
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
March 10-12, 2009

Charitable-Giving Plan Divides Nonprofit Groups and Worries Donors

As President Obama seeks to reduce the value of the charitable deduction for wealthy Americans, fund raisers and other nonprofit experts are divided over whether his idea would cause any substantial change in charitable giving.

“Every time people want to fool around with the tax code, [charities] say it will be the end of philanthropy,” said Bruce Flessner, a Minneapolis fund-raising consultant. “I don’t think it will kill giving.”

Full-text article by Holly Hall is available via The Chronicle of Philanthropy, 3.2.09.

Trio of Colleges Focus on $1B Campaigns

In the Greater Boston region three schools — Boston College, Tufts University and Brandeis — are in the midst of capital campaigns worth upward of $1 billion despite what experts said could be one of the most difficult fundraising environments in years.

Bruce Flessner, a principal at Bentz Whaley Flessner, said colleges in the middle of ongoing capital campaigns will likely be able to close them by their set deadlines. But he added fewer colleges will likely launch such large initiatives this year.

Full-text article available via the Boston Business Journal, 2.13.09.

Fund-Raising Worries? These 2 Consultants Provide a Road Map for Bumpy Times

For fund-raising consultants, the volatile economy has brought one constant: more time on the road.

Even in good times, philanthropy's road warriors spend much of their time traveling to clients' campuses to help plan megacampaigns or improve giving programs. But now, as the stock market stumbles and the country's financial system gets an extreme makeover, demand for their presence has gone up, as college administrators and trustees look for advice on how to stay one step ahead of the shifting landscape.

Bruce Flessner, a principal with the consulting firm Bentz Whaley Flessner, has made presentations once a week at board meetings for the nonprofit organizations he works with. A year ago, he did one a month. "When the economy goes south, you do a lot more presentations to the boards," he says.

Full-text article by Kathryn Masterson is available via the Chronicle of Higher Education, 1.22.09. [Subscription required.]

Campus Fundraising Just Got A Lot Harder

Bruce Flessner's cell phone has been ringing nearly nonstop. When he answers, it's almost always a college president or someone leading a fundraising campaign.

"They're nervous," said Flessner, whose company consults with colleges and universities on fundraising. "I don't think I've ever had this many calls from presidents and campaign chairs."

Full-text article by Jeff Shelman is available via the Star Tribune, 10.16.08.

Year-End Appeals: Seeking Gifts in Uncertain Times

Many charities are entering the most crucial months of the fund-raising year at the same time that many donors are dealing with the most uncertain economic circumstances of their lifetimes.

What should fund raisers do to encourage donors to support their causes? What approaches turn people off? What kind of results are realistic to expect?

Full-text transcript of Bruce Flessner's conversation with Peter Panepento via the Chronicle of Philanthropy, 10.14.08. [Subscription required.]

Surviving Wall Street's Woes: Tips From a Fund-Raising Expert

Bruce Flessner, a Minneapolis fund-raising consultant, offers several tips to help institutions in the midst of big fund-raising campaigns weather this latest Wall Street crisis.

Full-text blog posting by Holly Hall is available via the Chronicle of Higher Education, 9.17.08.

Fundraising at the University of St. Thomas

In 16 years, the University of St. Thomas has grown from a local liberal arts college to a nationally recognized institution. In October, the largest private school in Minnesota announced a $500 million fundraising drive, kicked off with the largest single gift to a college or university in state history.

Bruce Flessner, a fundraising consultant for St. Thomas, said the university's transformation and success in fundraising have been remarkable.

"They're very good at telling a dream and being able to deliver on it," Flessner said. "They've been very good at establishing a club of donors who push each other."

Full-text article by Jeff Shelman is available via the Star Tribune, 12.30.07.