Once a week we post fundraising bits and pieces. The introduction to Case Statements we think are impressive, and videos we feel certain will capture your attention.

This week's Philanthropy Counts:

Opening Paragraph for Frankenmuth Case
PDF | WORD
To compliment the Case Statement Sample we posted last week, we'd like to share with you the opening paragraphs of another Case— this one for Frankenmuth Youth Sports Association. In it, their vision for the campaign is tied to an appropriate theme for their organization. See how this could help your own Case.

Sample Case PDF | WORD
"Here is a sample of a Case Statement we prepared for a client. I thought you would be interested in reading the first half-dozen paragraphs. You will notice that the piece does not open with statistics, the date, how it got started, and that type of information. We want to grab the reader. You can let us know if we succeeded. Just keep in mind these were written for the organization’s constituencies.

Previous PCIn Articles

To Ensure A Campaign PDF | WORD
Can you really guarantee the success of a capital campaign program?  Well . . . yes, you can come pretty darn close. Jerry writes about a feasibility study.  He explains how to get ready for the examination.  Who should be interviewed and how to determine the selection. To begin a major campaign without a thorough analysis prior to launching . . . is to start at your own peril!

Listen! I Hear A Gift
If you have read anything I have written or heard me at a Seminar or Workshop, you know the importance I give to the art of listening. I consider listening the most powerful attribute in your fundraising tool chest. Best of all, it's a talent that can be learned and acquired. Here are some observations I have on the subject. I'd also like to hear from you about your own observations.

ON HIGHER GROUND
This week we would like to show you another capital campaign promotional video. As you'll see, it makes great use of students and volunteers to state the case for support. But moreover, it shows that many lives the organization touches and the far reach of their mission.

Case Statement Sample for the University of Oxford PDF
Here are a few excerpts from the Case Statement we produced for the University of Oxford. You will enjoy some of the wording, perhaps be inspired, and even use some of the phrases for your own situation. The theme of the Case was Audemus— Latin for ‘to dare.’

Storytelling Open the Door to Successful Fundraising PDF
Storytelling is integral in every phase of fundraising. There are a myriad of ways how our work is impacted by this simple, yet profound tool for communicating.

From time to time, we’ll be showing you a video from a campaign we feel is particularly impressive. This one is for our project IMAGINE NO MALARIA (a national campaign for the United Methodist Church). If you have a video you would like to share with an International audience on our blog, please send it to us.

Red Cross SE PA Case Sample PDF
Southeastern Pennsylvania Red Cross case for support.

Somewhere Between ‘Keekee’ and ‘Death’ PDF
The Golden Rules of Asking for a Gift

Special Features

An Open Letter to Samuel
I want to introduce you to Abigail Van Kirk, a wealthy widow. She has just turned Sam (the fundraiser) down for a gift. She takes time to write Sam a letter explaining why. She lists twelve errors made in making the call. You will find this provocative and profound. Download this PDF

Board Aptitude Matrix
Recruiting “the right” board members will determine the future of your organization. Use our BAM as a guide that will help you measure a candidate’s suitability and aptness for consideration for board membership. Download this PDF

What Does it Take to be a Sublime Leader of a Fundraising Staff?
How effective a leader are you? This document provides benchmarks for your Leaders-Quotient. Download this PDF

Planned Giving: A Recipe for Success
Organizations without an active planned gift program (or one that is less active than it should be) will miss countless opportunities. The largest wealth transfer in our nation’s history is unfolding.
Download the complete article. PDF

Asking for Bequests
Even the most sophisticated planned giving programs report that bequests account for approximately 70% of their planned gifts and planned giving dollars. And, even if your organization has a small staff and few active board members, you can still ask for and receive planned gifts. Download the complete article. PDF

Can Skills Be Learned?
Download the complete article. PDF

Board Meeting Evaluation Sample Forms
New York General Hospital Foundation
Download PDF

Jewish Federation of Rhode Island
Download PDF

Board Classifications
Download PDF

Time Allocation & Priorities
Download PDF

“Leadership Isn’t the Most Important Thing. It’s Everything.”
Download PDF

Sample Letters of Intent & Gift Cards
A Letter of Intent -The Perfect Answer - Download Doc
Sample Letters of Intent - Download PDF
Sample Gift Cards - Download PDF