Some things that folks are struggling with is to track moves and code gifts as a result of the actual move that may have precipitated it. For example, when a board member gives in response to a direct mail piece – it is more likely that they gave that day because the E.D. or someone else asked them for the gift. To attribute that gift to direct mail skews the results.
Some other ideas:
include a brief Fraternity update with the monthly report.
Report major gift visits including what was asked, what was pledged and what has been received
Do mission based reporting – divide statistics to program accomplishments
Include 5 – 10 year goals
Recreate committee structure every two years – keep it simple and get rid of subcommittees which require minutes and other support staff functions
The NICF website (http://www.nicindy.org/foundation) has a member forum and will be a place to share info like Greek Giving. Register for it and then you can post.
THE Foundations Seminar has an all star cast lineup with Bill Sturtevant, Kay Sprinkle-Grace, Penelope Burke and someone else I forgot to write down. Many groups are insisting their boards attend.
Take advantage of the many free webinars and local AFP events. Andy from SAM has a list of Indy AFP meetings.
Finally, there was discussion about registering as a fund raising entity in states where you solicit donors. I’m sure you got the email from Dinsmore about how they would manage the process for you for $5K. Ken File and Ben Nichol are encouraging everyone to do it. Rob from TKE asked if there could be a group effort to file for all Greek organizations. It’s a big pain to file in every state and the costs are all over the board. Ben felt Phi Psi spent more than $1500 registering last year. I’ve heard about this in the past, but apparently there is concern with the new 990s that states might look to this requirement as a money maker.
