Julie Gart

Join hosts Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt as they unravel the complexities of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) in retirement accounts and how they can become a strategic opportunity for philanthropy. Learn why fundraisers must grasp this concept, empowering them to engage donors effectively and maximize charitable giving potential. Dive into real-life examples and practical insights to navigate RMDs confidently, ensuring donors’ philanthropic goals align seamlessly with their financial planning. http://mvnt.us/m2415280 

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Thanks Lizz! Every session about AI, an important emerging tool for our sector and one we need to take advantage of and do right!

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Which Donors Do You Think You're Reaching - And At What Cost? As the appeals pile up in my inbox and mailbox, I am able to do a rapid sort. Some seem so far off base I assume I am yet another recipient of a "spray and pray" campaign. Some are flat out off-putting in that they seem to assume: I have no life I'm gullible I'm just waiting for some organization to jolly me up I need someone to encourage me to be generous I want to give to be "one" with a bunch of people I don't know I won't sort appeals according to the credibility of their claims; I do and 19 out of 20 get tossed I see many organizations using LinkedIn to do essentially the same - putting out messages that say, in effect, "Here's what you could or should do for us." They urge giving and participation but offer only the flimsiest reasons. Sure they use words like "difference" and "impact" but don't offer any specifics. Some use pictures of events and activities that just look screamingly dull. Yet, so many organizations will continue to do so, insisting they work because "people gave." But how many didn't give? How many were turned off? How many were left with the impression that the organization is full of itself and donor deaf? How many serious, thoughtful donors earnestly looking for ways to make a difference concluded, "Not there." We have to become more mindful of ratios in the advancement world. We can't just say "it worked." Every vehicle will work as long as there are some loyal, caring, trusting and philanthropic people but for what percentage of your current and prospective donors did it not work? Did it strengthen the loyalty of your most loyal donors? Did it energize and reinforce your most generous donors? Did it deepen the commitments of your discerning donors? The simple but startling fact is that so much of what we do in the name of fundraising "works" only for a small percentage, while leaving others unmoved and causing some to lose faith. So a giving day campaign, for instance, that draws support from 8 percent of your donors, is ignored by 72 percent and disappoints if not irritates the remaining 20 percent is not a success by any measure. The more you repeat it, the less successful it becomes. And here's what's perplexing beyond belief - the concepts behind all of these efforts could have been tested with donors in advance and to great effect - both to provide substantive and consequential engagement and to learn which segments of donors warmed to which approaches and which would have warned you not to do something so shallow and undercutting of mission grandeur and institutional dignity.

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Join us later this month for a deep dive into #legacygiving:

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Delegate Responsibilities and Encourage Committee Participation Assign responsibilities that match each board member’s strengths, skills, and interests. Delegating responsibilities or inviting members to join committees—whether for fundraising, volunteer management, or donor stewardship—can help keep them engaged. Clear roles make it easy for board members to see how they contribute to the organization’s mission. When responsibilities are shared, board members become invested in their own specific roles, fostering a sense of accountability and purpose within the organization.

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Underrated skill for fundraisers: Parallel Parking. Seriously, as a fundraiser you’re constantly driving to unfamiliar places. Many times downtown or some other difficult to park scenario. Knowing how to quickly and gracefully pull into a tight spot can save a great deal of time. No more endless circling buildings until you find a spot big enough to park a bus.

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Grant Application FAQs! Have questions about finding and applying for grants? We've got you covered! Here are some key FAQs to help you navigate the process: Q1: How do I find available grants for my business? A1: You can search through government websites, local business organizations, and grant databases. QT Business Solutions is here to help you identify grants that fit your business needs! Q2: What documents do I need to apply for a grant? A2: Typically, you'll need a detailed business plan, financial statements, proof of business registration, and a clear explanation of how you'll use the grant funds. Q3: How long does the grant application process take? A3: The timeline can vary significantly. Some applications take a few weeks, while others may take several months. It's important to plan ahead and apply early! Q4: Can QT Business Solutions help me with my grant application? A4: Absolutely! We provide guidance on writing business plans, organizing your financial documents, and completing the grant application process to increase your chances of success. Follow us to stay updated on available grants and more tips! #Grants #BusinessFunding #QTBusinessSolutions #EntrepreneurTips #SmallBusinessSupport

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