May 5, 2008

Consider This...

The Power of Soup Labels

As a child, I knew a family who owned a body shop. Today, three generations work in the family's business and repair our vehicles when hard objects get in the way. The work is good. The prices are fair. The service is honest and personal.

But the soup labels were an unexpected surprise.

The widow of the body shop founder still dabbles in the family business. She manages the office, answers the phone and occasionally cooks a big lunch for the shop's employees to share around the family dining table.

Years ago, she was cleaning up after a big lunch when I dropped by to pick up a car that had been repaired. I noticed an empty can on the kitchen counter and mentioned that an organization I support was collecting soup labels.

A year later, I found myself back at the body shop. The woman overheard me describing the damage, and called me into the kitchen. There, waiting for me on the counter, was a grocery sack full of soup labels. She'd been saving them since the last repair.

Today, more than a decade later, she's still saving soup labels. She gave me a bag a few weeks ago.

Philanthropy is a powerful force. One soup label won't yield much money, but 10 year's worth adds up. And beyond the value of the soup labels to the nonprofit organization, the woman's gift positively impacts her and those who witness it.

Our nation and community are far from perfect. Families are homeless. Children are hungry. Lives are torn. The difference that makes this the greatest democracy on earth is philanthropy. In 2006 alone, more than $295 billion was given to U.S. nonprofit organizations, according to Giving USA 2007. That's more than 2 percent of the nation's gross domestic product. What's even more impressive is that nearly 84 percent of the $295 billion was given by individuals, the report says.

So tell your story to whoever will listen. Accept all gifts with heartfelt appreciation. And remember to save your soup labels.

- Matthew J. Beem, MPA, CFRE, President (Kansas City) matt@hartsookcompanies.com

Victories

In this issue: Nearly $3 million in new or recent gifts, including one of $1 million or greater.

• Camp Wood YMCA (Elmdale, Kan.) continues to receive support from across Kansas as it pushes to close out its "Great Kids, Great Futures" campaign. With $6 million in gifts and pledges, the Chase County-based organization needs to raise a final $500,000 to secure its L.E. and J.E. Mabee Foundation (Tulsa, Okla.) challange grant. Recent gifts and pledges totaling more than $250,000 have come from cities across Kansas including Hays, Wichita, Emporia, Overland Park and Leavenworth. - Robert G. Swanson, President (Wichita, Kan.)

• Only 11 months into their campaign to construct a new exhibition hall, Union Station (Kansas City, Mo.) has raised nearly $4.6 million toward their $5.2 million goal, including a recent gift of $50,000 from The Goppert Foundation (Kansas City, Mo.). Congratulations to CEO Andi Udris, Board Chairman Mike Haverty, and the Board and staff of Union Station! - Bridgette O'Connor, MSW, Vice President (Kansas City, Mo.)

• Chadron State College (Chadron, Neb.) convened the first meeting of its National Campaign Leadership Committee in March. "Vision 2011," CSC's first comprehensive campaign, serves to raise capital, annual and endowment gifts in support of the institution. The Division II NCAA university in the panhandle of Nebraska will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2011. Comprised of more than 80 members, the National Campaign Leadership Committee represents 16 states across America. - Robert Swanson

• University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine (Kansas City, Mo.) recently received a $25,000 challenge grant from Dr. Michael Weaver '77 for the Shannon Lectureship in Minority Health. To date, his commitment has spurred $40,000 in contributions from alumni and friends. Congratulations to Dr. Reaner Shannon, Dean Betty Drees and Dr. Weaver. - Lonelle R. Rathje, MA, Senior Vice President (Kansas City)

• The Girl Scouts of America, Rock River Council and Boy Scouts of America, Blackhawk Area Council (Rockford, Ill.) "On My Honor" campaign to build a new joint headquarters and program center is off to an excellent start. More than $1.1 million dollars already has been raised, including a generous gift of land and endowment, towards a $4 million campaign goal. Campaign committees are busy recruiting new members who will help make this dream project a reality for the staffs, volunteer, and members of both organizations. Congratulations to Campaign Chair John Crone, Girl Scout Executive Director/CEO Ruth Little, Scout Executive Don Kinney, Girl Scout COO Amanda Hamaker, Assistant Scout Executive Chris Long and their entire team for getting the campaign up and rolling. - Matthew J. Beem, MPA, CFRE, President (Kansas City)

• Ozarks Food Harvest (Springfield, Mo.) is close to securing its $500,000 Kresge Foundation (Troy, Mich.) challenge grant. More than $300,000 of $1 million in Missouri Development Finance Board Tax Credits awarded to the food bank has been assumed by individuals and businesses in the food bank's 29-county service area. The campaign will construct a new 45,000 square foot facility to double the organization's ability to accept, process and distribute food to more than 300 associated nonprofits annually. - Robert Swanson

• The Kansas Academy of American Pediatrics (Lenexa, Kan.) successfully completed its "Turn A Page, Touch A Mind" campaign in March. The statewide association secured a $1 million challenge grant from the Kansas Health Foundation (Wichita, Kan.) as it has raised a total of $2.9 million for its innovative literacy program. Campaign Co-Chairs Dr. Dennis Cooley (Topeka) and Dr. Paul Nelson (Concordia) led a statewide campaign leadership committee that secured gifts from more than 40 communities across Kansas. The committee was supported by Executive Director Chris Steege and Director of Development Beth Shearer. - Robert Swanson

• FUNDASALVA's (San Salvador, El Salvador) "Restoring Lives" campaign, which seeks $4.75 million for the acquisition of a new rehabilitation and administration facility, program support and endowment, received recent gifts of more than $650,000. These gifts bring early campaign gifts to $968,669. Congratulations to Honorary Chair H. Douglas Barclay (former U. S. Ambassador to El Salvador), Board Chair Mathias Regalado and Campaign Chair Jaime Zablah. - Norma Murphy, Executive Vice President (Wichita) and Matt Beem

• Kansas City School of the Arts (Kansas City, Mo.) recently received a $150,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Innovation and Improvement, to launch this unique visual/performing arts charter high school in 2008. Congratulations to Dr. Stephen Aspleaf and the KCSA team. - Lonelle R. Rathje

• Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana (Anderson, Ind.) has implemented a new opportunity for community people, donors and prospects to learn about the services of the food bank and see the new facility with "Tuesdays at 4." Every Tuesday at 4 p.m. people come for a tour and informational session to learn more about the services and the campaign. Since starting this project they have been able to proudly display the new facility and educate many people at the same time. This has been a great opportunity for campaign leadership to bring prospects into the campaign. Congratulations to Executive Director Lois Rockhill, Associate Director Tim Kean, and Campaign Co-Chairs Jeanne Lee and Brad Condon. - Susan Schneweis, Executive Vice President (Kansas City)

• President France Córdova announced that Purdue University (West Lafayette, Ind.) has launched a $304 million "Access and Success" campaign to expand student aid and programs. The fund drive and internal reallocations will expand the university's student aid contribution to $77 million annually. Much of the money raised will be placed in endowments, whose earnings will be used to fund the efforts. The university has already raised more than $42 million toward the goal. - Murray Blackwelder, MPA, Senior Vice President for Advancement, Purdue University and Hartsook Companies Vice Chairman (West Lafayette, Ind.)

• The Missouri Foundation for Health (St. Louis, Mo.) has awarded nearly $1.4 million in grants to nine Springfield, Mo. organizations. The funding comes through the foundation's basic support program, which supports ongoing activities that are central to the missions of nonprofit organizations. Grantees included: American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter; Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks; Citizens for AIDS Assistance & Prevention; Court Appointed Special Advocates of Southwest Missouri; Home Parenteral Services; Ozarks Counseling Center; Ozarks Food Harvest; and Primrose Place.

Kudos

• Congratulations, Matt Beem! Ingram's Magazine has selected Matt, President of Hartsook Companies, as one of its "40 Under Forty." The tenth annual recognition program identifies young people in the Kansas City area most likely to succeed and to lead, those with the potential to make a better community in which to live and work. Writes Margaret Cashill, ". . .many are founders, presidents and board members of Kansas City's most prominent community service organizations, the same individuals are involved in the kind of service that often goes unheralded . . . The good works of these individuals has earned the admiration and gratitude of their colleagues, associates and friends."

• Congratulations to Rowan Regional Medical Center Foundation Executive Director Bob Skelton (Salisbury, NC). Bob was one of three Rowan Regional Medical Center employees recently honored by his peers with the medical center's "Exemplify Excellence Award." The award, presented by CEO Charles Elliott, recognizes medical center directors or participants in the Leadership Development Institute who exemplify excellence in professionalism and culture.

• The Pro Football Hall of Fame (Canton, Ohio), celebrating its 45th Anniversary in 2008, is nearing the completion of a major museum renovation and modernization, two years in the making. The ambitious undertaking will result in two new dynamic exhibition galleries, Moments, Memories & Mementos and Pro Football Today. The new Moments, Memories & Mementos Gallery will present the memories, and recap career milestones of Hall of Fame members. The official opening is scheduled for May 9

• The United Way of Delaware County (Muncie, Ind.) recently celebrated their successful 2007 fundraising campaign at their Annual Dinner. They also have recently received a number of recognitions and awards from the Indiana Association of United Ways (IAUW). Each year the IAUW honors United Ways across the state for their marketing efforts with the Golden Excellence in Media (GEM) award. United Way of Delaware County was one of only three communities who received the overall GEM trophy. United Way of Delaware County also was honored with five awards for various communications pieces. Congratulations to President and CEO Gary Chenault and United Way Chairman, 2007 Pat Botts.

• The Masons recently announced a new $2 million endowed professorship for the Kansas University Cancer Center's Prevention Research area. This gift brings the Masons' gifts to KU to $15.2 million to their five-year, $15 million campaign for cancer research. "One of the things pointed out in our recent cancer advisory board review was we have a great cancer prevention program, but we need more depth," Cancer Center Director Roy Jensen said. "This endowed chair will help us attract an associate director for the cancer prevention program."

• Camp Fire USA Heartland Council (Prairie Village, Kan.) was selected to participate in Operation Purple®, a free week-long summer camp for military kids with parents who have been, are currently, or will be deployed. Campers from all branches will gather for a memorable week of fun and adventure with a focus on learning coping skills to better deal with a parent's deployment. Congratulations to Outdoor Program Director Katherine Patterson-Paronto, Board President Tammy Grampsas and CEO Stacey Brown.

• The Board of Graceland University (Lamoni, Iowa) has approved the nomination of Matthew J. Beem to its Board of Trustees. Eight years ago, the Board of Trustees began the most ambitious capital campaign in its history. At the end of 2007, the Board voted to close out the "Graceland Forever" campaign - nearly two years early. The ambitious goal of raising $52 million during the two phases of the campaign exceeded its goal with $60.9 million.

Career Booster!

Looking to advance your career? Look to the Hartsook Consulting School: September 25-27, 2008. This intensive three-day program provides an opportunity to work intimately with our finest consultants to share practical, experiential and theoretical wisdom to fundraising professionals who are ready to take their profession to the next level. Email tammy@hartsookcompanies.com for more information.

Success Stories

"The Lensic Project: A Stunning Performance," the story of the Lensic Performing Arts Center (Santa Fe, NM) is one in a series of success stories from the ASR Philanthropic Publishing Reference Collection. This four-page, full-color presentation reveals how the $9.2 million capital campaign to transform a 70-year old movie theater into an elegant, multifaceted performing arts center became an extraordinary success.

If you would like a free copy (or a list of all Success Stories from the ASR Reference Collection), contact Tammy Weinman at tammy@hartsookcompanies.com or follow this link http://www.ASRpublishing.com.

Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"Invite Foundation givers to not only shake your hand and get the check, but to participate in the actual program they support. Example: Foundation members attended a day of "Sprout Camp" and helped plant new things in the Children's Garden."- Mary McFadden Craft, Daniel Stow Botanical Garden (Belmont, NC)

If you are interested in Best Practices, check out these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

• "Reality Fundraising: Proven, Practical Ideas for the Enlightened Fundraiser" by Bob Hartsook (2005, ASR Philanthropic Publishing)
• "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM"
• "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM"

For a free copy of "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM" or the "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM", please email Tammy Weinman, tammy@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bestpractices2.shtml. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com.

Book of the Month - Special Price

How to Get Million Dollar Gifts and Have Donors Thank You!
A best seller at the AFP International Conference for two consecutive years, Million Dollar Gifts by Bob Hartsook outlines 101 strategies of amazing real life stories of million dollar or more gifts made by average Americans. In praise of this book, Paul Clolery, Editor of The NonProfit Times, says "Fundraising isn't easy. Bob Hartsook just makes it look that way in his new book. How to Get Million Dollar Gifts takes the mystery out of asking for and receiving big gifts. Think of him as Toto pulling back the curtain on the great and mighty Oz." May Special Price: $19.95 (regular price $39.95) plus $3 S&H. To order Million Dollar Gifts at this special price email Tammy Weinman at tammy@hartsookcompanies.com or call her at 316.630.9992.

Hot Off the Press

Adrian Sargeant, PhD, the Robert F. Hartsook Chair in Fundraising at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, and Walter Wymer, Jr., University of Lethbridge, have published the definitive book on nonprofit marketing, The Routledge Companion to Nonprofit Marketing. This timely collection of cutting-edge articles offers a complete overview of marketing in the nonprofit sector. It examines the issues faced by public and nonprofit organizations in marketing and raising funds, and provides a comprehensive review of the latest research. To order or learn more, follow http://www.routledgebusiness.com/books/The-Routledge-Companion-to-Nonprofit-Marketing-isbn9780415417273.

Between the Lines

• Jerry Clevenger's (Vice President, Sarasota, Fla.) Strategies for Success article, "The Board of Directors: 15 Responsibilities during a Major Gifts Campaign" was published on The Partnership Department of the Pacific West Regional Office of the National Park Service web page. This service-wide site provides technical assistance to national parks and their nonprofit partners on capacity building and fundraising issues.

• The April issue of The NonProfit Times featured a photo and commentary by Hartsook Companies Chairman and CEO Bob Hartsook about the trend of using video in healthcare fundraising. He explained that hospitals are using video to drive clients to understand services. "In the past, the many charities dealing with diseases have realized that major gifts are a priority," Hartsook said. "They are finding that those people willing to contribute $25 could become candidates to contribute thousands."

• Adrian Sargeant, PhD, the Robert F. Hartsook Chair in Fundraising at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University writes for Third Sector New England (Boston, Mass.), about the nonprofit field being "hampered by poor quality, conflicting data from different sources and general lack of interest on the part of academe in the subject of giving and philanthropic fundraising." Third Sector New England provides support, training and management resources to strengthen individual nonprofit organizations and build the capacity of the progressive nonprofit community

Welcome Aboard!

The following fundraising professional is welcomed by the 40 other Hartsook consultants and staff in 21 cities across the country serving Hartsook clients coast to coast.

• Kenneth Heisz, Vice President (Palisades, Calif.), is an accomplished business litigation attorney. While practicing law, Ken also assists with Hartsook Companies on special projects, including his alma mater and Hartsook Companies' client, the Claremont School of Theology.

From the Podium

Hartsook consultants are available to speak to your organization on a variety of topics. Visit the Speakers page of our web site at www.hartsookcompanies.com to read more or email Tami Druzba at tami@hartsookcompanies.com.

• Matt Beem presented "Developing your Development Office" in Kansas City on March 27 to a packed room during the Council on Philanthropy's monthly luncheon meeting. On May 22, Matt will present "Would You Please Consider ... Board Members Making the Ask" during the 2008 Boy Scouts of America National Annual Meeting in San Diego. On August 4 & 5, Matt will be presenting several sessions during the Boy Scouts of America All Hands Conference in Nashville. During the Planned Parenthood Development Conference on August 6 in Minneapolis he will be involved in three separate presentations all dealing with the development of your development team - recruiting, retaining, inspiring, training, promoting and more.

• On April 10, Karin Cox moderated a discussion on capital campaigns during the Winston-Salem Fundraising Summit in Winston-Salem, N.C.

• Bridgette O'Connor presented "Women as Philanthropists" on April 1 during the 2008 AFP International Conference on Fundraising in San Diego. She will present "A Board with a Mission: How to Have One" on June 21 in Kansas City during the Society of Animal Welfare Administrative Management Conference. On August 25, Bridgette will make a presentation on major gifts to the Oklahoma Museum Association in Oklahoma City.

• Lonelle Rathje will present "The Comprehensive Annual Development Plan" during the Society of Animal Welfare Administrative Management Conference in Kansas City on June 21.

• Bob Hartsook and Karin Cox have been selected to present at the 2008 4th Annual Statewide Education Conference hosted by Association of Fundraising Professionals Triangle, Triad and Charlotte ChaptersAugust 7 in Durham, NC. Hartsook Companies is proud to be a conference sponsor. To learn more about the Triangle AFP Chapter or the conference, follow http://www.afptriangle.org/summer-ed-conference.htm

• Adrian Sargeant, PhD, Robert F. Hartsook Chair in Fundraising at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University presented a half-day seminar on March 20 to the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Milwaukee Chapter. On April 18, Dr. Sargeant made a presentation to Sue Ryder Care in the U.K. He will be making various presentations to American Humanics in Indianapolis between May 28 and 30. Throughout the summer Adrian will be abroad making presentations: June 16-July 1 in Brisbane, Australia at the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies; July 7-9 in London during the Institute of Fundraising Conference; and July 10 at the University of Wales. July 17-19, Adrian will be presenting during the National Public Radio/Corporation for Public Broadcasting Conference.

Recent New Clients and Extensions

At the conclusion of 2007 Hartsook Companies had clients with goals totaling more than $3 billion. So far in 2008, Hartsook Companies is serving 116 contracts on behalf of clients in 61 cities in 23 states, the District of Columbia, Europe and Central America with Campaign Assessments, Development Operation Reviews and ongoing campaigns. Recent new clients and contract extensions are listed below representing 36 organizations in 25 cities in 11 states and the District of Columbia.

• American Humanics (Kansas City, Mo.)
• American Royal Association (Kansas City, Mo.)
• Black Hills State University Foundation (Spearfish, S.D.)
• Blackhawk Area Council, Boy Scouts of America (Rockford, Ill.)
• Children's Center for the Visually Impaired (Kansas City, Mo.)
• Claremont Parks and Recreation (Claremont, N.H.)
• Corner House (Emporia, Kan.)
• Developing Potential, Inc. (Independence, Mo.)
• Donnelly College (Kansas City, Kan.)
• Family Guidance Center for Behavioral Healthcare (St. Joseph, Mo.)
• Family Life Center (Riverton, Kan.)
• Fort Scott Community College (Fort Scott, Kan.)
• Full Circle Senior Adult Day Center (Norman, Okla.)
• Harvesters - The Community Food Network (Kansas City, Mo.)
• Hetlinger Developmental Services (Emporia, Kan.)
• Ivy Tech Community College (Lafayette, Ind.)
• Kansas City School of the Arts (Kansas City, Mo.)
• Kansas City Zoo (Kansas City, Mo.)
• Kansas Food Bank (Wichita, Kan.)
• Neosho County Community College (Chanute, Kan.)
• Northwood University (Midland, Mich.)
• Olathe Medical Center Charitable Foundation (Olathe, Kan.)
• Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg, Kan.)
• reStart, Inc. (Kansas City, Mo.)
• Susquehanna Council, Boy Scouts of America (Williamsport, Penn.)
• The Foundation for Shawnee Mission Medical Center (Shawnee Mission, Kan.)
• The Guidance Center (Leavenworth, Kan.)
• The Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)
• The Salvation Army of Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
• The Salvation Army of Williamsburg (Williamsburg, Virg.)
• University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine (Kansas City, Mo.)
• Union Station Kansas City (Kansas City, Mo.)
• Truman Medical Center Lakewood (Kansas City, Mo.)
• Vision Research Center (Kansas City, Mo.)
• Wentworth Military Academy (Lexington, Mo.)
• World Learning Forum (Volcano, HI)

e-Hartsook on Philanthropy covers news of client successes and advancements in philanthropy, connecting with more than 10,000 persons monthly. We welcome your contributions. Please send brief news of success or good ideas you'd like to share to Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com, by the first of each month.

If you'd like a free subscription to e-Hartsook on Philanthropy - or its companion publication, the free, bi-weekly Strategies for Success - visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/subscribe.shtml or contact Tammy Weinman , tammy@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

Visit our web site: http://www.hartsookcompanies.com.