Smart ideas delivered every other Tuesday from Hartsook Companies, Inc.

March 6, 2007

Endowment support is an asset many institutions desire, but few are ready to seek or maintain. Organizations are often troubled by conflicting needs - an immediate need for operational support and a fiduciary responsibility to secure financial resources for the organization's future.

The benefits of an endowment are boosted security and increased opportunity. However, many non-profit groups still struggle with how to rationalize what is fundamentally the "building up of a large financial resource."

Then there's the question of who will support such a campaign - foundations may not get excited about making endowment gifts because they are in fact an endowment. Individual corporations and foundations may want to see what their gift will accomplish. Therefore you must prepare individualized strategies for each endowment gift. Doing so requires you to understand the "profile" of an endowment gift prospect. Who holds the wealth? What is their passion? How and when is the wealth most likely to be dispersed? These are some of the important elements to consider.

A thorough review of prospects, plans and strategies is necessary before launching an endowment campaign. As a fundraiser, you know the conflict: On the one hand - an urgent need for today; on the other hand - a desire for a financially secure tomorrow. With the right outlook and success-proven strategies, the two can go hand in hand. In fact, it might be easier than you think!

The seminar "The Endowment Campaign Made Easy" will explore these issues and others at 8 a.m. Monday, March 26, during the AFP International Conference on Fundraising in Dallas. It is listed as seminar AG1.

Visit us at the AFP International Conference - Help us celebrate our 20th anniversary!

If you're attending the AFP International Conference March 25-27 in Dallas, please visit the Hartsook Companies' Booth 330.

In our booth on Monday, March 26, there will be:

• Official release of Robert Swanson's book - Fundraising Magic - 33.5 Strategies for Turning Board Members into Money Makers
• Special gifts to the first 20 booth visitors
• Free copy of Fundraising Magic
• Robert Swanson signing books from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• And cake for everyone starting at 1 p.m.

As well, Hartsook senior executives and the Hartsook Chair in Fundraising will be offering these educational sessions during the Conference:

MONDAY, MARCH 26

• Robert F. Hartsook, JD, EdD
  Chairman & CEO
  "The Endowment Campaign Made Easy"
  8:00 - 9:15 a.m.

• Adrian Sargeant, PhD
  Hartsook Chair in Fundraising
  The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University
  "What Has Fundraising Done for Research Lately?"
  2:45 - 4:45 p.m.

• Robert G. Swanson, MBA
  President
  "Now What? How to Keep Motivated after a Major Campaign"
  3:00 - 4:15 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 27

• Adrian Sargeant, PhD
  Hartsook Chair in Fundraising
  The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University
  "Building Donor Loyalty"
  3:00 - 4:15 p.m.

Another smart idea...From the Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"Each appointment with a donor has a purpose. An ask is always made." - Sandra Hea, World Vision Canada (Mississauga, Ontario)

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). The book features great ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide. To order the book, follow this link http://www.ASRpublishing.com

• "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM," a compilation of best practices from every state in the union

• "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM," our original collection of 250 best practices and great ideas

For a free copy of any or all of the "Best Practices" collections, please email Erika Turner, erika@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.

Interested in Speakers?

Hartsook consultants are available to speak to your organization on a variety of topics. To read more, visit http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/speak.shtml or email Tami Druzba at tami@hartsookcompanies.com to discuss the possibilities.

Visit the Hartsook Companies web site for:

• Educational opportunities
• Books/reference articles
• Conference/workshop speakers

Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with more than 1,500 fundraising professionals bi-weekly. We welcome your contributions or comments. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

Our web site is located at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com.