Insanity in Action

Albert Einstein defines insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. And while I don't intend to imply that you or your fellow board members suffer from insanity, I have worked for nonprofits long enough to know that anyone involved in fundraising suffers from some level of lunacy!

You want - and your clients need - a vibrant, effective organization that continually expands and improves client services. But oftentimes nonprofit executives are so focused on today, they have little time to focus on tomorrow. Tomorrow brings change. Inflation, rising costs, declining client base, increasing client base, competition in the marketplace - all of these things require organizations to change.

Board members wear many hats, but perhaps none is more important than being an advocate for those they serve through leadership and vision. Fundraising requires vision and courage on the part of board members, staff and all volunteers. Raising money isn't easy. Raising money takes people out of their comfort zone. But raising money is the single most powerful and effective means by which an organization can manage change.

- Robert G. Swanson, Vice Chairman, (Wichita, Kan.), robert@hartsookcompanies.com

Another Smart Idea...From the Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"Establish a year-round nominating committee with several socials to cultivate new board and committee members. We have found that in the last few years, the quality of board members has increased significantly. We have tried to emphasize that the nomination committee is the most important in the organization because it helps to determine the future." - Gvido L. Burgis, CFRE, Vice President, V.N.S. Healthcare System, Indianapolis, Ind.

If you are interested in Best Practices and smart ideas, see these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

Fundraising Magic - 33.5 Strategies for Turning Board Members into Money Makers by Robert G. Swanson (2007, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). This book shares proven strategies you can implement immediately to give Board members the confidence and tools needed to cultivate donors, solicit gifts and strengthen your organization's position in the community. To order this book, visit the Hartsook store.
Getting Your Ducks in a Row! . . . Proven Strategies for Exceeding Your Capital, Endowment and Operating Campaign Goals. No development officer should be without this book. Bob Hartsook's guide brings together outstanding authors and sources providing a tool box of strategies for effective campaign fundraising. Each page is filled with ideas, concepts, plans, strategies, approaches and suggestions that result in success. Available for $15 (plus $5 S&H) through the Hartsook store, or by calling toll-free 1-877-7GIVING.
"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 "Best Practices Coast to Coast" or the "Hartsook Best Practices Collection", please email Cathy Rutz, cathy@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Annette Lough, annette@hartsookcompanies.com.

Hartsook Companies' Consultants in Action

August 3 - Tempe, Ariz.
Planned Parenthood Development Officer Conference
Creating Great Donor Experiences by Janell Johnson, Vice President

August 7 - Topeka, Kan.
State of Kansas Main Street Convention
Leveraging Public, Private And Philanthropic Dollars by Robert Swanson, Vice Chairman

August 12 - Greensboro, NC
NC Philanthropy Conference
No Donors, No Money, No Time, No Problem by Karin Cox, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer

August 26-28 - Detroit, Mich.
Boy Scouts of America Top Hands Conference; one-on-one consultations by appointment with Matt Beem, President and Chief Operating Officer
http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bsa/signup-detroit.html

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 2,000 fundraising professionals bi-weekly. We welcome your contributions or comments. Send to Strategies for Success editor Annette Lough, annette@hartsookcompanies.com. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Cathy Rutz, cathy@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

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