Last Look: An Interview With Kristin Valentine, Director of Development, Bread for the City

KV: If you don't have a communications person, hire one. When I started in 2006, Bread for the City had one staff person for special events and marketing. Communications is too important to be a side duty; events will always suck up all of a staff person's time. The end result is that your organization ends up doing amazing things, but no one ever hears about it.

FS: Additional thoughts?

KV: 1.Hire really smart people, and let them manage their own projects. 2. Only fundraise for a cause you believe in. 3. Give generously to your organization. Is your major-donor level at $500? $1,000? Give at that level. Lead by example.