Back-to-Basics Approach Helps Charities Weather the Bad Economy

April 8, 2010, Chronicle of Philanthropy — Before each performance at Michigan’s Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Rebecca Steketee reviews the names of ticket buyers to see if any of the theater’s regular donors plan to show up.

Then Ms. Steketee, the theater’s development director, writes notes that she places on the patrons’ seats, with a card thanking them for their loyal support.