A Tradition of Giving

3. Follow up.
After explaining a project or your organization’s message, reach out to donors and their families again.

“It’s critical. Follow-up is critical,” Scar says, explaining that potential donors need to know about the good that comes from any donation, and that every dollar counts.

4. Never turn down an invitation.
Whether it’s a wedding, a bar mitzvah, or an invitation to sit and have coffee, Scar never misses it.

“I’m big on attending family functions,” she says. “It means so much to have these families see philanthropy as an extension of their family values.

“Someone’s opening a door [when they extend an invitation],” she adds. “Always have them see [your organization] as an extension of their belief system.”

5. Show your gratitude.
Thank donors — and their families. It’s an important way for organizations to “nourish their relationship” with family members.

“Don’t thank the donor in a vacuum,” Scar says. “Sometimes we’re a little too black-and-white [when it comes to thank-you receptions]. Invite the whole family. Let them see their grandfather being honored for his contribution and how much it is appreciated.”

In the case of JNF, Scar also has the opportunity to escort donors and their families to Israel to show them how their contributions have transformed the country.

Isaac Taylor’s family connections with JNF continue to grow. Irving Taylor, who made it his mission to carry on his father’s legacy, believes his children and grandchildren will do the same.

In fact, some of his family members already are involved. His son sits on JNF’s board, and his grandson, who accompanied him on a JNF-sponsored trip to Israel, is attending more and more events.

“When I first asked him to go, he said, ‘Why should I go?’” Taylor says. “And then we went, and he said, ‘When you go again, let me know.’ It inspired him. It certainly changed his attitude.”