Talking Back: Public Perception

Steve Kehrli, vice president of list management, Names in the News, California, Oakland, Calif.: “I think public perception is currently favorable and will continue as such through the next year. As more time passes from the fundraising questions of 2002, I think the public is again trusting that their nonpartisan charitable donations are being used effectively in providing services and in caring for others. … “

Gail S. Meltzer, CFRE, president, Fund Raising Advantage, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.: “Accountability and stewardship have certainly become the name of the game. As a colleague said, the era of assumed virtue is over. I do believe, however, that nonprofits that have been creating and building close, meaningful relationships with donors over the years, and whose boards are properly exercising their fiduciary responsibilities, will continue to thrive. ... Recent scandals will no doubt mean that astute donors will be more careful to avoid the ineffective, poorly managed or unethical nonprofits, which, frankly, suits me just fine.