We all have a habit of going to work, doing our jobs and then going home. Have you thought of truly engaging with others? Ask questions, and learn why donors give to meeting face to face with them. Seek peers of various backgrounds and experience levels in order to learn new techniques. Read what others have to say about the profession, future trends and ways to improve your personal and organizational performance.
While I have been in this career for many years, I still get excited when I learn something new. The fundraising world is a painting involving art and science. Many variables affect our success that are out of our control. Communication and education is vital to acquisition, retention and long-term support for those in and out of your organization. In my opinion, you have no choice but to engage with others starting today!
As I left Philadelphia and the 2014 Engage Conference, I smiled as I walked down the street on a beautiful evening. The conference validated the fact that Fundraising Success is an outstanding tool for everyone in our profession. The professionals who work for the organization are dedicated to the advancement of our profession. I look forward to the 2015 Engage Conference, and I hope you look forward to my future weekly blogs. We are all in this together.

Duke Haddad, Ed.D., CFRE, is currently associate director of development, director of capital campaigns and director of corporate development for The Salvation Army Indiana Division in Indianapolis. He also serves as president of Duke Haddad and Associates LLC and is a freelance instructor for Nonprofit Web Advisor.
He has been a contributing author to NonProfit PRO since 2008.
He received his doctorate degree from West Virginia University with an emphasis on education administration plus a dissertation on donor characteristics. He received a master’s degree from Marshall University with an emphasis on public administration plus a thesis on annual fund analysis. He secured a bachelor’s degree (cum laude) with an emphasis on marketing/management. He has done post graduate work at the University of Louisville.
Duke has received the Fundraising Executive of the Year Award, from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Indiana Chapter. He also was given the Outstanding West Virginian Award, Kentucky Colonel Award and Sagamore of the Wabash Award from the governors of West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana, respectively, for his many career contributions in the field of philanthropy. He has maintained a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation for three decades.





