Live from the International Fundraising Congress — Day 3
The International Fundraising Congress (IFC), hosted by The Resource Alliance
, is taking place this week in the Netherlands. Erica Waasdorp, president of A Direct Solution, is U.S. ambassador for the IFC and will be reporting live for FundRaising Success from the conference.
Wednesday, Oct. 16
I can see why people who’ve been to this conference really like coming. It is such an inspiration! It truly demonstrates why we do what we do and that we are proud of it!
After a wonderful introduction lunch with the U.S. and Canadian delegates, we poured into the grand ballroom for three tremendous stories. They were not presented by fundraisers, but told by three wonderful women helped by three great organizations.
Sallie told us how as a young child she was able to call the Childline from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). She later interned with the organization and helped produce a video to tell her story to help other children like her.
Anne told us how she became blind as an adult just a few years ago and is now able to live independently thanks to her dog, Yaro, from the Royal Dutch Guide Dog Foundation. She is now an ambassador for the organization.
Finally, Florence had to flee from Uganda and was able to reconnect with her children thanks to the International Red Cross.
Such an impact we make as fundraisers! We get too caught up in looking to speak to our donors, so it was great to hear from those we support.
In the afternoon, I attended the session from Alan Clayton on Fired Up for Fundraising. He took us on the donor journey, going from sadness, to despair, to hope, to determination to triumph. That’s what we want donors to feel thanks to the support they give. He also told us that we should truly be proud of being fundraisers as we make such an impact on the world, really!
- Categories:
- Awards
- Fundraiser Education
Erica Waasdorp is one of the leading experts on monthly giving. She is the president of A Direct Solution, a company serving nonprofit organizations with fundraising and direct marketing needs, with a focus on monthly giving and appeals. She authored "Monthly Giving: The Sleeping Giant" and "Monthly Giving Made Easy." She regularly blogs and presents on fundraising, appeals and monthly giving — in person and through webinars. She is happy to answer any questions you may have about this great way of improving retention rates for your donors.
Erica has over 30 years of experience in nonprofits and direct response. She helped the nonprofits she works with raise millions of dollars through monthly giving programs. She is also very actively supports organizations with annual fund planning and execution, ranging from copywriting, creative, lists, print and mail execution.
When she’s not working or writing, Erica can be found on the golf course (she’s a straight shooter) or quietly reading a book. And if there’s an event with a live band, she and her husband, Patrick, can be found on the dance floor. She also loves watching British drama on PBS. Erica and Patrick have two step sons and a cat, Mientje.
