[Editor's Note: This is part 2 of a two-part post from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Philadelphia Chapter's 28th Annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon educational session held last Wednesday. View part 1 here.]
Here are some more words of wisdom shared by David Auten, former president of the Union League of Philadelphia and the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award winner; Liz Rizor, president of the Board of Associates of Fox Chase Cancer Center and a winner of the 2012 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group award; and ACFRE Robbe Healey, a member of the International Board of Directors of the AFP and past chair, as well as the 2013 Barbara Marion Award for Outstanding Leadership to AFP winner, in the educational session moderated by AFP-GPC Board Chair Jaime L. Howard, president of Jaime L. Howard LLC.
David Auten
"I've had at least one mentor in everything I've been involved in. The best mentors combine the best of the old and the best of the new."
"I often think of my father-in-law, who used to say, 'To whom much is given, much is asked.' I've been very fortunate and wanted to show that — but I just don't' want to leave money in a bequest. I want to contribute not just with money, but through work. It lets you see the results your effort helps accomplish, and you get to see all the great work other people accomplish."
"I've seen [social media] used in all sorts of ways, especially registering and registries. Almost everyone does fundraising online, and social media can drive people to a cause."
"Ask for more than you think a donor will give. In my experience, people get flattered when they're asked for more."
Liz Rizor
"As a volunteers, I constantly engage with veterans whenever I come to a project. I sit down with someone who's been there and experienced the organization and talk with them. It's important to stop and listen and hear everyone's thoughts on big ideas. I reach out to those who were there before me, which keeps people caring."
"Keep it personal with volunteers. Most volunteers join an organization because of a personal connection. It was natural for me to volunteer at Fox Chase because I was patient there. So find that connection and keep that connection going."
"At Fox Chase they're doing a good job with Facebook — highlighting patients, donors, staffers, jobs well done. There is a team in place that handles social media."
"Social media isn't just the future; it is now. Everyone is on it, reading it, looking at it."
"In fundraising, 'fun' comes before 'fund.' Make sure your events and your fundraising are fun first."
"Cooperation is vital — something we all learned on Sesame Street. We're all on the same team, trying to achieve the same results and goals. Embrace diversity. Listen to all ideas from everyone. Leave the egos at the door."
Robbe Healey
"I became a Brownie when I was 8 — it was the thing all the girls did in the third grade — and it stuck. Giving back is part of my hardwiring. But how do I choose where my time and money goes? I look at what the organization is doing and with whom I would work with. I look for people I respect and admire, people who know what passion is. As a donor, I look at organization I work in. That's where I donate. My giving reflects my work."
"We had an edgy sponsor for an event with open Facebook pages, where people could post on the event live on their page. It allowed real-time sharing from everyone involved."
"I've seen people using iPads to record micro-videos during events live and then sharing them live on social media."
"Do what you love, and love what you do."
"There is a bit of a disconnect between the structure of fundraising and conversations. You don't understand donors' dreams until you talk to them in real conversations."
"If you ask for money, you get advice. If you ask for advice, you get money."
"I don't care if donors get filtered into the annual fund. Donors don't think that way. We have to stop thinking about putting donors in our slots and start thinking about donors' dreams."
"As professional fundraisers, if we are going to be successful, we have to remember the fundamentals — thank-yous, proper channels, respecting wishes."
"Donors and the way they control their philanthropic work is key. Donors do it the way they want to. Make sure people are satisfied and thrilled with your work, and success will follow."
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