National Philanthropy Day: Make Dreams of Donors, Volunteers Come True (Part 1)

"Entrepreneurs are very helpful on nonprofits boards."

Liz Rizor
"The word philanthropy often implies big gifts in people's minds, but the small amounts, the lower-level donors are just as important. No amount is too small, and building on the small gifts is important."

"Working with volunteers is about two words: Thank you. It's constantly in the back of my mind. Sometimes we forget because we're all busy and have so much to do, but don't forget to say thank you — and maybe provide a small token. It can mean so much to volunteers. Without volunteers, we can't do what we do."

"Personal experience is so big. I had experience with Fox Chase being a patient there, which made it easy to become a volunteer. Engage children and families more to be involved. Find ways to harness children early on and get the ball started from the very beginning. Find ways to do more community events if you can, ways to bring outsiders in."

Robbe Healey
"Philanthropy has the greatest impact on an organization when leaders think constantly and critically on funds and how to leverage those funds — when fundraising is fully integrated into the organization. You have to look at the biggest gifts and the small donors and value them all. And look holistically at all opportunities — grants, big donors, small donors."

"Fundraising works best by not thinking of us but by thinking of the donor. It's a tightrope we walk. Philanthropy is not about us. It's about dreams. … It's not about money. Donors who have the greatest feeling of joy in philanthropy feel their dreams align with the mission of the organization."

"I'm a fan of writer Jim Collins, who says, 'Do what you're good at, not what you want to be good at.' Be true to what you are, not what other organizations are."