Advancement Services; Integrating Social Media into Funder Research

For those of you who have been following my work, you know that I started early on - now nearly four years ago - delving into teaching others about how to integrate social media into research on funders such as private and corporate foundations.  I've spoken in many settings on this topic and this week, I've literally taken my show on the road and am speaking at the CASE VIII Conference taking place in Vancouver, BC.  My talk was incorporated into the Advancement Services track. I can see you furrowing your brow and scratching your head that you're wondering why this field of study is relevant to you, but wait!  There's more!  What better way to strengthen the pipeline than profiling our best prospects by better utilizing social media.

At this morning's talk entitled, "Building on the Basics While Integrating Social Media Platforms," I shared trends in this area and lead a discussion and hands on exploration how these concepts and tools are practical to the work of our colleagues.  We considered studies that described how funders perceived themselves through their social media presence and that the understanding is important to how the Foundation communicates the qualities it is seeking in a grant applicant.  After all, isn't a grant application somewhat like an audition?  Many will audition, but only one or a few will be cast in a starring or supporting role.

In the course of this short hour, we also contrasted two foundations; The David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates foundations and their respective uses of social media as an extension of their respective work. Judging from the breadth of the social media and internet presence that one funder still views social media platforms as a means of "announcing" or "instructing" the community (and prospective grantseekers) while the other funder employs a variety of platforms to elicit feedback and ideas (innovations) from the community (and prospective grantseekers.)

Participants came away with many practical tools and re-energized with a fresh perspective about how to utilize social media more fully as a tool in the grantseeking process and a strong awareness of the important role of ethics in this process.

That's your dose of Fundraising Savvy!

@adeptdiva


  

Social Media and Grantwriting - Survey - Deadline now 5/10/12

The intersection of social media and grantwriting fills my thoughts regularly except today when they were interrupted by news of the passing of Beastie Boys Co-Founder Adam Yauch. The outpouring of mourning was remarkable.  There were literally thousands of tweets an hour to honor the memory and accomplishments of MCA. You can check out my Twitter feed @adeptdiva to see how I paid tribute.  As grantwriters, we face the challenge in being potentially overwhelmed by the volume of tweets, status updates, pictures, etc. that flow through social media. I can be your guide to navigating the seemingly endless stream of information for that special tweet or update that can tell you just what you need to know to make the right ask, at the right time, for the right project, and for the right amount from the right funder!

To be a good guide, I need to know where you want to go.  Give me your input on how you use social media in your grantseeking work! I'm putting finishing touches on my presentation for WVDO's Regional Conference. You can hear me speak on Thursday, May 17 from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. on grantwriting and social media. You can find out more about the conference on Twitter at @WVDO_OR #wvdoconf12 or visit http://www.myfundraisingconference.org/ .

So, here's the link to my survey - http://svy.mk/gsmadc2012 and if you reply by 5/10/12, you just might win one hour free consulting from the Adept Diva!

Nonprofit Director and Officer Responsibilities and Employment Matters Too!

Serving as a board member i.e., director of a nonprofit is no longer just about selling tables for the next fundraising event or simply listing your service on a resume.  As nonprofits continue to struggle with the vagaries of a dampened economy, expectations are increasing that directors are approaching their service with the same attentiveness they might bestow on their paid careers.  Of particular interest in the spectrum of due diligence are fiduciary and personnel responsibilities.  In last week's Nonprofit Spring Forum presented by Pacific Continental Bank held in Portland, Oregon, attendees heard from a distinguished panel including Dennis Doherty (DePaul Industries), Chrys Martin (Davis Wright Tremaine LLP), Michael Shrayer (Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, and our moderator Steve Miller (Beecher Carlson Insurance Agency LLC) just how important it is for board members to be well-informed and well-insured on both counts.


In the discussion of the board's role, we were reminded of three key duties:

1  Diligence: Act in good faith and make decisions in the best interest of the organization.

2. Loyalty: Avoid the appearance of conflicts of interest. Disclose and be open about potential conflicts of interest.

3. Obedience: Follow the charter of the organization and applicable laws.


We also discussed the "Business Judgement" rule.  Which - to my recollection - deals with using the context of your beliefs to support decisions that are made.

Chrys Martin stressed the importance of not rubber-stamping decisions. If your bylaws aren't serving you well, get engaged and get them changed especially with regard to indemnification.  She stressed the important of clear job descriptions for board members and paid staff. She also remarked about the importance of carrying Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance for board members. Homeowners Insurance is not a substitute! There is no "state coverage" or "immunity" for volunteers including board members. Ms. Martin also spoke a great deal regarding employment practices.

No, I'm not an attorney and don't play one on TV!  I am though a proud CFRE wanting to share this important information with you. I'm hopeful the recap of this lively conversation will encourage you to revisit your bylaws with a focus on how they can be improved to serve your organization and its board best.

Special thanks to Lisa Faust and the team at Pacific Continental Bank and the panelists for bringing this presentation to us!