August 2010 Entries
I had a cup of coffee with a friend of mine the other day. It had been awhile since I’d seen him. I knew from our email trail that the days preceding had been hard. Business challenges. But little did I realize how severe…
He was ready to take his life so that way his family could have the life insurance money. A real estate development had gone sour and left him holding the bag with mounds of debt. Their large house was emptying rapidly with the effects of Craig’s list sales. Even his kids had gotten into the act by selling Ipods, TVs, video games—anything that...
posted @ Tuesday, August 24, 2010 8:08 AM |
Read on for important announcements, fundraising resources, and Jessica's final summer post.
First off, we are completely excited to have released our new book "Grants for Christian Ministries and More!" You've seen a little information about it on the blog, but now we have a page up on our website where you can get more details. Whether you are an international ministry, a Christian school, a grant writer, development director, this book has the answers for you. We have been receiving phenomenal reviews from many elite groups all across the USA. Visit the webpage to see what people are saying!
Secondly, just a look...
posted @ Friday, August 13, 2010 3:23 PM |
If you are a development director, who do you want to meet with—the husband, the wife or both?
A recent study of women revealed that they often feel left out of the investment discussion by their investment bankers. On the other hand, investment bankers tend to believe that men will make quicker decisions on investments. Part of the perception underlying these findings is that the men are in control of the finances.
However, a survey by Citi’s Women & Co. found that 63% of women are the chief financial officers of their household. In fact, the same study found it was the women who...
posted @ Wednesday, August 11, 2010 10:09 AM |
Have you noticed it? Cell phones have been everywhere for quite some time. But here’s the new trend—what do you do with that old cell phone?
There are more and more companies who want to answer that question for you. There are now recycling kiosks. There are even companies who want to buy old cell phones for use in third world companies.
Make no mistake. For the cell phone companies, it’s all about selling those minutes. On the other hand, if you are a non profit ministry, don’t make the mistake of failing to pursue the donation opportunity.
Cell phones can be donated and recycled or...
posted @ Monday, August 09, 2010 9:30 AM |
The Wall Street Journal recently reported on a survey of the affluent by the Boston Consulting Group. The survey found that 55% of the affluent (those with more than $250,000 of bankable assets) said private banks need to do a better job of serving women clients.
In general, women respondents said the banks give better advice, better deals and better terms to men. Often, the women felt ignored and that the wealth managers communicated directly with the men.
Here’s some highlights:
· Women want a level playing field and the same advice and opportunities men get;
· However, women also want their advisors to...
posted @ Friday, August 06, 2010 9:15 AM |
Downturn. It continues to be the language of the day. This weekend’s edition (July 31-August 1, 2010) of the Wall Street Journal reports that the outlook for the remainder of 2010 remains bleak.
The growth the economy experienced in late 2009 and early 2010 is now slowing. Some economists and now predicting that they will cut growth estimates for the second half of the year.
Perhaps most troubling is that “growth” is largely dependent on consumer spending. As the Journal reports, “purchases account for 70% of economic activity.” It is a vicious cycle. Consumers won’t spend if they think...
posted @ Wednesday, August 04, 2010 8:34 AM |
In this final post of our fundraising guide, I want to challenge you to investigate more online opportunities. One of the most important things you can do to sustain your ministry is have a wide fundraising base. These past posts have discussed mostly ways to connect with donors, so let's think outside of the box now.
With the rise of the Internet, you now have virtually millions of resources right after your finger-tips. However, you have to be willing to invest some time in doing a little research and think creatively. Ask other volunteers to help you out in the research process;...
posted @ Monday, August 02, 2010 9:39 AM |