Here are a few of the good reads I’ve enjoyed recently (some are professional reading, some are not):

Philanthropyjournal.org
“Fundraising Realities Every Board Member Must Face” - David Lansdowne
“Ask and You Shall Receive: A Fundraising Program for Religious Organizations” - Kim Klein
“ROI for Nonprofits: The Key to Sustainability” - T. Ralser
“The Shack” - William Young
foundation.verizon.com
nccs.urban.org

Have fun!

Every nonprofit needs to get the word out about what it is doing to benefit the community. Publicity helps generate clients as well as fundraising revenue. However, most nonprofits can’t afford to hire a public relations firm, so they’re left to raise public awareness on their own. But where do you start? The most useful and often most effective tool is a well-written press release.

The following information was gleaned from a short but very helpful article by Judith Prebyl (for the complete article Click Here.

First, start with developing a relationship with the appropriate editor of your local newspaper. All you have to do is simply call them and tell them you want to be a good partner and submit well-written and timed press releases. Be sure to find out if they prefer email or FAX and get their email address and FAX number.

Second, use letterhead stationary and type or word process your press release. Include your contact person’s name, email and number. Next put in the submittal date and the date for release. Most press releases simply say “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE” or “RELEASE AT WILL.”

Third, suggest a good headline. They may not use it but it doesn’t hurt to suggest one.

Fourth, write a catchy hook sentence as your lead and then use the five journalistic W’s for the body of your release. The W’s are the answers to: Who, What, When, Where, and Why. It’s also a good idea to answer the How question too.

Finally, at the end of your press release type the pound sign three times (###) followed by the word: END. That will signify the end of the release.

There you have it. Again, for more information, Click Here.

Here at The Thomas Scott Company we have decided to use a new tag line for our services. Tell me what you think: “Helping nonprofit entrepreneurs do the good they do… better.”

Basically we offer three general areas of service: funding solutions, board development, and conflict resolution. All of these are concerns for nonprofits of every shape and size. We believe God has called nonprofit visionaries to unique missions of benefit to the world and our mission is to help them accomplish their mission.

We’d love your feedback on this new tag line as well as your constructive input on our areas of service. We are constantly taking our client’s pulse and that of the nonprofit sector. Just add your comment to this blog entry and we’ll gladly respond as soon as possible.