I read a good article by Philip Rucker in today’s Washington Post, called: “Some Nonprofits Push for Increased Federal Involvement.”

Mr. Rucker begins the article saying, “In the world of philanthropy, where independence from government has long been sacred, a revolution is underway. Social entrepreneurs are clamoring for a realignment of the way the federal government and nonprofit groups work together to maximize the impact of American generosity.” He then continues to identify several ways the federal government can work in concert with nonprofits, as well as acknowledging the hesitancy of many nonprofits to get entangled with the government. Interestingly, for some reason he only gives scant mention of President Bush’s Faith Based and Community Initiative.

To read the entire article Click Here

I’ve been wondering if there are any lessons we can learn from the Beijing Olympics, particularly for nonprofits. Of course there are all the usual sports lessons of perseverance, playing through pain, setting goals, discipline, preparation and believing in yourself. But are there any lessons that apply uniquely to nonprofits?

I’m pondering the following possibilities: capacity building and Michael Phelps; developing important relationships and the 400 medley team or the women’s beach volleyball; China and the power of focus.

What do you think? Leave your comments and let’s consider the possibilities.

Here at The Thomas Scott Company we have expanded our services to include capital campaigns and feasibility studies. It’s a significant expansion for us because of the time commitment required. However, it is a logical addition because so many of our clients need this service and they trust us.
Capital campaigns, and their accompanying feasibility studies, are the primary tool used by many constituency nonprofits to raise funds necessary for large capital expenses like new buildings and endowments. They not only provide a significant influx of cash but also energize the organization’s constituency and develop important new relationships. Typical organizations that utilize capital campaigns are churches, schools, museums, libraries and other similar member-based nonprofits.
Here are a few FAQs of capital campaigns and feasibility studies:
WHAT IS A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN?
A capital campaign is an effective way to involve your constituency in the financial support of your organization, particularly in regard to a particular high dollar projects like new buildings or endowments.
WHAT IS A FEASIBILITY STUDY?
A feasibility study answers the question, “What can we expect from a capital campaign at this time?” Before embarking on a capital campaign, it is helpful to know the level of interest in your constituency, their willingness to give, and how much money the campaign might generate. It is advisable to hire a professional to conduct your feasibility study in order to get unbiased results and accurate recommendations.
WHY SHOULD WE CONSIDER A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN RATHER THAN MAJOR DONOR DEVELOPMENT OR GRANT FUNDING?
The short answer is you should consider all three. Each of these fundraising options addresses a different need. However, a capital campaign often enhances the other two. There are many benefits to a capital campaign other than a fresh influx of needed cash. The campaign will refresh commitment to vision, generate enthusiasm, publicize advancement, challenge givers, engender unity, and increase involvement, to name just a few ancillary benefits.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT IN A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN?
The first phase of a capital campaign is the feasibility study (see above). Depending on the results of the feasibility study, a commitment is made to the campaign and a goal is set. Typically a capital campaign specialist is hired at this point to act as guide through the campaign. A steering committee is appointed and the campaign consultant trains the staff and volunteers in their respective assignments. Campaign materials are compiled and published, important meetings are scheduled and publicity is managed. The typical capital campaign will last anywhere from two to five years with three being the norm. During that time there is often a quiet phase followed by a public phase when campaign pledges and contributions are solicited and received. A formal kick-off usually begins the public phase and a very public celebration concludes the campaign.
HOW MUCH MONEY CAN A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN RAISE?
That depends on your organization, your needs, your capacity and your fundraising history. Campaigns come in all shapes and sizes ranging from a few hundred thousand dollars to several hundred million dollars.

If you’d like more information on feasibility studies and capital campaigns, email us at info@thomasscottco.com or call Tom at: 615-708-0140.

Today’s blog will feature a few very valuable resources: first a link to the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s interview with Patty Stonesifer, the CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; second, an admonition to do better foundation research before applying for a grant; and third, on a more personal level, a book recommendation for back and neck pain.

This past Tuesday the Chronicle of Philanthropy did a live interview with the CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Patty Stonesifer. Patty is leaving the foundation to pursue other interests and none other Bill Gates himself is taking over. Ms. Stonesifer was the primary force in taking the Gates foundations from fledgling status in 2000 to the largest foundation in America today. In the interview she covers how the foundation chooses projects to support, political influence, scholarships, and more. For the complete interview, Click Here

Here at The Thomas Scott Company we are hearing more and more from current and past clients about grant proposal rejections due to the foundation’s lack of interest in the proposed project. Many of these rejections are warranted but unnecessary because the nonprofit agency didn’t do it’s research well. Quality research to find good matches is critical to grant funding success. Don’t waste your time and that of the foundation by simply applying to every large foundation in your area. Time is too precious for such a short-sighted approach. Take the time to use the research techniques outlined in The Grant Writing Coach Workshop to narrow your search and applications to the very best matches. Here’s an important TIP: be sure to check the foundation’s Form 990 to review what organizations and projects it has given to in the past. This will give you an idea if they might be interested in your organization and particular project.

Click Hereto get to the Foundation Center Online.
Finally, if you have suffered from any musculoskeletal pain like pain in your back, neck, knees or hips, let me share a wonderful book with you. The book is “Pain Free” by Pete Egoscue. Pete established the Egoscue Method to deal with pain without using surgery or drugs. The method consists of a variety of easy and quick exercises you can do at home. I have found the exercises to be effective and very efficient (20 minutes a day is all it takes – with no sweating). I heartily recommend this book.

To order the book from Amazon.com Click Here