Strategic Fund Development: Building Profitable Relationships That Last, Third Edition

Challenging Philanthropy and the Nonprofit/NGO Sector

It’s a simple formula that governs philanthropy: As community needs and wants increase and as the cost of providing services grows, more charitable giving is required. Some studies show that giving (money and time) may not be able to keep up with the demand. Much-needed organizations may fail, leaving unmet needs to threaten community health. Economies falter, creating more need for services and impacting the capacity to give. Yet, experience and other studies show increasing contributions of money and time.

Organizations and their fundraisers are right to wonder:

• Is there really an ever-increasing number of donors from whom we can expect ever-increasing dollars? Will there be in the future?
• How can we secure more volunteers to reach out to more prospects?
• How can we retain the loyalty of our donors?
• How do we make fund development decisions that best use the strengths and talents of our staff and volunteers?

To make [healthy communities] possible, we shall first have to rehabilitate the idea of commitments beyond the self. … Passive allegiance isn’t enough today. The forces of disintegration have gained steadily and will prevail unless individuals see themselves as having a positive duty to nurture their community.

From Building Community, by John W. Gardner (Washington, DC: Independent Sector, 1991)

Organizations also worry about the political climate and the actions of governments on the local, national, and global levels. ...