Building Impact

Hello everyone,

I hope you are enjoying the summer!  Here in the mid-west, it seems we have cooler temperatures one day and then heat  the next day.  I am not complaining; it just feels like a roller coaster.    
 
Here are some updates for you.  After many requests, I have been writing a book about philanthropy.  It addresses how the essence of philanthropy can impact the future of an organization.  It brings with it a Judeo-Christian perspective.  It takes all the elements of our philosophy, tools, and understandings and brings them together into one working handbook.  It will be a great compliment to our consulting work but also a strong stand-alone work as well.  Once it is complete, I will update you. 
 
The next book in the series will be about helping people to know how to create impact through their giving. It will discuss issues of knowing yourself, defining impact and knowing how to partner with a nonprofit organization.  I will keep you updated about this book too.
 
As we approach fall, I have been thinking about the role of the board as a partner in building and inviting donor relationships.  This especially applies for those of you who do a comprehensive donor invitation/solicitation in the fall.  The board carries the brand and the integrity of the organization to the donor.  They often set the perception.  We have to be sure that the donor sees people on the board who are engaged because of their shared values and common vision for the cause.  The board can change the game, for good or for bad.  To do this, the board needs to be engaged by the organization with that type of intimacy and impact.  If we expect the board to engage the community, develop relationships and foster giving, we have to ensure the board is engaged with this level of intimacy.
 
A few questions to ponder related to this:
1. What are you doing to build your board into a passionate team?
2. What are you doing to empower your board members to discover their potential and passion as a leader in your organization?
3. Do you know the greatest philanthropic desires of your board members?
4. Do you know what your board members need from each other to reach their potential?
5. Are you treating your board like they are your most intimate donors?
 
This is just some food for thought.  The board can change the game, so let's empower them to win the game. 
 
Thank you for your relationship and being part of our vision of philanthropy!
 
Sincerely,
 
Jamie