Sursum Scribe
Sursum Scribe | October 2024
As we celebrate the solemnity of All Saints’ Day on November 1st, we’re reminded of the profound impact faith has on our lives and communities. This special day prompts us to reflect on the doctrines of the Communion of Saints, the resurrection of the body, and the belief in an afterlife. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate human calling to sainthood through lives of virtue and faithfulness to God’s will. This day, also special because it happens to be my wedding anniversary, reminds me of all the blessings we have received and how we can share those blessings with others!
What I Am Reading
Continuation of the discussion regarding impact of elections on non profit fundraising. Helpful guidance on how nonprofits can successfully conduct year-end fundraising during an election year, even in swing states.
Skilling Up
Hear from Rev. Alexander Diaz, Pastor, Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, Alexandria, VA regarding our enhanced offertory work:
Trending
Continuing on election year content, this article is a reminder that ultimate victory comes from the kingdom of God, not from political leaders.
Sursum Scribe September 2024
Happy September friends!
We’ve all been there when it comes to year-end planning: I’ve got time. It’s only September. I’ll start thinking about year-end once I get through the Fall.
All of a sudden, it’s mid-November. The upcoming weeks are packed with activity and things feel rushed: We haven’t finished our year-end appeal. What did we decide about Christmas cards? Are we doing anything for Giving Tuesday?
A simple planning process now will pay enormous dividends for your peace of mind and for your fundraising results come December 31st. Did you know that 31% of all annual charitable giving in the U.S. takes place in the month of December? The right combination of awareness, acknowledgment and appeal will maximize generosity to your mission during this “season of giving”.
Here are three simple questions to add to your next team meeting agenda and jump start your year-end planning now:
What did we do last year? Describing what was done last year will lead to an impromptu “SWOT” analysis and give you a baseline for determining what is doable this year. How did we create awareness to reach new donors? How did we thank our donors? How did we directly appeal to donors to make a year-end gift? Which leads to the second question…
What does 10% better look like? Everyone wants a robust and comprehensive year-end strategy, but focusing on what “just a little bit better” looks like from what was previously done, forces your hand into deciding what is most important given limited time and resources.
Who is responsible for next steps? Don’t let this important initial discussion be tabled for weeks without action. Who is taking final ownership of next steps? Specify tasks and deadlines before concluding your conversation.
As I said, these questions are simply to get you started. A more detailed planning process will have you specifying goals around awareness, acknowledgment and appeal; identifying the outreach channels available to your organization to attain those goals; and setting parameters around budgets, calendars and persons responsible for execution.
If you take these small steps this Fall, come the holidays, it will take far less energy to execute on what was previously planned than to “figure things out” on the fly. Donors already want to be generous at year-end. Have them be (re)inspired by your mission with proper planning now!
Reach out to learn more! EMAIL BUTTON (link to [email protected])
God bless, Sharon
What I Am Reading
In a remarkable achievement, Catholic media company Ascension has made history as the first Catholic organization to be named to the prestigious Fortune Best Small Workplaces List for Of note is an exceptional work environment, as evidenced by an impressive 99% of employees reporting it as a “great place to work.” Ascension is setting a new standard for Catholic organizations and small businesses alike!