Nonprofit Radio for July 18, 2014: 200th Show!

Big Nonprofit Ideas for the Other 95%

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Sponsored by Generosity Series, a nationwide series of multi-charity 5K events that provide a proven peer-to-peer fundraising platform to charities and an amazing experience for their participants.

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Listen Live or Archive:

My Guests:

Picture of Amy Sample Ward
Amy Sample Ward
Gene Takagi
Gene Takagi
Maria Semple
Maria Semple
Scott Stein
Scott Stein
Claire Meyerhoff
Claire Meyerhoff

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lots of special guests and all our trusted regulars–plus live music and cool giveaways–to celebrate Nonprofit Radio’s 200th anniversary!

We’re giving away Cura Coffee; a Nonprofit Times subscription; a Pamela Grow fundraising course; and lots of books from guest authors.

Tell us your favorite donor story OR why you love Nonprofit Radio. Comment here or on Twitter with #NonprofitRadio. If I read yours on air, I’ll send you one of our valuable giveaways.


 

Top Trends. Sound Advice. Lively Conversation.

You’re on the air and on target as I delve into the big issues facing your nonprofit—and your career.

If you have big dreams but an average budget, tune in to Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio.

I interview the best in the business on every topic from board relations, fundraising, social media and compliance, to technology, accounting, volunteer management, finance, marketing and beyond. Always with you in mind.

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2 thoughts on “Nonprofit Radio for July 18, 2014: 200th Show!

  1. She wouldn’t dare turn down the new governor! You enjoyed a rare experience in a few ways. Thanks so much, Clay!

  2. I was the resident consultant for a capital campaign of The Birger Sandzén art gallery in central Kansas. Our most prominent supporter (and honorary campaign chair) was Mark Parkinson, the then-Lt. Governor of the State of Kansas. Sandzén was the most prominent and influential Kansas artist in the 20th century. He passed away in 1952 and the Gallery is a memorial to him and his work.

    During the quiet phase we invited one of our prospects (who was also a friend of Marks) to a breakfast meeting to discuss her gift to the campaign. This was during a time when our then-Governor, Kathleen Sebelius, was being nominated by President Obama to head the Health and Human Service Administration. But Mark was really committed to going through with the ask, even though it was an incredibly busy time.

    A week before, Mark took the oath of office when Kathleen stepped down as governor. He sent me an email after the ceremony saying: “The best part of being Governor is the Sandzén painting hanging in the Governor’s Office!”

    We had been planning to meet at Mark’s home in the Kansas City metro area, but decided to reschedule Topeka, the State Capital to make sure Mark could be there. The day before the visit, I got a call from the Governor’s office indicating the the meeting with Mark and the prospect would be held at the Governor’s residence. Cool.

    I arrived the next morning (a little awe-struck) for my first visit to Cedar Crest, the governor’s mansion. The donor and I were escorted into the breakfast nook where we were greeted by Mark and his wife Stacy. It was then that we discovered that Mark and his family had moved into the residence THE DAY BEFORE! So this was their first morning and breakfast at Cedar Crest. From here on our it got quite surreal.

    After we ate, we got a tour of the entire mansion, including the private quarters and viewed several Sandzén oil paintings hanging in various room. In fact, one of the nicest of his works was hanging in the main living room above the mantle. Then we settled into the sun room to discuss the campaign.

    Things were going well to say the least. The discussion was interesting with lots of questions and feedback. When it came time for the ask, Mark didn’t balk and asked the prospect if she would “join us with a gift of $50,000” to the Gallery.

    After a brief pause, during which Mark and I glanced at each other expectingly, the prospect became a donor by saying: “I was thinking I’d like to donate $100,000. Would that be o.k.?”

    We got a check for the full amount 10 days later.

    In the end, I think we probably should have known to ask for at least $100,000. But I’ve never had, and don’t expect to have, such an incredible asking experience.

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