Environmental Concerns
Pat McCown questioned whether the drive for environmental sustainability was energizing the philanthropic community, “Or is that just another kind of need or a challenge that has been put upon the shoulders of your organizations?”
“We all have a responsibility to the environment,” said Denny Barnett, who manages public affairs at Citi Cards in Kansas City. When Barnett gets proposals from non-profits, one of the variables he assesses is whether that proposal addresses the environment in addition to the basic services that the organization provides.
Jan Leonard of UMB Bank affirmed that her donors also look for environmental sensitivity in the proposals that she evaluates.
American Humanics will be convening a national conference here in January with some 250 non-profit leaders and 600 college students. This year, Kala Stroup noted, one of the major themes is how can non-profits contribute not only to making their own organization more environmentally friendly, but also how they can contribute to the national movement.
Environmental sensitivity is “just one of those things you have to be mindful of,” said Mark Litzler of the Saint Luke’s Hospital Foundation. He expressed some wariness, however, about excessive don-or interest in the policies and procedures of the not-for-profit.
“All of this stuff costs us time away from our mission,” said Litzler referring to environmentalism and other workplace interventions. “So there is a balancing act.”
“I agree with what Mark is saying,” said Janice Benjamin, vice president for development of the University of Kansas Hospital, “but I think that corporations need to partner with their not-for-profits, especially those they supported philanthropically.” That, she believes, is the “key to that sustainability.”
“I would agree that there is only so much time in a day,” said Michael Halterman. “And I think if you build [environmental sensitivity] in there it becomes natural but it is tough to do.”
Sister Vickie Perkins also understands the need for balance. She cited the simple example of buying Styrofoam cups at less than half the price of more environmentally correct cups. “It becomes a financial thing,” she acknowledged. “We really push [sustainability] with our kids, and they do pretty well. But we are not as true to it ourselves.”
Mary Kay McPhee observed that incorporating sustainability concerns into the mission is one good way to attract the interest of the younger generation “because they are really, really into the environment.”
Capturing Minds and Hearts
“My question to you,” asked Jaclyn Steiner, “is as you start your day or you start your strategic planning for next year, where is it that you decide to divide your time in order to reach out to the donors that you haven’t found yet.”
One of the key pieces in Cabot Westside Health Center’s strategy is its board. “I think everybody has to utilize their board,” said Liz Levin, “and bring them on, challenge them to go out and identify new areas.”
Besides its board, Catholic Charities expanded its volunteer program. As Michael Halterman noted, this has enabled the organization to reach out to younger constituents, some of whom have rolled over into the foundation as donors as well as board members.
Mary Kay McPhee believes that success lies in listening to what a given population of potential volunteers
says, bringing them into the equation, meeting their needs on their own terms, and involving them in to the decision-making process. “This is not an easy task,” said McPhee, “but I think sometimes we don’t do enough in this area.”
“I don’t think we ask our donors enough what they like about our organization, how we can improve our organization, and how we can improve our fundraising strategies,” added Janice Benjamin.
Dan Doty of the City Union Mission observed that relationship building is the most important element of his organization’s fund raising efforts. To help build relationships, the City Union Mission has gotten creative electronically. The Internet has enabled them to open more doors for tours and lunches “to let [would-be donors] see the breadth of what we do.”
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