During our trip to Toronto for the first annual Association of Donor Relations Professionals Canadian Regional Workshop, we visited the new Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning at SickKids. It is an architectural beauty, and showcases many of the newest trends in donor recognition. First we noted the handsome lettering that so nicely identifies the building and highlights the contemporary branding characteristic of SickKids. Upon closer inspection, we were delighted to find major donors honored on the blue glass panels to the left of the entry.

Recognition, Professionalism, BrandingAnne Manner-McLartyApril 16, 2015SickKids, donor recognition, donor relations, ADRP TorontoComment

Who Do You Hope to Meet?

Conferences are one of the best ways for us to meet new people familiar with our work. Furthermore, these gatherings provide an opportunity to explore what we know best in the company of others who share our vocabulary, experience and objectives. And, if all goes well, we encounter folks with new ideas or positions that challenge our own. In doing so, we learn and gain confidence in our own understanding of our profession.

Recognition, ProfessionalismAnne Manner-McLartyApril 16, 2015goals, donor relations, AFP ConferenceComment

What is your professional Big Hairy Audacious Goal?

At the first annual Association of Donor Relations Professionals Canadian Regional Workshop, Anne led an open discussion, asking the question, “What’s your BHAG, your Big Hairy Audacious Goal?”.

Recognition, ProfessionalismAnne Manner-McLartyApril 16, 2015donor recognition, donor relations, ADRP TorontoComment

Heurista Loves Canada!

Anne, Jeff and Rachel are just back from the first annual Association of Donor Relations Professionals Canadian Regional Workshop, held April 10, 2015 at the Hart House on the University of Toronto campus. We settled into the beautiful surroundings (think Hogwarts, you Harry Potter fans) as the room filled with a sell-out crowd of 100 professionals intent on learning and sharing about donor relations and stewardship.

Recognition, ProfessionalismAnne Manner-McLartyApril 16, 2015donor relations, Workshops, ADRP TorontoComment

Collaborations Result in Better Donor Relations Work

Thomas L. Friedman’s bestseller The World is Flat, published in 2005, identifies a more flattened or horizontal way of doing business made possible by improvements in communications technologies, political changes and new collaborative business practices. He focuses on developments that are making it easier and more necessary for people and businesses all over the world to partner every day.

The Role of the Donor Relations Professional

Early in my career, I attended a presentation by a fundraiser who changed my perception of the profession.

Professionalism, Engagement, RecognitionAnne Manner-McLartyDecember 11, 2014donor relations, best practicesComment

Internal Understanding of Philanthropy

Understanding is the most critical component of a culture of philanthropy. Make sure that everyone within the organization understands what philanthropy is, why donors give and what donor support means for the mission.

Professionalism, EngagementAnne Manner-McLartyNovember 26, 2014Culture of Philanthropy, best practicesComment

Importance of Staffing & Infrastructure among Donor Relations Teams

ProfessionalismAnne Manner-McLartyNovember 12, 2014Staffing, Data control, team, managementComment

Four Key Responsibilities of Donor Relations and Stewardship

ProfessionalismAnne Manner-McLartyNovember 7, 2014donor relations, donor relations and stewardshipComment

Centralized Donor Recognition Display

The University of South Carolina and Greenville Health System are in campaign to raise funds, primarily around scholarships, for the medical school. This partnership has posed many questions about donor stewardship. Both USC and GHS have long-standing donor recognition standards, but both were willing to make concessions for this unique entity.