It was an eye-opening experience to experiment with ways of storytelling that create internal change in communities and institutions. This work seems important not only in the current political climate, but also in the work that nonprofits are doing internally and externally to make change and achieve ambitious goals. How do the stories that you use positively or negatively affect the outcome of your work?
Read MoreOctober 2017 marked the 50th anniversary of the Catawba Valley Medical Center. Heurista has worked with CVMC for more than a decade designing project-specific displays; a central philanthropy center recognizing cumulative, planned and annual donors; digital donor recognition; and an art program showcasing local artists. It was an honor to be selected to help celebrate the anniversary by designing semi-permanent graphics that connect the hospital to the community it serves.
Read MoreWe are curious about the emerging Virtual Reality communication platforms and innovations and specifically what opportunities they bring to Philanthropic Placemaking. We stalk the latest VR news. We use our team in NYC to participate in most opportunities to strap on the next brand of headset, leave the real world and experience a creative VR team’s virtual place. They are all worth the trip.
Read MoreNaming opportunities are a familiar tool for securing and recognizing major gifts. This practice is now used by all types fundraising organizations and can address both physical spaces, like a building or office, or a concept, like a center or a faculty position.
Read MoreThere are two key questions that we all want to ask and they both point to donor motivation. The first is why did you give to us? The second is what will motivate you to give to us again? One can be asked, the other should never be asked. If we are to demonstrate understanding of our donors, there are some things we have to figure out without asking.
Read MorePackaging information or the elements of an experience in a familiar “wrap” is often the most efficient and practical means for the donor relations team to brand the messages they prepare. This wrap can be as simple as adding a consistent look or brand to outgoing emails, a two-pocket folder or a regular template for your donor reports.
Read MoreHow often should you communicate with your donors?
As you construct a communication plan, be mindful of the level of intimacy implied by different types of activity or communication channels. Always be respectful of the individual donor’s request for privacy, keeping in mind that there are degrees of anonymity.
Read MoreAs we all well know, the experience surrounding an event starts long before the attendee arrives at the physical location. Events should be designed with the pre- and post-event communication strategies in mind and the experience of those components should be managed and branded with care.
Read MoreCreating and policing graphic standards is not typically within the scope of work assigned to a donor relations team. Most often, donor relations teams work with a variety of materials coming from multiple sources with little opportunity to reformat the information they receive. There may even be specific directives to avoid taking leadership in the expression of the graphic identity for the organization.
Read MoreOriginally founded in 1911 through a gift of $25,000 from Francis Flagg Putney, the Phoebe Health System has grown to serve as the major medical center for Southwest Georgia with multiple campuses and a full range of medical services. When the gift was made, Mr. Putney required three things: that the hospital be built of brick, that it serve anyone regardless of ability to pay, and that it be named for his mother, Phoebe.
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