Development
What You Can Gain By Embracing Failure
Mon, Mar 3, 2014
by Drew McManus
The Orchestra 990 Database Project is done and although there was passionate support from a diverse group of backers, the project failed to meet its funding goal. But thanks to the way the campaign was designed, that’s not a bad thing; in fact, it’s a great thing. Let me share what you can accomplish by
Memphis Closes Annual Deficit Shortfall But Still Cagy About 2014/15
Tue, Mar 3, 2014
by Drew McManus
A handful of traditional media outlets are reporting that the Memphis Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has apparently raised enough bridge funding to make it to the end of the current season but there is no word on what is planned for 2014/15. Likewise, there is no word on what sorts of adjustments may be made to
Potentially Troublesome USPS Forwarding Policies
Fri, Dec 12, 2013
by Drew McManus
During my recent move, I noticed something different about the USPS mail forwarding policy compared to the my previous move eight years prior in that bulk mail (periodicals, newsletters, magazines, advertisements, circulars, etc.) is no longer automatically forwarded along with other types of mail classes. That option must be manually selected in one of the
The Right Way To Gear Up For The End Of Year Online Giving Push
Thu, Dec 12, 2013
by Drew McManus
Although it is no surprise that arts orgs are gearing up for the end of the year contribution push, one trend catching my attention in 2013 is the increase in groups focusing more efforts to streamline the online donation process. Of particular interest is providing the ability for potential donors to get in and out
Are There Problems With NY City Opera’s Kickstarter Campaign?
Mon, Sep 9, 2013
by Drew McManus
Is the New York City Opera (NYCO) muddying the waters for nonprofit performing arts groups with their current Kickstarter campaign? Ever since the NYCO announced its Kickstarter campaign to raise $1 million to “produce a 2013–2014 season” a number of colleagues have contacted me expressing concerns that the broad all or nothing fundraising campaign violates
