Category Archives: Philanthropy

Ghost Light.

Posted on March 20, 2020 by jeremymhatch

At the end of every workday in the theatre, each load-in, rehearsal, donor tour and performance the ritual remains come quitting time—rolling out the ghost light to the darkened stage before locking the doors and making for home, a late … Continue reading →

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With Gratitude.

Posted on November 30, 2018 by jeremymhatch

One of those internet memes asks us, “Instead of ‘I don’t have time’ say ‘This is not a priority’ and see how that feels. In my life of late, this feeling of “I can’t do that right now” has not … Continue reading →

Posted in Philanthropy | 1 Comment

Your Online Giving Page Makes Me Sad.

Posted on September 19, 2018 by jeremymhatch

I read every darn direct mail solicitation that is delivered to my home mail box, but more and more I make my gifts online, even in response to a traditional written letter. I find it less trouble not to fool … Continue reading →

Posted in Annual Fund, Fundraising, Philanthropy | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Hiring Major Gift Officers is Almost Impossible. Be Your Own MGO.

Posted on August 21, 2018 by jeremymhatch

The most challenging position in any fundraising program is the Major Gift Officer. The most difficult to hire position in any fundraising program is also the Major Gift Officer. Why? In a typical non-profit, the MGO has sizable responsibility for … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Philanthropy | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Fundraising Job #1.

Posted on July 24, 2018 by jeremymhatch

I had some electrical work done in my basement recently, installing a new dedicated circuit for a sump pump. It was a $500 project by most accounts that I got a deal on for about half that via Angie’s List. … Continue reading →

Posted in Annual Fund, Fundraising, Philanthropy | 1 Comment

Neck Tattoos and Our Fundraising Future

Posted on June 27, 2018 by jeremymhatch

I got to spend time in St. Louis recently at the Opera America conference, and it was terrific. It might be difficult to imagine a true diversity of age, ethnicity and background in the field of Opera, but there it … Continue reading →

Posted in Fundraising, Leadership, Philanthropy | 1 Comment

Hitting the Bullseye. On Preparation.

Posted on April 22, 2018 by jeremymhatch

At breakfast in a hotel lobby not long ago, I watched a CEO, a sales director, and a project manager talk through the day ahead over oatmeal and watery coffee. Traveling alone most of the time, I am always interested … Continue reading →

Posted in Board Development, Fundraising, Leadership, Philanthropy, Volunteers | 2 Comments

The Best Donor Love is Birthday Donor Love.

Posted on February 22, 2018 by jeremymhatch

What’s the best way to say thank you to a donor? Personally, promptly, sincerely, and with perfect accuracy. After that’s it’s gravy. What’s the best time to send happy wishes to a donor? After they give a gift, to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Philanthropy | 4 Comments

“I did a little work with those guys.” Gigging Our Fundraising Future

Posted on January 25, 2018 by jeremymhatch

My father worked as a Civil Servant for 30+ years, retiring with a full monthly pension after a one employer career, grinding it out every darn day at a clunky desk and sad overhead lighting. On Fridays, he would treat … Continue reading →

Posted in Fundraising, Philanthropy, Sponsorship | Tagged , | Leave a comment

2018. Time to Stop Giving Donors Tax Advice.

Posted on January 2, 2018 by jeremymhatch

No one really knows that will happen with the new tax bill, though I suspect it represents another blow to the slowly shrinking middle class (read this excellent Washington Post article for the specifics). I doubt it will make an … Continue reading →

Posted in Philanthropy | 3 Comments