by Marc A. Pitman | Feb 7, 2008 | 2. Engage, Odd, Stories
Just read this in the daily update from the Chronicle of Philanthropy: Large Bequest Surprises Diabetes Charity An 86-year-old Annapolis woman who died in a house fire last March shocked a diabetes group by bequeathing it the largest donation in the organization’s...
by Marc A. Pitman | Aug 31, 2007 | Odd, Stories
Leona Helmsley’s will is causing quite a stir. In addition to leaving millions of dollars to her dog, the NYTimes says it contains nuggets like: To receive money from the trusts, the grandsons are required under the will to visit the grave each year of their...
by Marc A. Pitman | Mar 21, 2007 | 1. Research, Stories
There’s a great article about the philanthropy of Myra Kraft (owner of the New England Patriots) in the Boston Globe called Giving Large. It’s long but read the whole thing. It’s a great insight into what motivates giving. Here’s a sample:...
by Marc A. Pitman | Feb 14, 2007 | 3. Ask, Education Opportunities, Objections, Samples & Tools, Stories
This past Monday, I had the honor of speaking to the enthusiastic members of the Georgia Independent School Association. They invited my in to speak on the three topics: importance of storytelling, how to ask for money, and how to handle objections. In this edition of...
by Marc A. Pitman | Jan 15, 2007 | Stories
Reading Andy Goodman’s “Why Bad Presentations Happen to Good Causes” reminded me of my post on the Scottish nonprofit Engage’s national ad campaign. Goodman says most presenters start with the question “What do I want to say?” And...
by Marc A. Pitman | Dec 5, 2006 | 4. Love (Stewardship), Stories
I started pastoring VCW after a decade of fundraising. I love pastoring and teaching on financial stewardship but I’ve been intrigued with the donor stewardship issues. We once got a $5000 check–HUGE for our small, central Maine congregation. As a...
