Jacquelyn Ostrom's Notes on the Non-Profit Sector

Random Acts of Culture: Listen and Smile

jacquelynostrom — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 21:15:01 +0000

http://www.creativeminorityreport.com/2010/11/awesome-pop-up-hallelujah-chorus-at.html

A friend just shared this wonderful “pop-up” performance of the Hallelujah Chorus, held in a Macy’s store in Downtown Philadelphia. It struck me how many people in the picture were smiling. It really is a joyful noise in that wonderful acoustic space. Hope you enjoy it and that it kicks off the holiday season.

The Feasibility Study Mythology

jacquelynostrom — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:33:46 +0000

Consulting firms (even mine!) have long had a vested interest in keeping feasibility studies just as they are: expensive and complicated. This is the “black box” theory at its best: ”As a consultant, I can look into the black box and tell you what I see; however, you can’t understand it well enough to interpret it correctly.” This myth is being debunked even as we speak. The non profit market is clamoring for a simpler, easier way to get ready for campaigns.

My firm has now conducted 3 alternative feasibility studies in which the consultant shares interviews with a senior development officer of the NP. There is always a question about projected gifts to the study and all the attendant questions regarding leadership and case analysis. Most importantly, to keep the traditional firewall in place there is an option for interviewees to disclose their estimated gifts directly to the consultant, if they’d rather. Most people don’t care and most people don’t mistake a pre campaign study with an ask either.

Let’s let this expensive monstrosity go and better meet the needs of our sector.

Women and Self Esteem

jacquelynostrom — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:17:58 +0000

http://www.peerspirit.com/circletales/PeerSpirit-June2009.pdf

I have the privilege of working with some wonderful non profits in the northwest. Thanks to a capacity building grant through Northwest Leadership Foundation I am providing some technical assistance to Catherine Place founded by the Tacoma Dominicans to help women in transition. This link shows just one of the many great programs they are managing.

Firing Board Members, Not for Sissies

jacquelynostrom — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:10:59 +0000

http://www.501videos.com/mm2010/01/mm_2_resign.html

Here is a little clip of me on Movie Mondays, talking about a process for working through the Board Nominations Committee to “fire” volunteers who are not working out. What do you think? Does this seem like a plan for those of you struggling with a difficult board member?

Pride Foundation Gratitude Report: Powerful Stewardship in Action

jacquelynostrom — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:39:08 +0000

http://www.pridefoundation.org/gratitudereport/profiles.html

Seattle Pride Foundation’s report to donors and stakeholders has set a new level in stewardship. The video and podcasts showing the impact of Pride Foundation grants are simply breathtaking. Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched the young people who are receiving life affirming messages through Pride grants and scholarships. Way to go, Pride Foundation!

Bronfman, Solomon, and 3.0 Philanthropy

jacquelynostrom — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:39:00 +0000

This recent interview of two young(ish) philanthropists has some great musings on the nature and growth of philanthropy. I liked the analogy of philanthropy being in a state of “release” like software. So the 3.0 philanthropy combines the head and the heart, the energy and the wisdom of the new generation of givers.

Interesting reading; check it out:

http://www.onphilanthropy.com/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=7952

Social Networking and The Snowball Formula

jacquelynostrom — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:17:58 +0000

The people at E Philanthropy have posted a very good overview about gaining supporters and gaining ground using social networking. By articulating clear goals, a sense of urgency, and very targeted communications, the author explains what she calls the Snowball Effect. It is good reading and a good lesson for neophytes in the social networking world (like me!). Enjoy:

http://flip.onphilanthropy.com/online/2009/08/using-the-social-media-snowball-formula.html

Top Ten Practices of Savvy Donors

jacquelynostrom — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:52:26 +0000

Charity Navigators has a great list to help donors invest responsibly :

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=419

New Show on Wealth

jacquelynostrom — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:47:10 +0000

My young friends tell me that Joan Rivers will be hosting a television show where she interviews people about their money. This came up in a conversation about Ashton and the protocols of Tweeting. Anyway, Ms. Rivers will apparently be asking questions like, “What do you do with your money?” or words to that effect.

Immediately I thought: what a great opportunity this would be to talk about values, philanthropy, and the idea of pent up energy, which is the way a wealthy person I know once described money. Instead the show will probably showcase garages full of classic cars, beachfront properties, and the latest Italian espresso machines.

Top Ten Non Profits Fighting Hunger

jacquelynostrom — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 16:37:56 +0000

I was interested to see that Kiva, one of my favorite charities, made this list of the Top Ten Non Profits Fighting Hunger.

Here’s the link: http://www.takepart.com/blog/2009/02/17/top-10-non-profits-fighting-poverty/