Tony, thanks much for both your thoughtful, generous replies. I've got more than 20 years experience, mainly as a grants writer, for three California "flagship" arts orgs. Now in semi-retirement and working part-time, I am finding the challenges of a much smaller organization more daunting than expected. And after 29 years, the organization has its own way of doing things, which in my short time I haven't yet been able to shift much. I'm working on it. Speaking to the points in your second message:1) We do have an annual fund campaign of sorts...two direct-mail pieces to individuals on our mailing list each year. Our mailing list is neither large nor, from what I can tell, especially affluent. I'm not sure how to expand it...maybe culling names from other orgs' programs? I'll certainly check the links you provided.
2) Yes, we are aware that the Board must expand, and a number of local corporations are aware of our interest in recruiting their people for Board service. One local bank has just agreed to provide a branch manager for the Board. However, several candidates suggested by their corporations are quite low-level in terms of influence and -- more important -- don't really seem to connect with our mission but are just looking for their first Board experience. But we are in fact trying to recruit, with an eye toward a dependable annual contribution and business expertise as well as broad contacts in the business community.
3) Seniors -- the ED and Board are skittish about aggressive fundraising among our membership, whether for the annual fund or for planned/deferred giving. We don't even have a sense of how much money is out there. This is an aspect of organizational culture I hope to change in the coming year.
5) Never thought of asking nursing students/parents as part of the annual fund appeal! What a good idea, especially since the students are really enthusiastic about the program. And since that program is now going to other local nursing colleges, the base is getting bigger in 2007-08.
Your encouraging comments about corporate packaging are appreciated and in line with my thoughts. They've never done it here, preferring to go after grants for comprehensive program support rather than segmented, narrowly defined packages. I'll use your ammunition in arguing the point.
