July 31, 2011 wasn’t designated as a day to collect food for the South Portland Food Cupboard.  But it was the day that I felt compelled to give back to my community.  Something you would think would come quite easily for me since I have spent over 25 years helping non profits through my company, Designs By Lucinda.  There was uneasiness about approaching strangers and asking for a food donation…  How would I be received and what if they said no?   There’s safety in numbers so I decided to recruit my Mother and 2 sisters to join me.  My Mom, has cared for my sister Kim who has been confined to a wheelchair since birth due to Cerebral Palsy and my youngest sister Jane, happens to live on the same street as my Mother so it was a perfect location to go door to door.  The game plan was for Jane and me to approach the homes while Kim, in her electric wheelchair and Mother waited at the end of the driveways.  With my family beside me my nerves were calmed.  The first doorbell was rung and the door opened.  With a warm hello, a brief introduction of my family and an explanation for our calling it was without hesitation that the individual rushed off to their kitchen and returned with an armful of canned goods.  All remaining nervousness vanished and replaced with excitement and pure joy.  Doorbell after doorbell I introduced my family, collected food and laughed with my sisters and Mother as we reminisced growing up on that very street.  As Kim wheeled the box of items from home to home it continued to fill. Not one person said they could not donate.  Even a single Mother searched her cupboards for something she could part with.  As she handed me organic baby food she said that she hoped it would be able to help another Mother with a young child.

At the end of the day I reflected on this entire experience.  What started out as wanting to do a little something for a local food cupboard turned into an overwhelmingly satisfying experience.  I was able to enjoy meaningful time with my family.  I was able to see the faces of the people as they were asked to help and I witnessed that people really do want to help one another and were grateful that we had made it so easy for them to do that.  My original purpose of  providing the Food Cupboard with much needed food was accomplished.  In hindsight, I could have easily gone to the local market to purchase all the items, but I wouldn’t trade my experience for all the convenience in world or anything else for that matter. It was a day full of grace!

Here’s to peanut butter!
Lucinda

Changing lives through education and housing…concepts that we often don’t think twice about.   We take for granted a high school education.  We can find ourselves being less than content with the place we call home.  Oftentimes it takes a tragedy like the overflowing Mississippi to remind us just how precious our home is in its current condition.  The Catherine McAuley Center (CMC) never needs to be reminded of the things that we take for granted.  It is their daily mission to offer transitional housing and learning services to those in need.  They have been helping people since 1989 and partnered with us shortly thereafter in 1993.   They have raised over $100,000 in profits from pin sales that have helped support the center’s Transitional Housing for Women and Adult Basic Education programs.  Like many of our customers, CMC loves the money that is raised from the pins, but is quick to note that the pins have greatly increased awareness of the Catherine McAuley Center which no price can be attached.

Catherine McAuley's Custom Pin

CMC’s success with Designs By Lucinda pins is the result of tapping into several outlets.  Sure, they use the good ol’ standby- wear one and carry a handful in your purse so that you are ready to sell when someone comments. But they also utilize space in their lobby for all to see upon entering the building, a website store  Catherine’s Comfortable Tea.  They maximize their staff including board members and the executive director.  CMC attends fundraising events, craft shows and farmers markets in order to target different customer bases.   We asked for advice on not only where but how to sell the pins.  They noted that it is critical to connect the pin to your organization.  If you are a shelter, house pins are a must.  Education groups should certainly have read pins in stock.  They also pointed out that it is important to brand your organization with Lucinda pins.  CMC ensures that their organizations mission/story is given to everyone that purchases a pin along with how they can be reached.  They have printed stickers that they affix to the Lucinda card, as well as print their own cards.  Another bit of advice is to switch things up.  Customers love a new look.  If you have promoted the same types of pins for a long period, the market will saturate.  They experienced first hand how a new fresh look will increase the number of pins purchased by individuals who had purchased in the past.

We ended our interview with a feel good story.  Here is what Andrea of CMC shared:  “Perhaps the most memorable pin story occurred while selling pins and gifts at a women’s conference in 2010.  A woman stopped at our table and immediately was drawn to the Fourth of July pins.  She got tears in her eyes and proceeded to tell me how one son had shipped over to Afghanistan the day before and another son and son-in-law were shipping out together the next week.  She wanted to buy a pin for each daughter-in-law and her daughter.  We talked for quite some time and we were both crying by the end of her visit.  Later in the afternoon she returned to purchase several more, one for herself and to give as gifts to others.  I’m used to touching other people with the story of the Center and Lucinda.  This time, I was the one touched.”

This week we are highlighting a wonderful non profit not too far from us located in Montpelier, Vermont- Prevent Child Abuse (PCAVT).  The organization was founded over 35 years ago and continues to help kids by educating parents and bringing to light child abuse issues.

Proactive education is a key to the organizations success in preventing child abuse.  PCAVT invests a significant amount of resources both human and financial into Shaken Baby Syndrome training.  Training is offered to nearly all parents of newborns in Vermont.  PCAVT provides information on how to safely handle stressful moments with infants and the dangers of shaking a baby.  With knowledge the organization feels that their will be less cases of shaken baby syndrome.  Given the number of training courses that are required (in 2010 they held 169 courses); a large percentage of their budget is dedicated to this cause.  PCAVT has formed a powerful partnership with Designs By Lucinda.  They sell our Little Pal Pins to help fund the Shaken Baby Syndrome program and to raise recognition for children.  They are an ideal image that connects the organizations cause to a pin that is not only worn by women but by men as well.

It is a great communication vehicle that has outreach to both genders.  Men love the Little Pal Star pins as they associate them with wearing a sheriff’s badge.  Both men and women think the pins are unique and increase visibility for PCAVT.  When we inquired further into how the pins have helped their organization, they noted that because of Lucinda’s story, the pins have much more impact and have led to more support for their organization.   PCAVT said that there is greater connection between their donors when they hear how Lucinda was once homeless and went on to create an organization with a mission to give back.  The organization says that the people who wear the pins become ambassadors for Prevent Child Abuse Vermont through the conversations they start.  One teacher even said that “The Kid Pins are getting to be Vermont’s jewelry of choice.” Given this, we asked what outlets they use to sell the pins.  PCAVT said they use several distribution channels including stores, restaurants, conferences, schools, through volunteers, at their physical location and on their website www.pcavt.org.

One final statistic that the organization left us with was the number of Vermonters who have been impacted through their training programs in 2010- 37,532.  Quite a substantial number of people share their stories and life experiences so the trickle effect was far greater.  Thank you PCAVT for your good work and for partnering with us so that we can help in growing the number of people helped by your program.

This week we are profiling Lydia’s House based in St. Louis, Missouri.

Lydia’s House has been providing transitional housing to survivors of domestic violence for over 15 years.  The organization was founded in 1995.   A year later, Designs By Lucinda and Lydia’s House established a relationship to help bring to light the number of people affected by domestic violence using our House pins.   Since then they have offered other pins to increase awareness and raise money for their organization including Domestic Violence Ribbons,  Angel Pins,  Inspirational Window Pins , and Cross Pins. In our interview, Debbie Kroeger, financial director of Lydia’s House stated that the pins truly do start conversations.  “They provide the perfect opportunity to share the mission of Lydia’s House.  In fact, individuals in Missouri actually refer to the pins as Lydia’s House Pins”.

The visability that the pins have brought to their organization is certainly a very important benefit.  They have and continue to create awareness about domestic violence along with the help that individuals need to escape from their abusive environment.  Since 1996, Lydia’s House has ordered over 54,000 pins and have raised over $350,000.  The money goes towards housing that can be as long as 2 years depending on the need of the individual.  In addition, they provide education and training for the victims of domestic violence in order for them to develop the skills and confidence to live on their own.

Given Lydia’s House huge success with the pins, we had to ask what methods they use to promote the pins.  Debbie noted that they rely heavily on their large volunteer base which ranges from 35-40 people.  A key component to this relationship is training and being open to each volunteer’s commitment and passion to the cause.  They make it a point to ask about the volunteer’s interest in order to harness their passion.  Many volunteers carry bags of pins in their purse to share with friends and co-workers.  One of the volunteers is responsible for managing the pins at 33 different store locations.  Lydia’s House maximizes all of their human resources from volunteers to board members.  They encourage them to wear a pin to start a conversation and to carry them so that they can take advantage of any opportunity to sell a pin and raise awareness for their organization.  This strategy has worked for 15 years and continues to provide a sizable amount of revenue to the organization.  In fact, they saw an increase in pin sales in 2010 despite of the lull in the overall economy.

In wrapping up our interview, Debbie said “If you are an organization looking to differentiate yourself, the pins will certainly give you the exposure you need.”

Kudos to Lydia’s House!
Lucinda

Too many times I hear from executive directors, volunteers, and development staff that they are restricted by board approval to move forward with fundraising ideas.  It is always a board’s responsibility to ensure that a non profit has the funds to provide services.  So what’s the hold up?  I have no idea but there is a fundraising diet that all non profits can use for maintaining a healthy,  balanced social network and financial foundation for their organizations. 

Gala events, annual dinner, and auctions.  These are a tremendous amount of work and the ROI has been proven to be poor.  However, there are benefits such as the relationship building opportunities that can be developed in the planning of the event and at the event as board members mingle and work the room.  These venues are usually a fantastic platform for story telling which,  as we know,  is one confirmed way to connect with the donor.  The monetary ROI may not be great but the PR, marketing, and networking is.  I give these events a thumbs up.  I’m also a bit of a party girl! 

Then there’s the physical activity fundraiser.  The bike-a-thons, walk-a-thons and tri’s for this and that are a staple fundraiser.  However,  not everyone wants to get up off the couch to support a non profit so it might be a good idea to include a lounge-a-thon in your line up.   ”Thons” are very effective for increasing community exposure especially through social media.

Bring on the ask letters, annual appeals,  and the death bequest category.  These are great because if you are asking for money through a letter it isn’t your first contact with the donor.  If it is, you should be ashamed of yourself.  The up front relationship development will have been done, therefore, the ask and appeal letter is like a maintenance donation. 

Grant writing cannot go unnoticed.  I will call these “bonus bucks” since grants need to be found and re-written in most cases year after year.

Finally a fundraising revenue stream must include the selling of products.  This is a category that is overlooked.  Products can be sold year round and generate more than %100 ROI.  In the case of fundraising products the donor actually gets something for their contribution and believe it or not they like that.  Their take away from a donation is long lasting.  Depending on the product you choose to sell, each time the donor sees their purchase they are reminded of your non profit.  See my post on (choosing the right fundraising product).   
Out of sight out of mind does not apply here!

 Happy Fundaraising,
Lucinda

The first of March brings thoughts of spring and St. Patrick’s Day.  We begin to think of warmer weather and greener surroundings.  A pleasant thought given the amount of snow and cold weather that we have endured this winter.  It’s the perfect time to start thinking about the change in season and what better way than with Clover and Flower Pins.  Clover Pins are perfect for the Irish lovers or for those looking to find the elusive lucky leaf.  Each clover is uniquely designed in different shades of green so no two are alike.  Some even have a little glitter…as if they were touched by a pot of gold.  They can be pinned onto a shirt or worn as a lucky charm.  They come with a pin/bail combo that provides for versatile wear.

For those who are looking for an additional splash of color, our Flower Pins are a must have.  We came up with the idea of a Flower Pin 2 years ago and since then over 7,500 have been picked by our customers.  Not only are the colors vibrant but the flowers are designed in beautiful shapes.  No matter if you are trying to raise money and awareness for a housing shelter or a domestic violence organization, Flower Pins are something that everyone appreciates and add a nice mix to your fundraising selection.  We have displayed them at tradeshows and just like a real garden, the more flowers you have, the more eye-catching the arrangement becomes.  Individuals can’t just pick one.  They are a fantastic way to fundraise no matter what your organization’s mission may be.  The reactions to the beautiful designs stimulate conversations with strangers.  It’s an easy way to start a dialogue and to share useful information about your Non profit.  Like the Clover Pins, the Flower Pins come with the pin and bail combination.  

So with spring and St. Patty’s Day just around the corner, think about how these pins can add more green to your organization.  Plus they may just add a little luck…

Purchase 40 or more Flower Pins and we will include 4 Free Four Leaf Clover Pins.

Creative thinking affects effective fundraising.
 

Fundraisers are just like products.  They can be tracked on the bell curve.  Slowly rising, peeking and then tiring on the downhill.

When a fundraising event takes off and grows revenue for a few years in a row we pat ourselves on the back, include it as a line item in the annual budget, and hope it lasts forever. 

Since we are aware of the bell curve phenomenon it’s necessary to take our head out of the sand, put our thinking caps on and come up with the next best fundraiser before the downhill slide begins. 

It is the development committee’s responsibility to raise the funds for the budget and to come up with the fundraising ideas.

The chance of a fundraising committee coming up with a successful new fundraiser that is meaningful and unique improves when IME elements exist.

Inspiration, Motivation, and Execution elements are achieved through creative thinking.

Creative thinking is enhanced and maximized by social stimulation, (small group brainstorming), in other words you can’t do it alone.  Creativity drives the problem solving process when unexpected dynamics are introduced to the group.  Asking a question with constraints, such as what if the fundraiser is all about blue?  Or, no one can come to the event that is under 30.  Stimulation jump starts the grey matter into looking at things from a different perspective and firing off the synapses that can lead to new concepts, new ways of thinking and new fundraisers.  

Small group participation creates inclusion.  Shared ideas can lead to “buy in” and greater motivation to bring the idea to fruition.  Execution is easy when the person with the most enthusiasm for the idea is given the leadership role to oversee or chair the fundraiser. 

 As always Happy Fundraising,

Lucinda

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Maine Cancer Annual Luncheon

Cure Breast Cancer for ME luncheon was amazing!  Over 650 people together celebrating life and remembering those we have lost to breast cancer.  Heart breaking stories were told but triumphs were shared giving us hope that someday we will find the cure. 

I was soooo fortunate and greatful to be able to try my new game  ITAGU.ME with everyone.  There were hundreds of women and men who played tag.  Each taking an ITAGU.ME tag and filling out a card to have one sent to someone they know.  It was a true play it forward game of thoughtfulness. Donations from the tags sent went to the Maine Cancer Foundation.   A big thank you to everyone who joined in.  I can’t wait to see what happens as friends are tagged “IT” by other friends.  Will they go to ITAGU.ME and play it forward?  Time will tell.

Thank you Meredith Burgess the founder of this wonderful day!

The weekend of 26th and 27th  I will be in Virginia speaking at two events.  One is Saturday evening at a dinner/auction to recognize and celebrate NOVACO’s 10th anniversary.  Then on Sunday I will be talking at a tea/brunch for the Daughter’s of the Zelophehad.  They have sold 17293 pins!!!!!  I am excited to be a part in these events and visit the state where I was born.

Custom Design Fundraising Pin For NOVACO

This a very cool custom pin we designed for NOVACO.

They have been very successful with these designs and I am sure they will sell allot more of them at this event.  Can’t wait to see you all!      

Next week is the Cure Breast Cancer for ME luncheon where I am going to kick off my new idea.  It’s called ITAGU.ME. tag.   I am going to play tag with the 650 attendees.  Each person will have the chance to purchase an ITAGU.ME tag for $10 AND send one to a friend.  It’s a play it forward game that raises money and gets a buzz going.  The tags can be used as a key chain, attached to a purse zipper, a gym bag, or as a dog tag around the neck.  There are probably a million more uses that you can think of for the tags.   Lisa is putting together a page on our website for the ITAGU.ME tags and we’ll let you know as soon as it’s ready.  More on this later.

ITAGU.ME for The Maine Cancer Foundation

I don’t always pick up the phone at Designs by Lucinda but when I do there’s always the chance of enlightenment.  The stories people share with me about their non-profit and the work they are doing can be awesome, inspiring, or heartbreaking, and some times….. a good reminder of the things we take for granted.

Friday I had the good fortune to answer the phone and meet Es Cohen Development Director of Jewish Family Services of Orlando.  She told me she is preparing for a big event in October, an Evening of Valor.  It nets $186,000.00.  WOW!  As we talked, I learned that one of the many services JSS provides in the community,  is food to families in Orlando via the Pearlman Pantry.  Es expressed an interest in selling our End Hunger Pins to raise awareness for the food campaign.

End Hunger Pin

This year they expect to distribute over 100,000 meals!  My first thought was “How can this be? Hunger in Orlando?”  It wasn’t making sense with the image in my mind.  “Orlando…the land of make believe ….where magic comes to life.”  That’s not a place where people risk malnutrition from hunger, or where mothers don’t have enough food for their children, and children go to school unable to concentrate because of lack of breakfast or where the elderly rely on soup kitchens and food pantries.  My inner child screams.  Dammit!  It can’t be true.   

So I put on my big girl suit and I set out to clear up this notion.  I emailed The Second Harvest of Central Florida AND left real live voice messages just in case servers were down.  “Sure” I thought “there’s probably  soup kitchens in Florida serving the poor but certainly none near Disney.”  I would get the answers soon enough.  Patience….. I have been sitting next to the phone all day waiting…… waiting for someone to explain to me this cruel and unimaginable reality.  It’s nearly closing time here and still no word.  They must be out feeding the hungry.  Maybe tomorrow someone will call and enlighten me.  Here’s some food for thought….