Fundraising Expert Says the Lackluster Economy Does Not Reduce Gift Giving

BALTIMORE, June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The long recession has hit many nonprofit organizations where it hurts.

But if you listen to Tony Myers, PhD, CFRE, who started his own philanthropy consulting firm (Myers and Associates) after a long career in development and major gifts in higher education, you would never know it.

"Philanthropy is not tougher in difficult economic times," Dr. Myers said.

"I view philanthropy as a philosophy: the key to success is understanding the donor's values and needs," he said. "It all starts there."

Dr. Myers' experience is one reason several thousand fundraisers and direct marketing professionals are attending The 7th Annual Bridge to Integrated Marketing and Fundraising Conference near Washington, D.C. this summer. The nonprofit marketers and fundraisers seek insights into improving their effectiveness with customers and donors. And, they will get a chance to experience what it is like to be on the receiving end of donation requests.

Dr. Myers is scheduled to give three separate presentations at this year's Bridge Conference. He says the presentations aren't really speeches, they are experiences. He will engage participants with role playing and interactive methods and promises that participants will explore more than they normally do when discussing development and fundraising.

"They'll come out of the process knowing that deeper understanding can get you to deeper pockets," he stated.

Dr. Myers explains that philanthropy is about relationships, and the most important relationship marketing or fundraising professionals can nurture is the one with the donor.

"That means the key component is identifying and really getting to know a donor whose values and needs match what your organization cares about," said Dr. Myers.

He cautions direct marketing professionals that "If it's a cash grab, I may get it once, but only once," he stated.

The Bridge Conference is a collaborative effort of the Direct Marketing Association of Washington (DMAW) and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Washington DC Metro Area Chapter (AFP DC). It is sponsored by over 40 organizations including the AARP Foundation, The Non-Profit Times and Target Marketing. The conference runs from August 7 to August 9 at the Gaylord National Conference Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

For more information:
The Bridge Conference
11709 Bowman Green Drive
Reston, VA 20190
Phone: 703-547-1907
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.bridgeconf.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Geoffrey Sims 480 331 6397

This press release was issued through eReleases® Press Release Distribution. For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Bridge to Integrated Marketing and Fundraising Conference

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED