This class has really helped me decide what I want to do for a career. I am still going to pursue a medical career working with non profit hospitals and hope to become a public relations practicioner. I think this class has allowed me to see yet another part of working in a hospital. I think I am now up for the challenge!
From grant writing, case statements and using other mediums of communication, I think I have some background to get my foot in the door.
As I begin writing my grant application with my group, I remember this summer at Central Kansas Medical Center where I began this enduring tactic. I applied to six different pharmaceutical companies. Believe me, this was not just one generic app for all six companies. It took so much time just to find the application online. Some companies didn’t even offer an online application, so they had to mail it to me directly. From mission statements, goals, objectives, to money estimates, budgets and even the number of people–it was the longest job I had last summer. However, this is going to come handy when we are out in the real world. Even just a little experience will put us above the rest. Heck, we may just have to show off our own grant apps from this class for a little “show and tell”. Even though this rigorous project may seem tedious and long, it is in our best interest to get ahead of the game!
The current issue presentation really interested me today. There is much debate as to whether this will work in comparison to the already established Do Not Call Registry. These unsolicited coupons and cards are bombarding households everyday with unwanted mail. For example, I am a college student- without a permanent address in Manhattan, KS and I get mail every week with promos and coupons I would never want in the first place. My parents are still getting mail for me that I never signed up to get. The idea of this Do Not Mail will save millions of trees. This is an issue that is truly getting out of hand and it needs to stop–especially when people don’t want the mailings to begin with.
I think the idea of giving charity gifts for those that already have everything they need is a great idea! Who would have thought?! I know so many people that have already established their career, home and life–they don’t need those material gifts. Instead, how about donating to their charity. I suppose I feel so intrigued because this is so new to me! I will be sure to spread the word about this great way to donate.
I thought that the management dilemma this week was a great idea. Of course there are some problems with transparency and who will be monitoring the volunteers. But with all the work students do from volunteering, school and work- some rewards would be nice once in awhile. It seems that college is getting more expensive as I type this blog, and at times I don’t know how I am ever going to pay it back. A tax credit for my volunteer hours would be so beneficial and rewarding. I think it is time to help out those who constantly help others.
It seems that all we do anymore is text. You can not go anywhere without seeing someone with their phone out texting. I actually think as texting becomes more popular with even the older generation, organizations will confide with texts for donations, promotions, gifts, etc. Texting will catch on to almost every generation because it’s so easy. If you know how to spell, than you can text! I do believe, however, that the phone company should only allow the messages to be sent if you agree in your contract. That way you know you will be receiving texts from various organizations. I think it will take time for this new wave of communication catches on, but as for now- I think it is a great idea as long as you agree to receiving them.
I have mixed feelings about Oprah’s new show. The idea- great. The people- great. However, I do not find the elimination process relevant. I don’t get how they just are given a plane ticket to advance to the next round. And the people who don’t- well sorry for trying to fund raise- guess you’re not good enough!? I think they could do the elimination process a little different, but that’s just my opinion. I have become a habitual watcher for the ideas, plans and time refrains. I like the excitement, but I am not sure of the morals this show entails. I would like to see the challenges not be based on “time”, but efforts and true hard work! Because that is what fundraising is all about- work and effort. It is then that you can succeed in this over-powering field.
Hello all,
I just had a few comments in regards to our management dilemma and some of my classmates’ postings about why people do not follow through with volunteer commitments. I am all for statistical data and numbers. However, I know that even why I take a survey I am not 100% honest. As for most people when taking surveys, they tend to respond to questions that, in a way, make them feel and look about themselves. They may respond to questions that have negative connotations differently and not honestly, because they don’t want to admit their faults. Anytime someone asks me if I would like more information or if I would be interested in volunteering time, I always say yes- but here’s the catch. People won’t volunteer their time and/or money if it’s something that does not interest them. People need to be enticed by shared values and likings. It is essential for volunteer organizations to target people with similar values. I think people will be more likely to give either money or time to an organization that they know has some common ground.
I am glad to hear surveys show an increase in people who want to volunteer, but I am not surprised that they don’t follow through with it. I believe some of these results are skewed by the participants honesty in taking these surveys. Let me know what you think…
Hello all, I just wanted to share a great case statement I found online just by searching through google. The case statement I found is for the Carondelet Health Care Hospital in Tuscon, Arizona. While looking through this case statement I found several key elements that exhibit a great example for our class. For example, it had subsections and was very easy to read. The only disadvantage was that it was too long. I think it could have been shortened up a bit or even made into a PDF instead of just on the Web site. Take look, tell me what you think. http://www.capitalcampaigns.com/sampcasehosp1.html
I have been contemplating whether or not CEO’s of NPO’s should receive the same salaries as for-profit companies. I agree with some of my classmates when they say that NPO’s should be treated like business with a credible management system. If this is the case, I believe that NPO’s CEO’s should be getting a better a salary. I agree that the salaries of some CEO’s in the for-profit orgs is a little outlandish! I am not going to criticize too much, because hopefully one day- I’ll be making the big bucks as well. But I also want to incorporate my non-profit background into my business. I at least hope that some of these orgs realize that NPO are competitive as well as should be treated as a business market. We too are a part of the growing need for income and $$$. It is up to us to change the way people look at NPO’s. By doing this, maybe we will see a a little more money coming our way as we become the CEO’s of credible orgs.
Fund Raising & Philanthropy - A Class Discussion 
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