Blogs | Fine Line Solutions

An Attitude Adjustment: Understanding The World of Non-Profits

"The things we've been taught to think about giving and charity and the non-profit sector are actually undermining the causes we love ... Our social problems are massive in scale, our organizations are tiny up against them — and we have a belief system that keeps them tiny". – Dan Pallotta In a 2013 TED Talk, the author of the book Uncharitable Dan Pallotta talked about the damaging mindset society has towards public sector growth and innovation. From salaries to scale, Mr. Pallotta looked at the barriers to success we place on non-profit organizations....

Picking a Non-Profit: Three Initial Questions To Ask Yourself

You've been thinking about this for months, probably even years. You've been wrestling with this commitment, looking over your finances. But now, you're finally ready to take the plunge and make a donation.Awesome!But where do you want it to go? To which organization, and which cause? Picking an NGO (non-governmental organization) to donate to can be a tough job. It's a big undertaking for someone who wants to make sure that they're making a smart decision. So how should you start? Where can you find the information to compare and contrast charities? More importantly, how are you going to...

Voice of the Donor #8: Emilie Phelps

In this edition of Voice of the Donor, six year old Emilie Phelps talks about how she heard about the Nepal Earthquake disaster and decided that this year, for her sixth birthday, she was going to ask for donations to send to build classrooms in Nepal so that the children there could have fun like she does in school.She is a great example of the new generation of donors who will pave the way to a world of change. https://www.youtube.com/embed/eswgaUw779g We have seen an industry gap, as non-profits have to tighten up resources and lack time to intimately get to know their donors. We want to...

Voice of the Donor #1: Michael Hannigan

In this edition of Voice of the Donor, we talk to Michael Hannigan of Athens, Texas. Michael has been committed to wearing a blue shirt for almost 365 days in support of his town's Go Blue campaign - a local awareness campaign for Child Abuse: https://youtu.be/IAbHcwkzRNo Why are we running the #VOD campaign? We have seen an industry gap, as non-profits have to tighten up resources and lack time to intimately get to know their donors. We want to become an advocate for donors, to humanize them, and to ultimately showcase what donors want from their relationship with non-profit organizations....

Voice of the Donor #2: Dr. Jen Welter

In this edition of Voice of the Donor, we talk to Dr. Jen Welter of Dallas, Texas. In 2014, Jen took the world of professional football by storm as the first woman to play men's professional football as Running-Back (non-kicker/ place-holder). She supports the Wounded Warrior Amputee Flag Football team by playing with them every chance she gets! https://youtu.be/HxBOGKjkKvA Why are we running the #VOD campaign? We have seen an industry gap, as non-profits have to tighten up resources and lack time to intimately get to know their donors. We want to become an advocate for donors, to humanize...

Voice of the Donor #3: Subomi Plumptre

In this edition of Voice of the Donor, we talk to Subomi Plumptre of Lagos, Nigeria. Subomi is an avid donor for the Freedom Foundation - www.freedomfoundationng.com - whom are combatting poverty and supporting vulnerable women and children in Nigeria.Subomi discusses her role as a long-time donor of the organization. https://youtu.be/nFFp-vV3SPY Why are we running the #VOD campaign? We have seen an industry gap, as non-profits have to tighten up resources and lack time to intimately get to know their donors. We want to become an advocate for donors, to humanize them, and to ultimately...

Voice of the Donor #4: Steve Mesler

In this edition of Voice of the Donor, we talk to Steve Mesler of Calgary, Canada in a new part of the series that focuses on those that have created a foundation or non-profit organization. Steve won the Gold Medal in the Bobsled for the U.S.A Olympic Team in 2010. He co-founded the organization Classroom Champions - www.classroomchampions.org - with his sister in 2009.Steve talks about how the organization came to be what it is today, along with interesting facts about his donor base and how they strive to create experiences for their donors. https://youtu.be/fL1WUO46g-A We have seen an...

Voice of the Donor #5: Paula Ethans

In this edition of Voice of the Donor, we talk to Paula Ethans of Winnipeg, Canada. Paula began donating at age nine to CARE Canada and is still with them as an annual donor today.Paula talks about her aha moment that caused her to want to donate at such a young age, how she selected the organization (CARE), as well as her experience as such a young donor that resulted in her becoming a lifelong donor. https://youtu.be/vW7AfT4ANk4 We have seen an industry gap, as non-profits have to tighten up resources and lack time to intimately get to know their donors. We want to become an advocate for...

Voice of the Donor #6: David Van Leeuwen

In this edition of Voice of the Donor, we talk to David Van Leeuwen of New York City. David is passionate about economic and social empowerment and ensuring that everyone has access and tools for growing their economic and social situations. David donated a large sum of money to the National Urban League and describes his experience in doing so.Moral of the story: There is real passion at the individual donor level. Always take time to remember the smaller donors and work to engage them for lifelong giving. https://youtu.be/-feanTsEH8Q We have seen an industry gap, as non-profits have to...

Voice of the Donor #7: Saranah Holmes

Saranah Holmes is the Founder of the Daily Do Good.In this edition of Voice of the Donor, she talks about her giving strategy of donating on the 1st and 15th of every month, and how that has impacted her ability to ultimately do more good in the world.The Daily Do Good is an online community with a mission to help spread kindness one person at a time, one day at a time. Through event listings, newsletters and more, they serve individuals looking to pay it forward.As Saranah says, "It takes just one person to start a revolution of giving back." https://youtu.be/XFzjntILSAc We have seen an...

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