While many outstanding development programs excel at getting the big gift, they are missing out on the full positive impact of the philanthropic support they are generating. By strategically communicating messages of your fundraising success, you are inviting current and prospective donors to feel good about your organization, increasing investor confidence and further fueling your upward growth. Internally, strategically communicating good news can win over skeptical/inactive board members, motivate staff and help win the battle for precious program resources.

John Greenhoe, CFRE, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Mich.