Getting to Know a Gem in Our Membership: Kareen Ver Helst, MS

As director of development for Coastal Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., Kareen Ver Helst has a sensitivity and passion for helping those with mental disorders. You'll enjoy hearing her talk about what she refers to as "the privilege of being a behind-the-scenes agent or 'facilitator' of good deeds for thousands of people who otherwise would have no other resources to regain their health."

She's been an AFP Southwest Florida member since December 2009 and is a new member to our Marketing Committee.

We'll follow up with 4 things she values about the local chapter of AFP in a subsequent post, but for now, let's get to know a little more about this fascinating person who is so well-spoken about her fundraising work.

• Tell us about your typical work day.
  I doubt you will be surprised by the answer…that there is no typical day at the office! In fact, this keeps my job exciting! Prior to becoming the Director of Development for Coastal Behavioral Healthcare, I was the Grant Development Director and later worked for Coastal on a contract basis, preparing competitive grant applications to private and public entities at the local, state, and national level.
  
  I continue to develop and submit our grant applications and have also been involved over the past year with our volunteer Board and Development Committee members in sharing with our community the stories that speak of our mission. It has been rewarding to host small gatherings where we have had the opportunity to share with others why our mission matters. I get to meet a lot of people in various fields, all working toward the common goal of making our community a better place to live – whether from law enforcement organizations, other social service agencies, private funding entities, individual donors, and many unsung heroes along the way!

• What are the biggest funding challenges for organizations serving mental health/ substance abuse missions? When a person suffers from a mental illness or a substance use disorder, their illness is often seen by many in our culture as a character flaw or lack of willingness to simply “get over it” and make better choices. This can lead to little empathy for those who suffer from a mental illness or substance use disorder.
  
  Without empathy, there is no connection to the person who is suffering and no compassion. If we were all guaranteed the financial resources to take care of ourselves and our families in the event of a mental health issue, there would be no need for a charitable not-for-profit agency like Coastal. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Even the best insurance plans available do not cover the costs of treatment for mental health and substance use disorders in the same way that traditional medical disorders may be paid for. And many in our community are not aware of this reality.
  
  Mental illness is also something we are still afraid to talk about. The health of our mind impacts every choice we make on a daily basis, from how we interact with our family members, colleagues, and friends, to whether we are able to take care of ourselves and be successful at our job. It might be surprising to many to hear that some of the symptoms of mental health disorders (e.g., low mood, or at the opposite end of the spectrum - feeling on top of the world, fatigue, worry, inability to focus, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, etc.) can be a part of the normal range of daily experiences and may not necessarily constitute a mental health disorder.
  
  Some of these symptoms even resemble those of common physical health problems. It is the frequency, duration, and intensity of the symptoms along with the degree to which they impact one’s ability to function in social and occupational roles that may lead to a clinical diagnosis of a mental health disorder. And many factors influence human beings’ susceptibility to these disorders, including prolonged periods of severe stress. This can be a scary thought for most of us…What if this happened to me or to the people I love? How would I handle it? What if I could no longer take care of myself or my family? Where would I go for help? Would I lose my dignity, my reputation and be shunned by those I call my friends? Mental illness and substance abuse devastate the people who experience it and the families and communities we are all a part of.
  
  I believe that is why it can be difficult to find champions for our cause…However, we have been fortunate right here in our community to have witnessed the courage of individuals who help break the stereotype of what it means to live with a mental health disorder. They have had the courage to share their story and demonstrate to all of us on a daily basis that leading a healthy and positive life is possible when the right treatment is provided at the right time – just like with a physical health disorder. People recover and live well. Treatment works. We count our blessings every time we meet someone who is passionate about helping us further our mission. If one in four individuals in America is affected by a mental health diagnosis (including substance abuse), there are many in our community who care and are waiting for us to connect with them so we can help them realize their passion! I am encouraged and know that it is simply a matter of time…

• What do you like most about your job? Wow, there are many things I like about my job. First, I am fortunate to work for an organization that is truly committed to caring for those who count on us for help in their darkest hours and for the employees who do the work every day to carry out our mission.
  
  What I find most rewarding about my job is the privilege of being a behind-the-scenes agent or “facilitator” of good deeds for thousands of people who otherwise would have no other resources to regain their health and no one else to be a friend when faced with an illness that is still heavily stigmatized. Our donors and funders give us the tools to make it happen – their passion and caring hearts pave the way for us to do the work of giving thousands each year another chance at a healthier life with the tools and skills to make better choices and contribute positively and meaningfully to the their families and to the life of their community.
  
  It is also a personally rewarding experience to meet and develop relationships with people who are passionate about health and give of themselves and their personal resources to help us succeed …I have the opportunity to be inspired every day by extraordinary acts of generosity and stories I can take back to my children so that they, too can believe and be inspired. I am very fortunate to benefit from the wisdom and experience of great leaders within my organization, on our board, within our community, and within our very own AFP chapter, who have walked before me, lead by example, and thoughtfully guide me along the way.

• What’s your favorite after work activity? Truthfully… picking up my boys after school, seeing their little faces full of beauty and energy, and being able to squeeze them tight after a long day apart! I also enjoy fitness activities like weight training, yoga, and other fitness classes.

• If you could meet one person from any time in history, who would it be? I am fascinated by Abraham Lincoln’s story of perseverance and resilience in the face of multiple “failures”, illness, and setbacks. Despite all of the challenges he faced along the way, he gave to our humanity one of the greatest gifts that can be restored to the human spirit: the gift of freedom for every person in our country regardless of our differences in ethnic origin, race or color.

• What’s one thing about you you’d like to share that most people don’t know? Many people are surprised to learn that I was born and raised in Haiti. I lived there until 1987 and moved to the US to continue my education when the political climate of the country became extremely unstable and dangerous after Baby Doc (a dictator that ruled the country for over 15 years) was overthrown in a coup d’état. My native language is French…though after so many years, I have to say that English feels much more native to me.
  
  Having grown up in Haiti, I was surrounded every day by extreme poverty. Unknowingly, life there was preparing me for where I am today….I witnessed countless times my parents’ concern for the people who worked for us, as they helped them with schooling expenses for their children and provided extra meals to feed their families.
  
  My father even had the reputation of buying things he didn’t need from people just because they desperately needed the money! But what impacted me the most as a child was the little faces staring through the window outside the ice cream shop we visited every Sunday following our family outing to the beach or the beautiful mountains of Haiti… I realize today the special gift my father made, not only to those children, but to me as well when he would hand each one of them their very own ice cream cone and watch the joy that suddenly lifted them, if only for a brief moment of their Sunday afternoon … My father passed away more than 29 years ago when I was still a child – but I know he is smiling down upon us. He taught me the meaning of philanthropy.

Tips on Above-Board Fundraising by Tracy Vanderneck

Tracy Vanderneck

In a recent committee meeting, the attending members were attempting to find a catchy name for a presentation on ethical fundraising. Let’s be real, “How to Fundraise in an Ethical Manner” is a snooze. The committee members joked that the title should be, “Tips on above-board fundraising that will keep you out of jail!” See? Much more interesting!

Ok, hyperbole aside, understanding the lines between legal, ethical, and just plan good practice, is important for every fundraiser…really, for any non-profit employee. But the topic is so vast, it is impossible for a fundraiser to know every rule, caveat, and pitfall. Sometimes, it is just as important to know where to go for an answer as it is to have the answer yourself.

I rely on several sources for assistance when I have a question:

1. A book called Ethical Fundraising: A Guide for Nonprofit Boards and Fundrasiers. This Association of Fundraising Professionals’ (AFP) publication is a compilation of articles from various authors. It was compiled in 2006/2007 and covers such topics as: 1. Conflicts of interest, 2. Compensation for development professionals, 3. Tainted money, 4. Relationships between grantees and funders, 5. Public perception, and more.
2. AFP’s website http://www.afpnet.org/. This web site has downloadable copies of The Donor Bill of Rights, as well as of AFP’s Code of Ethical Principles.
3. Board members with industry expertise. I have found that having a CPA on your board can help you stay ahead of state regulations (for example, rules on sales tax at non-profit auctions if you auction more than three times in a given twelve month period). Having a board member who is willing to research and interpret laws for you is invaluable. This might take working with your CEO and Governance Committee to target future board members in specific industries.
4. Other fundraisers. When you aren’t sure, it is good to put in a call to a development professional or fundraising consultant that is senior in the field. They may have experience with the situation in question, or they may know where to go to find the answer. This may seem like a simple thing, but sometimes just knowing who to ask solves the problem.
5. “Big” non-profits. If you work in a small shop and are the only fundraiser, don’t try to guess or reinvent the wheel. If there is a question about whether a particular practice is acceptable and/or ethical, chances are the larger non-profits (e.g. American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen, etc) have come across the same issue. And those organizations have legal departments to find the answer for them. So do some networking and make a friend at a big organization! Ask them if they are willing to mentor you, or just be a sounding board for questions should they arise.

Doing a little reading on the front end, and looking at all of your activities with a critical eye, will help you identify potential problem areas and help make sure you are operating within accepted norms. Over time, your donors will notice that you conduct your fundraising within industry standard ethical guidelines, and that will go a long way in securing donor trust and confidence in you and your organization.

Tracy Vanderneck is the Director of Annual Giving at a Manatee County non-profit and is working towards her CFRE. Tracy is in her fifth year working in the non-profit sector and was most recently the Director of Development at the American Red Cross Manatee County Chapter. The first 11 years of her professional career were in sales of management and interpersonal communication skills training courses and consulting services.

The Biggest Mistake: Jerry Koontz Talks About Fundraising

In a new series of blog posts, we're asking seasoned nonprofit leaders in our area to share what they view as "The Biggest Mistake" when it comes to raising money. To kick it off, we've posted an insightful perspective from Jerry Koontz, President of United Way of Manatee County:

Fundraising is much more an Art than it is a Science, and that makes it somewhat of a challenge to identify which are the biggest mistakes one can make that impact being successful. However, I welcome this opportunity to share what I consider to be two mistakes that merit your attention.

Assuming all donors are alike.  No two donors are exactly alike. For example, they have different priorities. What is an important Cause to one, might not matter to another. Most want to be recognized and thanked for their contributions, while some wish to remain anonymous. Almost without exception, donors want to know what was accomplished with their contribution. So, it is critical to do as much as you possibly can to know your donor, and respond accordingly.

Not asking/not making a good case for support. In fundraising, it is commonly accepted that the primary reason for not contributing is not being asked. Ask yourself, how often have you contributed to something without being solicited? So, do the Ask. While I believe that most people have what I call a Charitable Giving Need, they are often not sure how to best satisfy that need. Two things are important: a Cause that is worthy of their support, and the assurance that a very high percentage of their gift will go to that Cause and not be diminished by excessive administrative costs. If you don’t make a good Case for Giving, and can’t demonstrate low overhead, you most likely will not get the gift.

I will close with a true story that supports the importance of knowing your donor. An executive of a non-profit was calling on a prospective donor hoping to get a sizable contribution. The prospect asked, “How much do you want?”, to which the executive cautiously replied “$10,000.” The prospect asked, “Is that all?” At the end of the discussion, the prospect pledged $1 million.

Many thanks to Jerry for taking time out of his sharing his experiences with us. Check back soon for the next post in The Biggest Mistake series.

Would you like to be a guest blogger for The Biggest Mistake series? Let us know!

Is it Ethical? by Norman Olshansky, President & CEO, Van Wezel Foundation

One of the most important aspects of being a member of AFP is our commitment to the Code of Ethics of our profession. The code has been one of the most significant elements that establishes fundraising as a respected profession. It has set us apart from hucksters who are unprofessional and unethical…….those who are willing to do anything with or for donors in order to raise funds for their “charitable” endeavors.


Unfortunately, the code only applies to members of AFP. However, by upholding our ethical code, being positive role models and educating the public, we raise the overall level of professional and ethical fundraising in the communities we serve. We have an obligation to not only instill ethical behavior within the organizations we serve but also among donors and others involved in the nonprofit sector.

As many of my colleagues are aware, for many years I was involved as a consultant with clients around the Country and was unable to be very involved locally with AFP, even though I formerly served on the Board of our chapter. Since joining the staff of the Van Wezel Foundation, a fundraising ethical issue came up which may be of interest to you, my colleagues.

Evidently, there is a history where local commercial magazines sponsor events with nonprofits with the proviso that no other magazine be allowed as sponsors. In other words, they ask for and receive an exclusive relationship. The Van Wezel Foundation, in the past, has also accepted such arrangements. When I came on board, I felt that exclusive relationships posed an ethical issue and have stopped the practice.

Are such “agreements” a violation of our code of ethics?

I feel that if we allow exclusivity with a commercial enterprise we end up telling other donors from a similar industry that we can’t accept their comparable donation or sponsorships. My position is that donors who care about our mission should be welcome and recognized appropriately. It would be like a lawyer or doctor telling a nonprofit that they want an exclusive relationship with the organization, thus preventing the organization from accepting and recognizing other gifts from those professions.

The very first two sections of our code state:

1. Members shall not engage in activities that harm the members’organizations, clients or profession.
2. Members shall not engage in activities that conflict with their fiduciary,ethical and legal obligations to their organizations, clients or profession.

One might take the position that the code only applies to individual members and not nonprofit organizations. While an organization may not be subject to the code, AFP members in that organization can indeed be held accountable for actions in that organization.

Is it a violation of the Code for a member to go along with an unethical activity, policy or behavior which is the decision of and implemented by others?

If we do not stand up for ethical behavior in the nonprofit sector, who will? If we observe or learn about unethical behavior shouldn’t we try to educate and work towards the elimination of that behavior?

It is with the above in mind that I want to stimulate a discussion about exclusivity practices requested by donors. It’s hard for an individual member to change a long time practice in a community but if we agree, as a group of professional colleagues, that such practices are inappropriate, even if not technically unethical, we can indeed influence change.

What do you think? Would your organization accept such a requirement from a donor? If so, under what conditions? If not……….why?

Are there other issues involved with this example that have not been addressed above? What if it were your largest donor who set such a condition on their gift?

In our case, following a serious discussion and educational session with the magazine, they backed down and we now have several magazine media sponsors of our gala.

I would suggest that we as professionals need to avoid even the slightest perception of ethical impropriety and by challenging these practices, we help to educate the donor community how we are different from the profit making world where these practices are common and within ethical business practice. I don’t blame the companies for asking for preferential treatment but that doesn’t mean we have to accept the practice.

What do you think?
 
 
Norman Olshansky is the president and CEO of the Van Wezel Foundation.

Good Times at the Fundraisers Forum

The annual Fundraisers Forum, a partnership of our local AFP chapter and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County's Nonprofit Resource Center, embraced over 220 development professionals and nonprofit leaders on July 9, 2010.

Headliner Penelope Burk shared the latest from her donor research to an enthusiastic crowd, and a panel discussion moderated by Cliff Roles on the future of philanthropy provided insights into the good and the bad of today's still struggling economy. Cecy Glenn, CEO of the United Way of Charlotte County, Jerry Koontz, President of the United Way of Manatee County and Stewart W. Stearns, President Emeritus of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County made sure the trends were reflective of our tri-county area.

Special thanks to breakout session leaders Mark Brewer, CEO of the Community Foundation of Central Florida; Carol Butera, CFRE of Children First; Bart Tryon, CFRE of Philanthropy Management; Karin Gustafson, CFRE, President of the YMCA Foundation of Sarasota; and Richard Gans, Shareholder of Fergeson, Skipper, Shaw, Keyser, Baron & Tirabassi, P.A.

Shout outs to Manatee Educational Television for taking such great care in filming the event. What a crew! The staff at Anna Maria Island Community Center made the day especially nice for us. We thank Pierrette Kelly and committee members Donna Dunnio and Laura Breeze, CFRE for working with the NRC team to plan such a great day.

Carol Butera, CFRE and Bart Tryon, CFRE talk about major gifts.

Melissa Burtless, Chief Development Officer of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida and Jeanne Dubi, President of Sarasota Audubon Society

Jane Lautner, Director of Annual Gifts of the Pines of Sarasota Foundation

Sharna Finkelstein, Program Assistant at the Nonprofit Resource Center, with Laura Breeze, CFRE, Advancement Director of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County

 

Charles Clapsaddle & crew of METV stayed with us all day for filming and interviews with attendees.

Liz Shirley of the Animal Rescue Coalition with father Jim Shirley, Executive Director of the Sarasota County Arts Council

To all those who joined us and to those who did not, happy fundraising and we'll see you at the Forum next year!  Until then, stay plugged in with all of the interesting and essential topics covered in our regular professional development luncheons.

AFP Peers Coming Together: New Mentorship Program!

There's good news for AFP members who want to boost their professional development: a new FREE mentoring program is available to you.  This is your chance to receive personalized feedback, direction and nurturing to build your career and become a more effective fundraiser.

If you have 1+ years of experience in fundraising, let's talk.

Here's how it works:

• You will identify a project or 1-3 specific goals you hope to accomplish during the year. Where do you want to be in your career in 2 years? What specifically do you need to master to serve your institution more effectively?
• AFP will match mentees with mentors by considering appropriate relative levels between mentor and mentee, geography, subject matter to be worked on and matching people from organizations that are mutually illuminating while not being competitive.
• Mentor/mentees meet at least monthly and probably connect more often via phone and/or email.  Communication is confidential and structured enough to ensure progress but open enough to foster communication and evolve as needed.

Are you a senior development professional? We need you as a mentor!  Mentors should have 5+ years in development, a desire to help the next generation of fundraisers, and a willingness to focus on the mentees goals and needs and help him/her achieve them. This is an opportunity to share ones knowledge and nurture the next generation of nonprofit leaders.

For more information and to get involved as a mentor or as a mentee, contact Mary Saionz at Mary-Saionz@smh.com or (941) 917-1286.

Analytical Skills vs. People Skills In Fundraising

What are the "new" skills fundraising professionals need to survive in the high-pressure, high-expectation environment of today's nonprofit world?

We're grateful for AFP's emphasis on ethics and professional development. The organization has done so much to elevate awareness of fundraising as a profession, not as an activity. And as such, we know our own skills are constantly growing and evolving--they must.

Holly Hall wrote a piece in the Chronicle of Philanthropy (April 4, 2010) discussing analytical knowledge, entrepreneurial skills and cross-cultural knowledge as hallmarks of the modern fundraiser.

"People still give to people; they don't give to data," Kimberly Hawkins said in her letter to the Chronicle of Philanthropy in response to this recent article.

Hawkins argued that all of the skills Hall referred to are needed in the development department but requiring too much of a single person may seriously impact their effectiveness at anything. She sites burnout and turnover as results of these unrealistic expectations.

Read her letter, Jacks of All Trades May be Masters of None, and let us know what you think. How much is too much?