Home Archives for EHL Consulting

Misperceptions and Consequences: The Case for Giving at a Time of Social Change

Posted on May 21, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment
american-israel flags

Many American Jews are rethinking and re-directing their giving to Israel, to the right and to the left, as a response to changing dynamics, both religious and social, that the country is currently experiencing. by Avrum D. Lapin In EHL Consulting’s recent presentation with Dan Brown in Jerusalem, I tried to give an overview of how the current social and political environment in the State of Israel and the accompanying realities feed misperceptions and impact upon giving here in the United States. Through an interactive presentation, the event attendees and I discussed the view from the U.S. marketplace, and potential consequences, and worked through EHL Consulting’s recommended strategies for Israel-based nonprofits to successfully navigate the evolving environment, to communicate their … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inside Israel

Good Documentation Makes for Good Donors

Posted on May 7, 2013 Written by
documentation

So many donors, even sophisticated ones, want to avoid documentation as it is often viewed as getting “lawyered up.” They choose instead to rely on a verbal agreement or handshake. But what happens when the person with whom you had the agreement leaves the organization or simply forgets? by Robert I. Evans and Laura Solomon, Esq. We have all heard the phrase “good fences make good neighbors.” That time-worn saying applies even more so today in donor relationships because good documentation - including gift acknowledgment letters, agreements, and gift acceptance policies - make for good and generous donors! … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Managing Your Nonprofit

Getting a Campaign Started: The Importance of Leadership Gifts

Posted on April 16, 2013 Written by

by Robert I. Evans and Avrum D. Lapin Obtaining the first leadership gifts that initiate and “set the pace” are the key to every successful fundraising campaign. Making that happen involves a set of steps and requires special attention to context, strategic preparation, and careful execution. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Managing Your Nonprofit

Five Essential Challenges that Nonprofits Need to Consider!

Posted on April 4, 2013 Written by

Appropriate executive compensation is a critical tool for every Jewish (and other) nonprofit when recruiting and retaining the best talent. Without a continually competitive compensation package, those professionals who were drawn to the nonprofit sector in the first place are apt to wander. by Robert I. Evans and Avrum D. Lapin Activist and fundraiser Dan Pallotta’s compelling “The Way We Think About Charity is Dead Wrong” (see below) shook up the Internet recently. As a “charitable entrepreneur,” Pallotta invented the multi-day charitable event industry with the AIDS Rides and Breast Cancer 3-Days and he now runs a full-service “brand and inspiration agency” for the humanitarian sector. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Opinion / Letters Tagged:

The Many Benefits of the Charitable Deduction

Posted on March 12, 2013 Written by
tax planning

by Robert I. Evans and Avrum D. Lapin| Since late in 2012 and continuing onward through 2013, we are witnessing a heated discussion about the future of the federal charitable deduction. Being called into question is the long-standing federal tax deduction donors receive for part or all of the philanthropic support of charitable and religious entities. While the U.S. Government has put the charitable deduction “on the table,” nonprofits have taken a stronger stance than ever to defend this critical provision for tax deductions. But more efforts are required! … [Read more...]

Filed Under: American Philanthropy, Opinion / Letters

The Importance of Endowments: Building a Stronger Organization with Smarter Asset Management

Posted on February 8, 2013 Written by

by Robert I. Evans and Avrum D. Lapin While every vibrant Jewish nonprofit today should pay attention to building a strong endowment, some organizations have approached the process through two concurrent (and compatible) philosophies: seeking more philanthropic support as the primary objective and, at the same time, developing ways to reduce costs and enhance investment strategies. Both are important, we believe! Endowments are a critical venue for institutional funding, and can provide the type of permanence that creates the space for and fuels innovation. At organizations where a robust endowment provides financial stability, leadership are unleashed to “think outside of the box” and consider opportunities, as opposed to always scrambling just to “make ends meet.” … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Opinion / Letters Tagged: