December 15, 2008

After my Q&A session with the Chronicle of Philanthropy last week, “Doing More with Less in Hard Times,” I spoke with charity analyst and philanthropic advisor Renata Rafferty about the state of things in the sector. We know that folks who work with high dollar donors are feeling a bit shaky right now, between the stock market and the economy overall.

As a philanthropic advisor, Renata not only works with wealthy individuals herself, but with their Financial Advisors. She was telling me how frustrating it often is, when wealthy potential donors need a blend of mission-advice and financial advice.

About a year ago, in frustration, she created an article pack - something she could provide to financial advisors, so they could, in turn, provide it to their clients. The articles are just like Renata - they are smart, they pull no punches, and they are precisely what high-dollar donors need when they are considering investing in an organization.

I shared with Renata that I don’t work near as much with financial advisors and wealthy donors as I work with Major Gifts Officers and Planned Giving Officers, and especially Community Foundation Officers. I told her I thought the articles would be just as helpful to them, as the economy is making everyone feel a bit shaky. She laughed and said, "Yes, but they usually can't afford my stuff!"

We talked for a long while, and by the end of our conversation, Renata offered this: “I had wanted to do something to celebrate your finishing The Pollyanna Principles. What if, for a short time, I gave your newsletter subscribers a deep discount for this package - something people in the charitable world could afford?”

I was so touched I didn’t know what to say

Renata Rafferty’s Get Smart About Philanthropy Article Pack
If you are a Planned Giving Officer, Major Gifts Officer, Financial Advisor, Community Foundation leader, or anyone who works with high-dollar donors, you will find these articles perfect for providing to your donors, for including in your newsletter, or for any other purposes that can help you make your organization's case to high-dollar donors.

These articles are not for your own education (although you might just learn something!). They are for you to hand to your large donors, to show that you are just the kind of organization they will want to work with - trustworthy, transparent, capable, and most importantly, focused on community results! (You can see why we are thrilled to have her offer this!)

Your donors would be getting the same no-nonsense advice Renata provides as a charity analyst on Bill O’Reilly’s show and in the Wall Street Journal. Only you will be the one handing it to them! (And yes, the quote on the right is from Doris Buffet, Warren Buffet’s sister.)

The Pollyanna Principles Discount!
When Renata told me what these article packs normally sell for, I was - well - shocked is putting it mildly. Clearly I have been living in the Community Benefit Sector for too long!

Normally, Renata’s 12-pack of articles sells for $997.00. The 6-pack is normally $597.00.

The discount Renata is offering on these article-packs is astounding. The 12-pack is $147.00 and the 6-pack is $97!

We are so honored that she would do this - and we hope you will take advantage of it.

To get the discounted price, you just need the discount code below, and you need to order by December 20th.

I am thankful to my colleague, Renata Rafferty, for doing this in celebration of the release of The Pollyanna Principles. Renata has also made a donation to a favorite charity, in Pollyanna’s name as well. This all means a lot to us.

If you are interested in learning more about these terrific products,

And please send a note to Renata thanking her for the tremendous support she always shows to this sector.