Core Leadership Competencies
Philanthropy
Establishing philanthropy as a strategic priority for all faculty, recognized by the community and as a key contributor to the research and fiscal missions of the program
Attributes
-
Established philanthropic strategic plan including established priorities with DO and foundations at hospital and university
-
Recognizes the importance of philanthropy for support of research and clinical programs.
-
Established philanthropy training and/or training program for faculty, including conflicts of interest
-
Clear plan for energizing and rewarding faculty around philanthropic contributions
-
Clear plan for community fund-raising events with clearly articulated goals/needs for each program
-
Established strong relationships with the institutional development offices
-
Create and assure grateful patient family giving program
-
Educated faculty on important aspects of conflict of interest
Assessment Questions
-
What is your current strategy for philanthropy?
-
Do you have multi- institutional support for philanthropy directed to your program?
-
How frequently do you meet with institutional development officers?
-
What is your program’s ‘brand’ and/or community reach?
-
Do surveys show that philanthropy is supported?
-
Are faculty educated and trained in philanthropic solicitation and know where/how to make referrals to development staff?
-
What was your most successful philanthropic accomplishment?
-
What donor disappointment taught you a lesson?
-
What conflict of interest programs are established and operational?
Pediatric Leadership Insight
FAQs
How did you offer fund-raising support for your faculty?
Answer. I worked closely with the Hospital’s Foundation office to engage a consultant who offered a training session for division leaders.
What were some key learnings from philanthropy training sessions?
Answer. Most important was to listen to the donor and what they wanted to accomplish. Before asking for a gift, carefully consider the goals of the donor and how the proposed gift will facilitate successful focus to the donor’s goal.
What has been a pitfall you have observed in fund-raising?
Answer. Sincere efforts to honor an individual led to the idea of a grass-roots campaign to establish a large endowment without having a major donor and without the support of the institution’s development office. The effort failed and the honoree was disappointed. For a large endowment, a major donor is needed and one should work with the development office to avoid donor competition and to take advantage of the Foundation’s infrastructure.
Have you encountered a donor whose expectations created a conflict of interest, crossed institutional boundaries or institutional policies?
Answer 1. A research program donor expected to dictate the focus for research and the methodologic approach.
Answer 2. A donor expected to visit our NICU at non-regular hours and to provide tours for lay people who did not follow HIPPA and infection control policies.
Additional Resources
Articles
Ekin J. The art and science of fund raising. When to ask. Nonprofit Pro, March 25, 2020.
Willians AV, A brief introduction to the science of fundraising. Council for advancement and support of education. May 2016.
Books
McFarlan FW. 2021. Effective fund raising. Wiley 2021
Brice E. 2020. Don’t make me fund raise: A guide for reluctant volunteers.