As was pointed out in a recent editorial in one of the local newspapers, many persons in the community are concerned about certain requests from well intentioned youth and adults seeking support for their various fundraising purposes.
The editorial writer was so right in recognizing that many of the flaws in their approach to potential donors stem from a lack of understanding of the role of philanthropy in a community and, more importantly, from a lack of information about the whole nature of "development" or fundraising.
Although a recent arrival to this wonderfully generous community, I have spent most of my professional life in development and see the pressing need for improvement in how fundraising is achieved in our community.
To many, fundraising may seem easy. Successful fundraising never is.
Clearly, there is a need for training in development, not only for those seeking donations for school projects or civic organizations but also for those professionals, myself included, whose primary task is fundraising.
Allow me to offer an opportunity that may be of assistance to our community.
As a development officer at the University of the Virgin Islands, I propose the formation of a local chapter of the National Society of Fundraising Executives (NSFRE), a national organization dedicated to professionalism in fundraising. Working together as a group, members of
a territorial chapter could provide much needed training to local schools and civic groups as they do their own fundraising. Furthermore, we could sponsor workshops and guest speakers for our own professional training as development officers. Working together as a group, members
of a local NSFRE chapter could significantly improve philanthropic activity in our community.
A minimum of 15 members are needed to become an official affiliated chapter. There are already a handful of NSFRE members here in the VI, and San Juan recently organized an officially recognized chapter. The Puerto Rico chapter indicated a willingness to be of assistance to our
endeavor. If nothing else, let us consider some joint training, professional certification, and coordination of fundraising special events. At a minimum, we could pool our meager resources and bring well-qualified development trainers to the VI on an annual basis!
I invite interested persons to call me at UVI at 693-1042 to discuss this exciting possibility. Let us work together for the benefit of all.
Editor's note: Deborah Stevens Hamilton was recently named Director of Annual Giving for the University of the Virgin Islands. During the past 20 years she has served as grant writing/research officer for Young Harris College in Northern Georgia and as a fundraiser in Savannah, Georgia for its United Way, Voluntary Action Center, Neighborhood Housing Service, and Symphony Orchestra.
If you wish to respond via email please send responses to source@viaccess.net.
