Spring 2010

From The President

In the beginning 18 months ago there was fear and panic. But as the recession lingered, nonprofits realized that they still had to be out there. The most savvy leaders knew that because people were still giving, their organizations needed to focus on board development, strategic planning, communicating their message, and connecting with donors.

Now during the economic recovery, these few simple steps can still make a huge difference in the fundraising life of a nonprofit. In fact, they are actions that board members and development professionals should always be engaged in, but in challenging economic times, their value cannot be underestimated.

To that end, I hope you’re following the latest fundraising trends and tips we share on our blog (you are reading our blog, right?), as well as the helpful links we post on Twitter. If we can help you in any other way, please get in touch.

Thanks for reading.

W. Keith Curtis, President

Do Your Donors Know About the Roth IRA Option?

by Nancy Chapman, Communications Director

Effective Jan. 1, the income limit for converting traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs was permanently repealed. This change also permits taxpayers to roll over distributions from company retirement plans directly to Roth IRAs irrespective of income.

Because of this Roth IRA opportunity, some high-net-worth individuals may accelerate income into their 2010 tax returns. What does this mean for nonprofits? John Peterson, CPA, a partner in the accounting firm Goodman & Company, explains that these same individuals may also consider accelerating charitable gifts they’ve already planned or making gifts they had not yet considered. In Virginia, the NAP (Neighborhood Assistance Program) credit for certain charities gives potential donors even more incentive to make charitable contributions.

In short, Peterson says that the Roth IRA conversion option offers development professionals and board members a chance to get in front of these donors to discuss the possibility of major gifts. For more information, talk to your tax professional or financial planner.

The Curtis Group Expands Its Services

by Wesley Stanley, Marketing Director

The Curtis Group is pleased to announce the addition of strategic planning and facilitation of retreats to our menu of services. We recently formed a strategic alliance with BJ Taylor (pictured), an expert in these services who is well known throughout Virginia for her 25-plus years’ experience helping nonprofits realize their potential and reach their goals.

Not sure if your organization is ready to develop a strategic plan? Let us help you decide through a thorough initial evaluation. Once that determination is made, we work with the appropriate personnel to determine your organizational needs for a specified period of time. Then, we develop a comprehensive strategic plan, complete with a plan for implementation.  With our help, your nonprofit can soon be moving toward your highest level of effectiveness.

Another new service is individually tailored board retreats, which can help you plan annual goals, develop strong leadership, and strengthen your systems for the highest function. Whether your leadership needs guidance navigating organizational challenges, developing an action plan with measurable, achievable goals, or learning to work effectively as a team, we can help.

Contact us today to find out how we can assist your nonprofit with these new services.

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Nonprofit News

• Oasis Social Ministry of Portsmouth broke ground on its new facility on Jan. 29. Many supporters and friends of Oasis attended the event, including Portsmouth Mayor James Holley (pictured), Portsmouth City Council members, and local business, foundation, and community leaders. The Curtis Group conducted a Campaign Planning Study for Oasis in 2006 and has managed its $2.2 million campaign.
• After reaching its $1.6 million campaign goal late last fall, Bedford Hospice House, Inc., of Bedford broke ground on its 5,400-square-foot home for hospice care Jan. 9. The project is scheduled to be completed by early 2011. In 2006, Bedford Hospice House retained The Curtis Group to conduct a Campaign Planning Study. Following the study, The Curtis Group managed the campaign from 2006 through early 2008.
• We invite you to learn more about the Roth IRA Conversion option on Thursday, April 1, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.  Jane Short, account vice president with UBS, will present a brief overview of the option, followed by a 30-minute Q&A. The presentation will take place at UBS Financial Services’ 14th Floor Conference Room in the Bank of America Building at One Commercial Place in Norfolk. If you’d like to attend, please RSVP to wesley@curtisgroupconsultants.com by Monday, March 29.
• If you plan to attend the 47th International AFP Conference in Baltimore April 11-13, be sure to stop by The Curtis Group booth (#1043) in the Exhibitor Marketplace. On Sunday and Monday, we will offer free 30-minute consulting blocks to nonprofits. Space is limited so if you’re interested, please contact wesley@curtisgroupconsultants.com to book a spot.  We will also give away a Flip Mino 60-minute video recorder, so be sure to visit our booth, tell us about yourself, and enter to win.
• Don’t forget to check out The Curtis Group’s blog “Focus on Philanthropy” for a weekly dose of fundraising wisdom. You can also follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/thecurtisgroup/.

info@curtisgroupconsultants.com | 757.496.2224 | All content © 2008 The Curtis Group