~ Cultivate those who pour their hearts into your mission ~ If we begin to think of our table hosts as major donors, or start treating them with more special treatment throughout the year, just imagine how much further that relationship could expand your...
A Look Back at 2017
Though 2018 is well underway, it’s still a little hard to believe! We at Kennari are excited to enter a new year - both for our own company and for the many nonprofit clients we serve. With the new year comes new possibilities – new initiatives – new successes – new...
Intern Spotlight – Hanna Werner
Meet Hanna Werner, a Senior at Cornerstone University majoring in Communication Studies and minoring in Music. Hanna concluded her internship experience with us before graduating this December. Everyone is Connected Over the course of my internship at Kennari...
Round Table Round Up: Development Reporting and Scorecards
During November's client Round Table, Steve and I discussed Development Reporting and Scorecards. We are in the process of integrating Scorecards for all of our clients, as it is a great tool to keep us updated and to keep your board involved and motivated! Why should...
Alano Club of Kent County finds benefit in a new Donor Database
When Alano Club of Kent County came to Kennari Consulting for annual fund coaching, donor software was high on their list of priorities. An Access database had been in place for many years storing member, donor, and other transactional donor-like data for the...
Round Table Round Up: Meaningful Development Plans
Close your eyes. You’re 14 years old and you just received your school report card. You hold it in your hands as your eyes scan the page top to bottom. A… A… B… A… F… Next to the “F” your teacher has written, “Need to apply yourself in class. Not living up to...
Join Us September 7! Resources & Results – Campaign Readiness
You're Invited! It’s time to talk campaigns. At Kennari Consulting, we are dedicated to giving nonprofit organizations the skills and resources they need to prepare for their futures. On September 7th, from 12-1pm, join us for lunch as we discuss Campaign Readiness...
Round Table Round Up: An Attitude of Gratitude
When a donor makes a gift, it should be obvious to send them an acknowledgement quickly. But why? Well, it’s the right thing to do! It also gives the donor confidence by letting them know you did receive their gift and it reminds them why your organization is so...
Round Table Round Up: Comprehensive Sponsorships and Partnerships
Although corporate giving should not be the focus of fund development efforts for organizations overall, it can be an important component of the annual fund. And, some organizations lend themselves particularly well to a comprehensive program. Corporate, service...
Round Table Round Up: Board Manuals
Your Board Manual: A Training Tool and a Permanent Resource The Board Manual plays a key role in Board Orientation and Training, but it should also be an ongoing resource for members. Board members are often reluctant to fulfill their roles because they don’t feel...
Intern Spotlight – Claire Timmer
Meet Claire Timmer, a Senior at Aquinas College majoring in Business and Communication and minoring in Community Leadership. Claire spent both semesters of her Senior year interning at Kennari Consulting before graduating in May. What were you looking for in an...
Round Table Round Up: Planned Giving Basics
Individuals have traditionally comprised the largest donor segment (71% in 2015), so paying attention to this donor segment is important now – and for your long term future. Some key philanthropic developments impact how you work with individual donors: Fund...
Join Us March 29! Resources & Results – Get to Know Kennari Consulting
You're Invited! Kennari Consulting provides a combination of consulting services to help you learn and grow, as well as direct services to augment your internal capacity. Kennari Consulting is one of the largest full-service fundraising consulting firms in...
Celebrating 10 Years as Kennari Consulting
I can’t believe that we have already reached the 10-year mark. It seems like just yesterday that I started Kennari Consulting working by myself as a sole practitioner. Now here we are, a team of ten, having served almost 140 clients and helping them raise millions...
Round Table Round Up: How Are You Renewing Your Major Donors?
Donors renew at a predictable rate depending on the number of times they have provided the organization with a philanthropic gift. First time donor renewal rates should be 25-50%, second time donor renewal rates should be 50-75%, and multiple time donor renewal rates...
Key Take Aways: 2016 Burk Donor Survey
The seventh annual 2016 Burk Donor Survey, studying American's philanthropy and how fundraising practices affect non profit organizations, provided a few key take away points for Kennari Consulting. In 2015, donors responded most often -- 44% of the time -- to direct...
Planned Gifts Increase Annual Gifts, Study Finds
In a recent study, Dr. Russell James debunks the myth that Planned Giving erodes annual fund giving. In fact, the exact opposite is true. Pentera’s Planned Giving blog, PGBuzz, provides a nice overview of the findings: Planned gifts, rather than cannibalizing annual...
2015 EPIC Awards Finalist
Kennari Consulting is honored to be nominated for Small Business of the Year in the 2015 EPIC Awards! The EPIC Awards, presented by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, celebrate local businesses and people who are doing greats things in the community by being...
Strategists • Catalysts • Teachers
Sometimes a company outgrows its name. So it is with Parrish Consulting. What started as the solo practice of Sandi Frost (Parrish) Steensma has evolved into a full-service firm staffed by a talented team of consultants offering a wide range of fundraising expertise....
e-Newsletters: Best Practices and What to Avoid
Donor communications should be intentional. They should validate the donor’s decision to contribute and build inclination for future gifts by demonstrating mission achievement. eNewsletters are a great way to communicate to your donors because they are low cost and...