Campaign Consultation, Inc.

Happy Birthday Dr. King!

2010-01-28T17:09:00.000-05:00

10,000 + National Projects in your Honor

Hundreds of thousands of Americans in all 50 states participated in over 10,000 projects, making Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service 2010 truly “a day on, not a day off”. Projects included delivering meals, school and community beautification, food and clothing collection, activities with children, etc.

Working with the Corporation for National and Community Service, Campaign Consultation provided on-the-ground projects with instruction/ project support services such as weekly webinars, online Memos in addition to social media. E-Reporters and e-Photographers were recruited and trained by Campaign Consultation in the use of Twitter, Flickr and YouTube to further promote MLK Day 2010. The volunteers provided real-time, from the field, hourly updates on MLK Day activities all across the nation. Dr. King would be pleased with the project response..

For more information, click to view the recent press release from CNCS.

Campaign to Save Firehouse #31

2010-01-15T16:01:00.012-05:00

Campaign Consultation responds to a call to neighbors and area business and institutions to help save Firehouse #31 -- our community’s historic firehouse -- which has been closed for “repairs” since mid-2009.

As part of our annual Give 5 Initiative, in which we donate 5% of corporate profits to good causes, each Campaign Consultation employee has agreed to contribute three days to help renovate the firehouse as well as conduct fundraising and social media outreach to ensure the project’s success. Additionally, Campaign Consultation will match the team’s efforts with a cash contribution.

We also call upon others to join this community effort: click to donate now… fan the Facebook page… and/or contact us at Success@CampaignConsultation.com to find out how you, too, can help save Firehouse #31.

Charles Village- "One of the Great Places in America"

2009-12-23T12:09:00.002-05:00

Anyone who has ever navigated the streets of Baltimore knows when they come upon the center city neighborhood of Charles Village. One can’t help but notice all of the Victorian houses that are painted in quirky colors.

In 1998, Linda Brown Rivelis and Steven Rivelis from Campaign Consultation organized - along with a couple of their neighbors - the “Painted Ladies” campaign, encouraging homeowners and renters to paint their houses in three or more colors. This effort to display a streetscape statement of pride spread quickly throughout the community.

Today, there are over 200 brightly painted homes in the community. Each Painted Lady is a visible commitment to making Charles Village a great place to live, work, learn, and play.

The Painted Ladies campaign, along with several other grass roots initiatives (also backed by Campaign Consultation) - the nation's first residential/business community benefits district, a community parade and festival, and a neighborhood driven PUD (planned unit development) - got results. Crime went down, home ownership went up, civic engagement increased.

In recognition of this urban success story, the American Planning Association recently named Charles Village "one of the Great Places in America." Read more….

The Campaign Consultation team could not be more proud to call Charles Village home.

Give 5

2009-12-18T15:34:00.001-05:00

Campaign Consultation and Eye Byte Solutions staff held a combined holiday luncheon at Woodberry Kitchen. In addition to celebrating our businesses and each other as shown by the photos below, staff voted to support the following social profit organizations through the Give 5 (5% of corporate pre-tax profits go toward charitable causes) program of both companies.

Campaign Consultation:

American Visionary Arts Museum

Baltimore Free Store

Baltimore Humane Society

Baltimore Urban Debate League

Brown Memorial Tutoring Program

Cakes for a Cause

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Donors Choose

ERICA

Equality Maryland

Extreme Family Outreach

Firehouse 31

Fusion Partnerships, Inc

Homes for Our Troops

Joseph Richey House

Marian House

Maryland Food Bank

Second Harvest Food Bank

The Community School

The Innocence Project

Walnut Avenue Women’s Center

Eye Byte Solutions:

Wide Angle Media

Social Media Conference Washington, D.C.

2009-12-11T15:37:00.004-05:00

Michelle Bond, VISTA Project Manager and Danielle Ricks, Social Media Specialist of Campaign Consultation augmented our corporate social media knowledge by recently attending the Social Media for Government conference in Washington, DC.

Here are three key "take-aways":

1. Develop a Strategic Plan - Know your mission, your audience and what you want to accomplish in the digital space.

2. Establish a Communications Plan - Use established principles and policies to open the door to new social media tactics and procedures.

3. Take Risks - Because you don’t know what you don’t know, try out various social media strategies and tools. Be fearless and adjust approaches along the way until you get the results that you want.

Danielle Ricks states ...

“The Social Media train is leaving the station. You can jump on board and take the ride or be left behind. But either way, this train is moving forward with or without you so you might as well get on board!”

... good advice to all of us! Please let Campaign Consultation, Inc. know if you would like our help developing your Social Media plan.

A-rabber Enterprise:

2009-12-10T14:35:00.003-05:00

Here's a recap. The meeting Monday, accomplished two goals.

1. A strategy to get the horses back on "friendly" turf ... not central city, but at a farm that the A-rabbers trust. So they're not sold off and they can be kept together.

2. To review collection of good ideas that the public has presented with the A-rabbers. They gave the "green light" to about 95% of the ideas.

Ideas are are being capsulated and then will be shared with people interested in helping with business plan to build a sustainable A-rabber program. To goals is to see the A-rabber community as part of the solution for developing Baltimore related to such areas as youth, health, job skills, community gardens -- all delivered in a green way.

Join the A-rabber Campaign!

Social Media For Government Conference in DC

2009-12-08T10:50:00.003-05:00

Two of our staff members are attending the Social Media For Government Conference in DC to learn new ways to engage communities using the latest Web 2.0 Technologies. They are getting practical advice on using social media from leading government agencies and organizations including the U.S. Department of Defense, IBM Center for Business and Government and the iQ Solutions, Inc.

"I'm so excited to be here among people who are as passionate about Social Media as I am" said Social Media Specialist, Danielle Ricks. She added, "I've learned a lot already and I'm looking forward to implementing the new tools I've gained". Project Manager Michelle Bond commented, "It's great to see that we are on the right path and inspiring to be with peers who are sharing strategies through collaboration"

Cities of Service Conference is Poppin!

2009-12-03T10:11:00.002-05:00

Campaign Consultation is running the Cities of Service Conference sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Funded in part by Citi Foundation, the conference runs tomorrow and Friday in Philadelphia.

Using NYC's experience, Mayor Bloomberg has invited fellow Mayors, businesses and community service experts from across the nation to pool their respective talents. Participants are focusing in on this nation's greatest natural resource ... people who want to give back.

Ideas are poppin (like happy fish in a hatch) on ways to responsibly channel the dynamism of volunteers to resolve entrenched problems like hunger, illiteracy and joblessness.

The goal here is for people to leave with the will, network and support to develop a year long community service plan back home . Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service in January is a suggested starting point.

Stay tuned ... We're wading in fine, fast moving water here in Philadelphia and it's fine!

A-rabbers Enterprise

2009-12-03T10:05:00.002-05:00

We want to thank everyone who has been involved in the A-rabbers Enterprise campaign. We have received some really excellent feedback and are working dilligently to get this process moving forward.

We are assembling the experts to provide the costs associated for land, stable complex, equipment, learning spaces, repair shops, etc. Once we have the costs, we can build the budget which will spawn the proposal for funding.

A draft proposal will be posted and we will be welcoming feedback. The fundraising team will review suggestions and make edits to build the strongest case for support from the funder's perspective.

Then we’ll fundraise, because we need the resources to make the A-rabber Enterprise a reality and serve youth, promote health – all in a green way.

Welcome New Team Members!

2009-11-25T13:03:00.006-05:00

Campaign Consultation, Inc. is very pleased to welcome these new employees:

Lorilei A. Barsh, New Business Development Coordinator

We are so excited to be expanding and deepening our New Business Development efforts with the hiring of Lorilei Barsh.

Lorilei comes to us with a strong background in business administration and marketing. Her most recent professional experience was with The Foster Group where she assisted her clients in selling their products and services to various governemnt entities. And, she has significant experience working with GSA schedules.

In addition, she has worked for the Internet Strategy Group, developed a marketing analysis of the Voss Water Company and Starbucks, created commercials for Clear Channel Radio, raised funds for the Wicomico Arts Council, and worked with D.C. United to integreate social networking into their marketing campaigns.

Welcome Lorilei!

Estelle M. Peters, Finance Manager

It is with great joy [and relief] that I get to inform you that we just hired our new Finance/HR/Office Manager -- Estelle Peters. She is a "spot on" fit for the work we do and the culture we embrace. Here are just a few of the reasons why we made the offer:

Over 10 years of experience in affordable housing, community and economic development work. Extensive experience in finance, project management, and contract management.

Over 10 years of experience working for training/technical assistance providers.

More specifically, she has served as ...

Finance & Operations Manager - People's Homesteading Group
Assistant Commissioner - Baltimore City Department of Housing
Program Director - Enterprise Foundation
Project Manager - Struever Bros Eccles & Rouse

Estelle has her degree in Business Management and Administration, is proficient in Excel and Quickbooks, has taken courses with NeighborWorks and on community building, conflict resolution and succession planning.

She will be a tremendous asset to our team and we are confident will help take us to the next level. Welcome, Estelle!

Join the A-rabber Enterprise Campaign

2009-11-18T10:53:00.003-05:00

If you are interested in making Baltimore a better place that includes A-rabbers in a campaign to provide

job training skills for our Youth,

locally grown foodstuffs for our collective Health

all wrapped up in a efficient, dynamic delivery system that's Green

Go to www.campaignconsultation.com, click the gear and sign up to lend your support.
Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.
2819 Saint Paul Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21218-4312
T. 877.243.2253 x 10
F. 410.243.1024
www.CampaignConsultation.com

What is the A-rabber Enterprise Campaign?

2009-11-15T11:37:00.002-05:00

The A-rabber Enterprise campaign is a volunteer action initiative to build a better Baltimore with the focus and help from Youth, Health, Green and A-rab themes.

Phase I (now through February '10):

In order to attract the resources we need a budget which rests on the expertise of designers, planners, builders, curriculum developers, sustainable community, horse husbandry, farmers, etc.

Email me at LBRivelis@Campaign Consultation.com and I'll send you a one page draft of ideas to help stimulate out-of-the-snowdome thinking.

If you like what you see, have some ideas and want to invest some time through February -- if you're fearlessly positive and want to join this action Campaign, let me know. Give me the area(s) that you can be most helpful in for Phase I.

Thanks, Linda

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.
2819 Saint Paul Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21218-4312
T. 877.243.2253 x 10
F. 410.243.1024
http://www.campaignconsultation.com/

Social Media / e-Community Builder Position Filled

2009-05-29T12:45:00.009-04:00

This position is filled. Thanks for your interest in Campaign Consultation, Inc.

Idealistic self-starter who can build community and networks by creating, generating and/or sharing stories of what’s going right at the community level in the US. This networker / storyteller will be able to create in-depth reports about national service programs meeting community needs as well as organizing national and regional affinity groups to contribute to peer networks. Must have demonstrable experience in building e-networks to develop leads and generate discussion using social media.

Requirements:

2 years reporting/writing experience for e-platforms
Technical skill in being able to set up and maintain blogs, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and Wiki sites
2 years experience in engaging and maintaining on-line communities of over 100 participants
Ability to meet tight deadlines
Collaborative working style
Experience with National Service programs preferred
Community building experience in areas such as community development, fund raising, diversity, issue advocacy, media/marketing, organization development desired

Serious candidates should send cover letter, resume and salary requirements to:

Social Media Search Committee
Campaign Consultation, Inc.
2819 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21218

Success@CampaignConsultation.com

About us

Campaign Consultation, Inc. works with individuals and organizations at local, state, national and international levels to achieve community development, fund raising, diversity utilization, issue advocacy, media & marketing, public policy as well as organizational and business development success. Visit us at http://www.campaignconsultation.com/.

The air here at Web 2.0 Expo ...

2009-04-03T17:33:00.000-04:00

Scott Heiferman of MeetUp, pretty much sums up the atmosphere here at this 2.0 gathering in San Francisco ...

Ask not what your country can do for you, but ...

Ask what you can build for other people!
Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.
2819 Saint Paul Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21218-4312
T. 877.243.2253 x 10
F. 410.243.1024
www.CampaignConsultation.com

Campaign Consultation at Web 2.0 Conference in San Francisco

2009-04-02T16:20:00.000-04:00

Finding information, Stephanie Ross is finding the latest cutting edge media.
Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.
2819 Saint Paul Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21218-4312
T. 877.243.2253 x 10
F. 410.243.1024
www.CampaignConsultation.com

Campaign Consultation at Web 2.0 Conference in San Francisco

2009-04-02T16:15:00.000-04:00

Linda Brown Rivelis at work creating ways to bridge 2.0 products to clients' needs.
Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.
2819 Saint Paul Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21218-4312
T. 877.243.2253 x 10
F. 410.243.1024
www.CampaignConsultation.com

Final Words on A Productive Journey to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Beijing

2009-01-09T15:13:00.001-05:00

So get this -- I land in Baltimore this past Tuesday after my travels to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Beijing followed by some time off in Florida. What do I see in the hallway exiting the airport?!!!

An ad for Taiwan! So I've included a picture of the promotion which shows athletes ready to race and says "Taiwan on The Starting Line!" with "Ready Set Go" and "TODAY'S TAIWAN".

I am now, forever, joyfully sensitized and captivated by anything or anybody remotely related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Beijing and the rest of China! I stop dead in my tracks to absorb information.

Thank you for following this philanthropic delegation journey to these locales. This will be my final posting on this blog subject. However, I have also included photos and captions of activities conducted after our 8 hour days of meetings – i.e., eating, shopping, traveling, touring, etc.

And for all my new friends halfway around the world, I am very serious ... if any of you are traveling in the US; please include a visit with me and Campaign Consultation. Until then … best wishes for 2009 celebrated in U.S. on Dec. 31 and in China on Jan. 26!

Linda

White Dove Society - Beijing

2009-01-05T15:41:00.002-05:00

White Dove Society - Beijing, originally uploaded by LBRivelis.

Great group of young people - look at their faces!

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

Mark Getting Suit

2008-12-21T09:52:00.003-05:00

Mark getting suit, originally uploaded by LBRivelis.
Hong Kong tailoring shop

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

White Dove Society, Normal University, Beijing

2008-12-20T07:28:00.002-05:00

Students doing good!

This student society gives over their weekends after classes and studying to volunteer to meet human service needs, ecological support and other civic projects such as the Olympics. Annually, about 800 students participate in White Dove.

They're doing things right:

Have their first cause marketing agreement with a chewing gum company.

They understand about research, making the match and contacting prospective donors.

They recruit and recognize.

Challenges:

The ability to keep track of Dove alumni is a challenge that requires an online database to show what volunteer projects they are currently involved.

Thoughts:

Only thing I can recommend is that Dove focus on one strategic impact project annually. This past year was the Olympics. Perhaps by targeting one short-term project, the impact of Dove will be less diffused and more likely to attract increased resources.

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

China Youth Development Foundation - Beijing

2008-12-20T07:02:00.001-05:00

China Youth Development Foundation (CYDF) focuses on helping to advance youth in rural areas. This NGO is on a healthy trajectory in both programmatic and fundraising endeavors.

Example:

Programatically responsive, CYDF responded to the earthquake's destruction of hundreds of schools by turning rubble into a school in ten days. One thousand students were able to continue their studies and return to a semblance of order.

Fundraising success is evident in its corporate campaigns. More than 50 well known entities such as Tiger Wood's foundation and Coca Cola support CYDF. CYDF receives more than 82% if its funding from the business sector.

Although there is encouragement for CYDF to beef up its annual individual campaign, the organization is reliably solvent today and strives top spend resources the proper way.

Some thoughts:

A plus:

To have the founder and president at work at CYDF for 19 years.

A minus:

To have the founder and president at work at CYDF for 19 years.

Having worked with founder NGO entrepreneurs who continue to manage organizations, Campaign Consultation is interested to see if CYDF has developed leadership transition strategies in preparation for when the president leaves.

Our experience reflects the fact that few NGO founder/managers proactively share organization steering reins with staff or Board in raising resources, managing and developing policy.

The NGO entrepreneurs charisma and risk taking approach to opportunity makes it difficult for groups to think past their leaving. We would encourage CYDF to put in place a leadership strategic action initiative -- we expect that they already have.

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

Chen Yet-Sen Family Foundation - Hong Kong

2008-12-20T06:32:00.002-05:00

Founded by Robert Chen, James Chen's father, the family foundation resulted from their successful work in ceramics, building materials, packaging, etc.

Robert Chen grew up very poor, having experienced starvation where he and his family ate bark off trees, in a village outside Shanghai. Upon accumulating wealth, Mr. Chen was successful at engaging local, provincial officials of his boyhood village to help him apply his donations to build infrastructure for his village. that lacked drainage, clean water, etc. As a result of local officials support and Mr. Chen's visits to ensure installation of clean water, sanitation, etc. projects, the town began to prosper.

James Chen discussed how his father gave intuitively and funded projects that were less related to strategy, but based more on emotion. When James' generation was asked to assume giving responsibility, they were surprised at the number of inappropriate requests his father had endured for years.

As a result, the family established the foundation to give the process some structure. Because the family could not by themselves agree to one mission focus by which to give strategically to related purposes, they invited outside Board members, which elevated decision-making to another level.

As a Board, they decided to move from the "hardware" support accomplished by their father, to more "software" focus related to children's education -- specifically, school libraries in their father's home village, Hong Kong and communities in some West African countries..

The Foundation's mission today is to provide help develop and attract qualified, inspired librarians, the right number and type of educational and reading books that children will find interesting, etc. They continue to follow Robert Chen's example with frequent visits to funded project sites to entrust the appropriate expenditure of their support.

At this point of the presentation, James stepped back and described his perspective on philanthropy in China.

Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in China typically "chase the dollar" for any purpose rather than for their mission's purpose. Due to a limited number of responsible NGOs, the Chen Family Foundation has been unable to give away its designated annual one million in resources. The Foundation disciplines giving to the responsible NGO that is able to effectively manage the gift versus just pushing money out the door. The challenge is finding enough NGOs that meet their funding criteria.

Mr. Chen's perspective is that most NGOs from whom the Foundation receives solicitations do not have the basic platforms of transparent management. Today's typical NGO is unable to demonstrate a succinct mission plan, shows limited acumen in management of fiscal resources, staffing, provision of services, etc.

Mr. Chen says funders can, but often don't, nurture responsibility. He was very honest in saying that people of wealth in Hong Kong give primarily "for face" and status (same is true in U.S.) and throw money to groups often without any further contact as to what happened to the money.

The same principle of "for face" also holds for serving on most NGO volunteer boards. People are there for status and socializing purposes without any focus on setting policy and helpful NGO direction.

James Chen also stated that there is a lack of "information sharing" between private funders of major gifts. The Chen Foundation is developing a website that lays out why some funded projects succeeded and others failed.

He then returned to outlining future strategies for the Chen Family Foundation:

Meet the problem in which a study listed Hong Kong as the second worst in the number of parents reading to their kids. As a result, they wish to build out their venture philanthropic project called "Bring Me A Book". This project enlightens parents to the knowledge that they are their children's "first teacher" and the necessity of reading to them often.

Develop publisher awards that recognize publishers who print children's books in Chinese first.

Mentor NGOs to build infrastructure capacity, much like Robert Chen did for his village many years ago.

Further thoughts:

I'm beginning to think that Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in concert with future People to People delegation trips could partner with foundations to grow the number of fundable - NGOs by reviewing some basics.

As in the U.S. and other countries, many fringe NGOs are unable to adequately communicate the root problem facing their communities, the needed responses to resolve and what role their NGOs have in resolving the problem. Discussing the benefits of communicating an effective case for support, stewardship of resources, maximizing volunteer leadership, etc. may prove most useful.

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

Beijing Red Cross Foundation

2008-12-20T00:04:00.001-05:00

Beijing Red Cross effectively communicates three primary focuses:

1. Rebuild after May earthquake

In addition to multitudes of responses in first aid and medical care during the earthquake, volunteers did unique services such as helping family farms continue to produce income by transporting their crops to market.

There remain 1,000 volunteers working in the area. On weekends, volunteers use their free time to search for victims' still missing.

Dynamic rebuilding continues in liaison with U.S. and other construction companies to build ecologically-based structures in the earthquake area.

2. Safety Education and Rescue

A lesson learned from the catastrophic earthquake is the lack of systemic standards among rescue teams in China. As a result, a national rescue alliance is being formed. The goal is to have every team throughout China begin to determine and implement created standards by the end of 2009.

To assist in training in crisis and disaster response, safety education and rescue, a camp is being developed with Quinghua University. The University will be most helpful in its research to determine most effective practices..

Red Cross also provides safety education and rescue services for members and the public climbing the mountains surrounding Beijing. Red Cross provides free instruction for mountain climbing. People also benefit from GPS tracking, a hotline whose last six digits translate to "Help Me", guidebook, trail signage, etc.

In addition to the general public, Beijing Red Cross also trains unique groups such as firemen in mountain rescue and first aid.

3. Medical Care

In addition to training people in first aid, Beijing has the uniquely placed Academy of China Cancer Center. The Academy works in concert with the pharmaceutical industry -- i.e., Pfizer, etc.

There was considerable interest in meeting with other human service entities for knowledge transfer. In addition to 2 free memberships to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) there was agreement that looking at getting leaders of the Beijing Red Cross to AFP's International Conference. Would be of real benefit to US members.

Some thoughts:

Those of us who work within definites -- i.e., did we or did we not reach the campaign goal, etc. -- must accept that at this time in China's NGO community, there are limited definites in organization leadership hierarchy and autonomy. It is admirable how China NGOs continue to raise resources and serve.

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

China Youth Development Foundation

2008-12-18T23:30:00.002-05:00

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

Meeting with Beijing Red Cross

2008-12-18T23:25:00.002-05:00

Meeting with Beijing Red Cross, originally uploaded by LBRivelis.

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

Travel / PM off

2008-12-17T10:39:00.003-05:00

Travel / PM off, originally uploaded by LBRivelis.
Beiijing pearls ...

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

Travel / PM off

2008-12-17T09:29:00.002-05:00

Travel / PM off, originally uploaded by LBRivelis.

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

Hong Kong Council on Social Services

2008-12-15T12:16:00.004-05:00

Great meeting held after AFP Hong Kong hosted luncheon.

Here are some key points discussed:

Council on Social Services operates much like a Chamber for
Social Services.
340 member agencies.
Funded through member fees, rental income and government to build middle to small NGO fund capacity building platforms.

Provides:

IT support services -- i.e., no cost server support, discounted group software costs, customer service, etc.
Research
Advocacy
Social Workers
Exchange program between government officials and NGOs
Raising Charity Accountability
Promoting Corporate Citizenship
Social welfare sector of excellence activity

Raising Charity Accountability:

Wise Giving Program

NGOs fill out forms delivering information regarding financial statements, percentage administrative costs, etc. to promote wise giving throughout corporate giving community in support of feasible charities.

Directory of Funding Bodies

Listing of contact information of all foundation, corporate, etc. funding bodies in Hong Kong

Caring Company Directory

3 inch thick catalog listing companies nominated by NGOs that fulfill at least two of six criteria related to green, hiring people with disabilities, NGO mentoring, employee volunteering, families, donating, etc.

Choose positive approach versus confrontational.

What are companies doing right versus focusing on what they're doing wrong. Purposefully chose lower threshold to reward any good corporate citizenship action. Different from Community Chest that exhorts vs. rewards.

Last year, more than 1,500 companies were nominated and listed as a Caring Company. Each nominated company receives an annual decal as the "good charitable partner" seal of approval. In addition, an annual Wise Giving and Caring Funder receives an annual plaque gift photo of NGO partner.

Great example of business partnering:

One of presenters at AFP luncheon distributes mobile alarms to the elderly. Council on Social Services linked the NGO with the gas company.

The gas company always experienced difficulty gaining access to seniors homes to check on meters annually. One, there was distrust of the gas company and secondly, staff was unskilled at elder communication.

The NPO concerned with seniors welfare wanted their mobile alarms to be serviced annually. In addition, the NGO was always looking for ways to generate companionship moments for elders.

A natural linkage was established in which the NGO helped gas company workers build skills to improve elder communication. As a result of gas company workers being seen as friends to improve personal safety, elders more readily allowed access to heating equipment.

For an extra two minutes, gas company workers checked elders' mobile alarms. In addition, workers spent another 4 minutes to linger in conversation (skills they learned from the NGO) with seniors to promote connection and limit loneliness.

A win-win-win all around.

The delegation expressed profound appreciation of what the Council on Social Services accomplished in 7 short years. Their entrepreneurial approach to "do it without talking" is greatly admired and even envied.

There was particular interest in the Council's not generating a level of giving donor list. The reasoning is that starting out this "charitable encouragement campaign", they wanted to include the "little guy" business on equal footing as the behemoth business as to their corporate social responsibility.

The Council will however, probably increase the fulfillment of two criteria to minimum of three criteria to be listed as a Caring Company and to use the dec al/bug insignia. In the meantime the Council is working hard to increase their
NGO members' fund development cap city.

Attention then turned to the global recession and the tactics to address.

Two overarching thoughts came out of the discussion:

Keep Donors close -- beyond giving -- so that when recession lifts, they remain with your mission.
Mobilize NGO services to serve the business sectors -- i.e., provide counseling services and resources for recently laid off workers, give the basic support in food, health, etc services to care for workers w/o work, etc.

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

Council on Social Services

2008-12-15T11:17:00.004-05:00

Council on Social Services, originally uploaded by LBRivelis.

Christine and Tim

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

AFP Wan Chai Luncheon

2008-12-15T11:13:00.002-05:00

AFP Wan Chai Luncheon, originally uploaded by LBRivelis.

Enjoying colleague

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

AFP Wan Chai Luncheon

2008-12-15T11:10:00.002-05:00

AFP Wan Chai Luncheon, originally uploaded by LBRivelis.

Enjoying more colleagues

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

AFP Luncheon in Wan Chai

2008-12-15T11:06:00.002-05:00

AFP Luncheon in Wan Chai, originally uploaded by LBRivelis.

Enjoying colleagues!

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

Philanthropy in Asia, a Chen Perspective

2008-12-14T20:13:00.001-05:00

"What a pleasure it is to have friends from afar"
- Confucius, ancient Chinese philosopher

Darwin Chen, philanthropy guru and quintessential fundraiser in Hong Kong opened his talk with the greeting above. He predicated his views on philanthropy to Confucius and taking care of the less fortunate in order to have a harmonious society.

I would have loved to have had more time with this gentleman who just received the National Award for Philanthropy from the President of China this past week. In addition to managing Hong Kong's City Hall, directing cultural services, drafting the Basic Law in Constitutional Affairs, Mr. Chen volunteers to lead such global philanthropic initiatives such as United Way International, Asia Pacific Philanthropy Consortium, Community Chest and Habitat for Humanity International.

In addition to his years of experience, his remarks reflect a preliminary review of a survey that one of his groups commissioned to serve as a baseline of information for a massive global fundraising campaign. The survey, commissioned for the Philippines, Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong, was designed to help answer how the recession is impacting SE Asia and the impact the impact on philanthropy.

Philippines

Despite the recent deposing of a dictator and the tsunami, they are back on the growth path. Both Deutch and the World banks see no impact on current levels of giving as of yet.

Mr. Chen highlighted how political conditions impact how people give. People tend to save more for their families in anticipation of hard times under dictatorial political conditions than when there is more freedom economically and politically. People give away more when they trust and believe in the NGO mission and when political conditions support philanthropic growth -- i.e., China bestowing awards for philanthropy.

Korea

They are in recession. Korea's hard work to improve it's private philanthropic sector has been undermined by corruption. A well-established infrastructure can weather such upheavals, but a burgeoning initiative such as Korea's can easily shatters.

Although the Korean government grew the Community Chest coffers by requiring major conglomerates to support the needy and make gifts to NGO's, they still pulled the strings and raised conflict of interest and public distrust. As a result, in Korea today, private philanthropy is slowing down.

Darwin Chen emphasized that governments play a big role in endorsing or demoralizing philanthropy.

Singapore

Mr. Chen report the survey as stating that although the economic growth rate is down 20% lower that the 1998 recession, 91% of people give triple the amount given before annually.

He wants to study the statistical analysis more. He did share that giving to religion-based social services plays a large role in Southeast Asia especially which could account for the outstanding philanthropic response.

Mr. Chen also shared how he is waiting for the moment when the best of the religious faithful can balance the worst in religious fundamentalism and fanaticism and the destructive tendencies.

There was a palpable moment of silent reflection in the room after his hopeful statement.

Hong Kong

Individual giving in Hong Kong is up 2-3%. He was careful to point out that this is based on first half of year reports. Half of all giving in Hong Kong is corporately based.

Mr. Chen shared the giving patterns differences between the first and second generations of wealth in China and Hong Kong.

In China, the past 30 years have produced the first generation of extremely wealthy individuals. People with little to no education and no networks of support forged successful businesses. These self-made people are emotionally grateful and generous in their giving back perspectives. They give from their profits. NGOs have a challenging time reaching out to them because few people know them.

In Hong Kong, wealth has permeated down to the second, even third generations. These individuals are educated, many with tertiary degrees. They are well known and well-connected with incredible support networks. They give from their investment returns in a more methodological, logical, emotionally detached manner. And NGO's in Hong Kong can easily find someone of influence who knows them.

Darwin Chen summed up the general temperament toward giving in the current economic environment ... People in Hong Kong "aren't in the mood" to give.

Growing Philanthropy Ideas for SE Asia:

Governments need to provide politically healthy environments for philanthropy to grow.

Workplace giving is a key component to growing support toward reaching NGO mission objectives.

Using the internet as a successful channel especially for upcoming generations who are even more interested in well-managed, accountable mission achievement.

Pass on your observations ...

What's your opinion about Mr. Chen's SE Asian observations?

How would you relate these to U.S. generational philanthropy?

What's a cutting-edge use of the internet to reach more people for increased support at reduced costs?

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

Hong Kong Mover & Shaker

2008-12-14T18:04:00.002-05:00

Hong Kong Mover & Shaker, originally uploaded by LBRivelis.

Darwin Chen with Tim Burcham, delegation leader.

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

Good morning!

2008-12-12T21:14:00.001-05:00

It's Sat., 7:00am - heading to Taipei Airport ... Bound for HK ...

Recap on Producing Proposals That Work presentation in Taiwan ... Very honored that NTHU Secretary Wang and President Chang and other leaders, professors and students attended this session, especially on a Friday afternoon at 3:00pm. About 100 business cards with the traditional translation were clipped to invitations urging attendees to visit Campaign Consultation in Baltimore and seemed to be appreciated.

The presentation generated good follow-up discussion about a NTHU alumni mailing producing less than stellar response to gymnasium campaign. We did some idea sharing about ...

Segmenting donor/alumni base into giving levels

Establishing giving level volunteer teams
to Identify and solicit likely prospects

Tailoring and implementing appropriate approach methodologies

We continued a more specific discussion at dinner that night where I learned about NTHU's muti-million corporate partnering. This company funded a building for students' knowledge-expansion and also shares the space for some teaching/research purposes. NTHU is wonderfully positioned in the heart of a "Silicon Valley" location to attract the imagination of many such successful entrepreneurs.

Conversation turned to their next campaign for a state-of-the-art Gymnasium. Here's a smattering of what we discussed:

Get started -- some fundraising techniques may not produce desired results, but one has to begin somewhere!

Seek advice and thereby "buy-in" from past major gift supporters to provide their ideas and assistance for design and development undertakings in program, capital and philanthropic initiatives

Link respected celebrities to a major campaign who have a vested interest

Develop a Campaign brand for use on stationery, signage, note pads, etc.

Develop a gift range chart to compartmentalize a fundraising campaign into discreet categories which makes any undertaking more digestible

Speaking of digestion, every bite from this delectable dinner of at least 2 dozen dishes was delectable. I only wished I was Orson Welles so I could keep eating. Ha!

Next - Hong Kong!

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

National Tsing Hua University presentation

2008-12-12T07:25:00.002-05:00

National Tsing Hua University presentation, originally uploaded by LBRivelis.

Fuzzy but true photo of Linda with NTHU Leadership talking fundraising over dinner.

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

Taiwan Bound ...

2008-12-11T17:38:00.002-05:00

Taiwan Bound ..., originally uploaded by LBRivelis.

Linda sneak peak ...

What a wild strange trip it's been ...

2008-12-11T17:10:00.001-05:00

It feels a long time ago since our staff holiday gathering of good cheer, gratitude and the sharing of blessings through our annual Give 5 initiative. We did a good job in four hours making the case for giving away 5% of pre-tax earnings from Campaign Consultation and Eye Byte Solutions to charitable social causes.

For the first time, one of our favorite vendors added his support to Give 5 by adding in-kind product support. Way cool.

Back to China bound, it's been a long strange trip since finding out my flight reservations were incorrectly tagged. . But by the chin of my chinny, chin-chin, I was squeezed on the same flight a day later.

I'll be landing in Hong Kong and Tapei 24 hours later than expected which means I have 2 hours after landing to give my presentation on Producing Proposals That Work at National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan.

Then, in another strange twist, we will really be cutting it close due also to volcano activity in Russia which has interrupted fuel production -- which demands a refuel stop before proceeding to Hong Kong.

At some point, you take a peek around and if there's nothing to be done ... Get some shut-eye. Catch ya later on this wild, wonderful experiment in cultural communication. LBR

Linda Brown Rivelis, CFRE
President
CAMPAIGN CONSULTATION, Inc.

This Giving Afternoon

2008-12-05T15:24:00.001-05:00

I need to share, w/o too much schmaltz, the Eye Byte and Campaign Consultation teams just gave away more than $15,000 in support of causes that seek to improve the state of people's lives. It is our delight and pleasure.

Michelle, Shelley and Steph

2008-12-05T12:23:00.003-05:00

Michelle,%20Shelley,%20Steph.jpg, originally uploaded by LBRivelis.

Taking a break at the Holiday party.

Steven and Susan

2008-12-05T12:21:00.002-05:00

Steven%20and%20Susan.jpg, originally uploaded by LBRivelis.

Cheers!

Suzanne and Rob

2008-12-05T12:16:00.002-05:00

Suzanne%20and%20Rob.jpg, originally uploaded by LBRivelis.

Let the sun shine in.

Oysters!

2008-12-05T12:11:00.002-05:00

Oysters!.jpg, originally uploaded by LBRivelis.

Abby and Ross

Rivelis

2008-12-04T16:48:00.002-05:00

Rivelis, originally uploaded by LBRivelis.

This would be Steven.

Conference Room

2008-11-22T14:58:00.001-05:00

Conference Room, originally uploaded by LBRivelis.

This is where we hold our meetings.

Headquarters

2008-11-21T13:43:00.002-05:00

Outside View, originally uploaded by LBRivelis.

This is our main office in Baltimore, Maryland.

Fundraising in China

2008-11-20T18:48:00.003-05:00

My name is Linda Brown Rivelis. I'm the President at Campaign Consultation, Inc.

I am pleased, upon the invitation by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and in cooperation with the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, to join a delegation of fundraising professionals in China from December 11th - 22nd.

Sponsored by President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s People to People International, I’ll be presenting, exchanging information and exploring ideas related to volunteerism and philanthropy in Hong Kong and Beijing.

Just before I join up with the delegation, I’ll be in Taipei where I’ve been asked to deliver a fundraising presentation to faculty and students at National Tsing Hua University (NTHU).

I think that China hosting this fundraising delegation in the same year of the earthquake tragedy where an unprecedented number of Chinese citizens volunteered and “opened their wallets” to survivors is most timely.

Stay tuned to information snippets and tactile points of what I find interesting during this learning adventure.

Best year-end wishes too!

Linda