American City Bureau, Inc

AHP Study–Charitable Giving Continues Through Long-Term Pledges

becky@acb-inc.com — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:44:01 +0000

The Association of Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) released study findings that despite the recession charitiable giving continues. Donors are finding long-term pledges to be an attractive alternative to abandoning giving altogether. To learn more, click here.

AHP, a 501(c)3 organization, provides fundraising resources for non-profit health care providers. To learn more, visit www.ahp.org.

Philanthropy Continues to Thrive Despite Economic Woes

becky@acb-inc.com — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:54:20 +0000

A year ago, ACB predicted, as did others, that philanthropy would continue in the face of an economic downturn. We are proud that our clients continued to forge ahead with their efforts, proving that campaign success is indeed possible despite the economy.

Many of our clients have realized six- and seven-figure gifts and pledges over the last year. Religious, education and social service clients, YMCAs and hospitals alike. Urban settings and rural communities. All have seen significant commitments that set the example for others to give. Why? Dedication on the part of the client. Coupling the right opportunities with the right donors. Strong cases for support that demonstrated strategic planning and compelling needs. And generous donors motivated to strengthen their communities.

As ACB looks ahead to the future we are once again encouraged by what we are finding in the field. The Developmental Studies© we have conducted in the last few months have found participants willing to commit six- and seven-figure gifts to future campaigns. Again, these commitments are to organizations of all types and sizes across the nation.

If you are with a non-profit organization in some capacity, we encourage you to continue developing your philanthropic programs. You can be confident that with the right opportunity and the right donor, your organization’s project can find the major gifts it needs to move forward. Don’t forget the important steps to pave the way for this success—relationship building, leadership development and strong communications.

And, of course, if American City Bureau, Inc. can assist you in your efforts, please call us at 224.293.3000. We offer a full array of services and are here to help you reach your goals and build a long-lasting culture of philanthropy.

ACB Will Celebrate Its 97th Year in a New Home

becky@acb-inc.com — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:33:40 +0000

On December 1, 2009 ACB will move its corporate headquarters to its new home at 302 West Main Street in West Dundee, Illinois 60118. While this location is “new” to us, 302 West Main’s history is longer than ACB’s as it was built in the mid-1800s with two additional renovations before the turn of the century.

We are proud of our new home and welcome visitors—old and new—as we embark on a new chapter in our firm’s long and rich history. While our address is changing, our email and phone numbers will remain the same.

To view photos of our building’s rehabilitation, click on the links below. ACB will officially move into its new “home” sometime in January 2010. We look forward to sharing photos of our rehabbed building as well.

302 West Main Before
302 West Main Before–East Side
302 West Main Rehab
302 West Main–Completely Gutted!

Relationships

admin — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:23:43 +0000

A sustainable culture of philanthropy relies on personal, meaningful relationships with organizational constituents. To build strong relationships, cultivation strategies, including consistent, meaningful and personalized communication, are essential. It is the donors with whom an organization has the strongest relationships who will typically make the greatest, lasting investments in the organization’s philanthropic endeavors.

Major Gift Development

admin — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:22:26 +0000

Though an organization must encourage contributions of all sizes from all sources, ACB’s history reveals that successful philanthropic efforts are the result of investments from targeted, well-cultivated high-end key gifts, most often from individuals who have a sustained relationship with the organization, and its volunteer and internal leaders.

While focusing efforts toward major gift development may be a new approach for an organization, success can be achieved with the right, proven steps. Indeed, it is our experience that the success of any significant philanthropic endeavor will depend upon securing major gifts.

Volunteerism

admin — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:22:01 +0000

American City Bureau, Inc. believes the foundation of a successful philanthropic endeavor is committed, involved volunteer leadership. Though staff play an important role for certain, we know that the projects that meet or exceed goals are the ones that are volunteer driven. ACB will strongly encourage building a corps of the right volunteer leaders–dedicated to your organization and motivated to inspire others to give generously.

Organization-wide Ownership

admin — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:21:29 +0000

In order for donors and volunteer leaders to commit to an organization’s philanthropic effort, those within the organization must do so as well. Though there may be varying degrees of participation and support, all members, regardless of job description, must be advocates of the effort. Taking ownership of the development function and believing in what it will accomplish begins with the top leadership and is translated and reinforced internally through the entire organization.

Compelling Case for Support

admin — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:20:44 +0000

A vital component of every successful philanthropic endeavor is an organization’s case for support. To be effective, a case must be built on organizational mission and a vision for the future. A strong case, although rooted in fact and researched data, should be passionate and compelling, providing key messages that resonate with the right people and unify everyone around a common goal.

Sister Tonette Sperando, OSB – Benedictine Sisters

becky@acb-inc.com — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:49:05 +0000

“With American City Bureau, the Sisters never felt alone or excluded in the Feasibility Study process; a partnership was clearly evident. ACB was truly working as a representative for the Benedictine Sisters. As a result of our experience with American City Bureau, Inc. for our Development Office Review and Developmental Feasibility Study, the Benedictine Sisters hired American City Bureau to assist with a capital campaign for a renovation project. We are pleased to be working with ACB once again.”

Sister Tonette Sperando, OSB
Development Director
Benedictine Sisters, Sacred Heart Monastery of Cullman Alabama

Jerry Adkins – YMCA of Calhoun County

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:43:58 +0000

“We value our relationship, and we appreciate what ACB brings to the non-profit community. Your team’s professionalism and expertise, coupled with time-tested, patented processes, equate to fundraising success. In addition your ability to adapt your approach to a local community’s needs and culture ensures that we continue to thrive long after your work is complete.

Thank you for continuing to be a resource to our organization and others.”

Jerry Adkins
President and CEO
YMCA of Calhoun County