What's New
This page is intended to keep visitors to our website updated on the latest happenings at Woodburn, Kyle & Company. Please check this page often, as it is frequently updated. If you have specific questions that we can answer, please e-mail us.
Program: Fundraising for Construction
Friday, November 4 – 10:30 a.m.
Hilton-Oak
Mike Gelhausen, Director, Jack Russell Memorial Library, Hartford; Peter Woodburn, Woodburn, Kyle & Company, Madison, IN; Michael Bahr, Plunkett Raysich Architects, Milwaukee; Ryan Riemenschneider, J.P. Cullen and Sons, Brookfield
This program will take an interactive, comprehensive look at the entire fundraising process through Mike’s experience, including the involvement of a fundraising advisor, construction company representative and an architect. Attendees will walk away with the knowledge and the tools to get the process started-off on the right foot! The speakers will address working with the community, how to set a budget for the project, how to hire a fundraising advisor or do you need one? Working with the architect and contractor on a daily basis, how to lead your library board during the process and many more topics!
The following article by Linda Lampkin of Economic Research Institute is reprinted from the GuideStar Newsletter and was graciously approved for reprint. http://www2.guidestar.org/rxa/news/articles/2011/irs-reports-2010-2011.aspx
IRS Reports-What Was Done in 2010 and What's Planned for 2011
If you feel like the IRS might be watching you a little bit more closely these days, a new report from the Exempt Organizations Division (EO) of the Tax Exempt and Government Entities of the IRS provides some basis for that observation. EO Director Lois Lerner outlines accomplishments in fiscal year (FY) 2010 and previews plans for FY 2011 in the 29-page report. It is worth reading the entire report to get an understanding of EO's priorities, but below are some highlights. ...more
Indiana Library Federation Annual Conference Session"Fundraising: Necessary Evil or Opportunity?"
Fundraising has not been a top priority for libraries until local governments have reduced their funding for operating budgets and are more reluctant to support bond issues and tax levies. So, should fundraising be perceived as a last resort or an opportunity waiting to be discovered?
If you dread asking for money – period, there is probably little anyone can say to change your mind. However, if you believe that libraries have value and are an integral part of any community, then you might see fundraising as an opportunity. Here's why:
- Raising money requires any nonprofit to “sell” themselves to their community. Developing a case of why people should support your library can open eyes, minds and wallets. But be prepared that if you tell people about your programs, services, activities and accomplishments they might want to become cardholders and visit more often.
- Raising money requires the involvement of top leadership from your community. Having leadership serving on your board or on a separate library foundation can elevate the importance your library needs and its future plans. When it comes time to raise money, leadership can open doors and create fundraising opportunities.
- Raising money requires project plans that are well thought-out and that have vision. Diversifying your board with different types of business leaders can result in a board that is visionary rather than one serving in an overseer role. Changing the culture of the board to include entrepreneurs, financial leaders, marketing-oriented professionals, legal and even major donors can reinvigorate the board by changing the way it thinks and operates. The ability to plan, execute, negotiate and engage governmental officials can be significantly enhanced.
- Raising money requires that donor intent is honored and funds for endowment can be secure. Donors have a problem giving to a governmental agency because they perceive that funds can be used for other purposes. Foundations can be created to be recipients of, and manage, funds; and have active and dedicated boards that have an exclusive function to raise and manage money. They are separate from library boards and can focus on raising money for annual and capital needs with a longer- term goal of creating and growing an endowment.
Fundraising is definitely an opportunity because it enhances the value of your library by marketing it to the community, involving top leadership and donors, elevating the skill sets of board members, and allowing longer-term funding strategies to reduce dependence on governmental support. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us for answers!
Wayne Kyle
Senior Partner
More Than Just Conducting a Campaign!
Woodlawn Hospital - Rochester, Indiana became a client just before the economy took a dive. With great persistence, the volunteers responded to our direction and management to bring the campaign in over goal, raising almost $1.4 million on a campaign objective of $1.25 million. Upon completion of the campaign, WK&C was asked to transform their Development Council into the Woodlawn Foundation. We have since helped to incorporate their foundation, conducted a board development program to enlist ideal members, and work now on building the foundation's infrastructure, programming, and donor recognition system.
A Different Kind of Study for the City of Madison, Indiana
Madison, Indiana Mayor Tim Armstrong approached WK&C to conduct a study of the Madison Parks and Recreation Department because some of its venues were perhaps not operating as efficiently as possible. A study included a series of confidential interviews, research and audits, and meetings with key city staff members and Park Board members about the department and its operations.
Early in 2010, we provided recommendations that are leading to significant changes. Working in the field of government was an eye-opening experience. As our findings report was broadcast over the local cable television channel, we were uncertain of the response. However, we received numerous compliments from those who thought our recommendations were valuable.
Were We Really That Good?
We directed a capital campaign for Taylorville Memorial Hospital - Taylorville, Illinois. The campaign was just underway in the community solicitation phase when the economy soured. With great perseverance and adapting to a new reality, the campaign exceeded its $1.25 million goal by raising $1.8 million. During the campaign, one of the Community Gifts Division Chairs approached us about changing professions and entering the field of philanthropy. About 6 months later, the position of Executive Director became available at the Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County, Inc.- Madison, Indiana. That Illinois volunteer, Bill Barnes, was ultimately selected as the new Executive Director of our local community foundation. Sometimes you never know what impact your profession has on your volunteers and the people you touch. We - and Madison - are lucky to have him.
Compelling Cases Make Great Videos
Videos are an important part of any campaign because they bring the client and the spirit of the campaign to prospects. Our Telly Award with Visuality Media Productions for "Bringing the Best to You" is one of many accolades the Woodburn, Kyle & Company team has received over the past 10 years.
The Telly Awards honor the very best local, regional, and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions, and work created for the Web. Our Telly award winning videos were produced for:
- Taylorville Memorial Hospital - Taylorville, IL: "Bringing the Best to You"
- Highlands Foundation - Prestonsburg, KY: "Hope for Life"
- Aquatic Center at Baker Park - New Castle, IN: "More Than Just a Pool"
- Hilltop Neighborhood House - Valparaiso, IN: "Sustaining a Community"
The Communicator Awards is the leading international awards program honoring creative excellence for Communications Professionals. Founded by communication professionals over a decade ago, The Communicator Awards receives over 9,000 entries from companies and agencies of all sizes, making it one of the largest awards competitions of its kind in the world. Our Communicator Award for video was presented for:
- Langlade Memorial Hospital - Antigo, WI: "Hope and Healing"
The Aegis Awards is one of the oldest and most respected video/film production contests in the United States. In fact, the Aegis Awards is the only competition that features true peer judging by fellow producers, directors, cameramen, editors, and other professionals who work in the video/film industry every day. Our Aegis Award was presented for:
- Boscobel Area Healthcare - Boscobel, WI: "Healthcare for Life"
