Estate Planning Letter? What else can we do?

[Ed Bos]

As pointed out by Eclipse in http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=18665.0, I also received the CAP Estate Planning Letter.

I assume this is an outright attempt by CAP to get more of our hard-earned money from us, even after we pass away.

Good on them.

I assume some folks aren't interested in seeing any more of their personal treasure diverted to CAP than they currently do, and that led me to a curious line of thinking...

Let's list 101 fundraising ideas for CAP. I understand some people were less interested in supporting the Mary Feik Scholarship, so let's come up with a list of over 100 potential (and practical) sources of revenue for the organization that we all enjoy.

What's your best idea? I'll think hard about my own recommendation before I post it as well.

[Alaric]

As pointed out by Eclipse in http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=18665.0, I also received the CAP Estate Planning Letter.

I assume this is an outright attempt by CAP to get more of our hard-earned money from us, even after we pass away.

Good on them.

I assume some folks aren't interested in seeing any more of their personal treasure diverted to CAP than they currently do, and that led me to a curious line of thinking...

Let's list 101 fundraising ideas for CAP. I understand some people were less interested in supporting the Mary Feik Scholarship, so let's come up with a list of over 100 potential (and practical) sources of revenue for the organization that we all enjoy.

What's your best idea? I'll think hard about my own recommendation before I post it as well.

Glad you think its good on them, I think it is disgusting and unethical to solicit members for money.  If we are that desperate for money then immediately cut all travel allowance for region and national staff (I pay for my own travel to events why shouldnt they).  Discontinue the salary for the fundraising guy, pay him a percentage of what he brings in, if he can't pay for himself then he is ineffective and shouldnt be there.  Raise dues, people who are willing and able will pay, people who are not won't.  Better than the begging bowl constantly being out.

[PA Guy]

As pointed out by Eclipse in http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=18665.0, I also received the CAP Estate Planning Letter.

I assume this is an outright attempt by CAP to get more of our hard-earned money from us, even after we pass away.

Good on them.

I assume some folks aren't interested in seeing any more of their personal treasure diverted to CAP than they currently do, and that led me to a curious line of thinking...

Let's list 101 fundraising ideas for CAP. I understand some people were less interested in supporting the Mary Feik Scholarship, so let's come up with a list of over 100 potential (and practical) sources of revenue for the organization that we all enjoy.

What's your best idea? I'll think hard about my own recommendation before I post it as well.

Glad you think its good on them, I think it is disgusting and unethical to solicit members for money.  If we are that desperate for money then immediately cut all travel allowance for region and national staff (I pay for my own travel to events why shouldnt they).  Discontinue the salary for the fundraising guy, pay him a percentage of what he brings in, if he can't pay for himself then he is ineffective and shouldnt be there.  Raise dues, people who are willing and able will pay, people who are not won't.  Better than the begging bowl constantly being out.

Every college, professional organization, alumni association and church I've attended or belonged to solicits money for endowments, PACs, scholarships or estate planning. I just don't see what the problem is. Some solicitations I ignore and some I give what I can. How is it unethical? What you find disgusting many others don't. "Begging bowl" is a little over the top don't you think? They aren't begging only offering an opportunity to give if you feel it. Obviously you don't so ignore it.

Have you put yourself on their do not mail list? I did and I have never received a solicitation from NHQ.

[Eclipse]

Have you put yourself on their do not mail list? I did and I have never received a solicitation from NHQ.

There is no option to remain on the mailing list for relevent information and still not
receive these types of messages, since this is not a "3rd party".

If you opt out of this, you're out of everything except renewal notices.

[Alaric]

As pointed out by Eclipse in http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=18665.0, I also received the CAP Estate Planning Letter.

I assume this is an outright attempt by CAP to get more of our hard-earned money from us, even after we pass away.

Good on them.

I assume some folks aren't interested in seeing any more of their personal treasure diverted to CAP than they currently do, and that led me to a curious line of thinking...

Let's list 101 fundraising ideas for CAP. I understand some people were less interested in supporting the Mary Feik Scholarship, so let's come up with a list of over 100 potential (and practical) sources of revenue for the organization that we all enjoy.

What's your best idea? I'll think hard about my own recommendation before I post it as well.

Glad you think its good on them, I think it is disgusting and unethical to solicit members for money.  If we are that desperate for money then immediately cut all travel allowance for region and national staff (I pay for my own travel to events why shouldnt they).  Discontinue the salary for the fundraising guy, pay him a percentage of what he brings in, if he can't pay for himself then he is ineffective and shouldnt be there.  Raise dues, people who are willing and able will pay, people who are not won't.  Better than the begging bowl constantly being out.

Every college, professional organization, alumni association and church I've attended or belonged to solicits money for endowments, PACs, scholarships or estate planning. I just don't see what the problem is. Some solicitations I ignore and some I give what I can. How is it unethical? What you find disgusting many others don't. "Begging bowl" is a little over the top don't you think? They aren't begging only offering an opportunity to give if you feel it. Obviously you don't so ignore it.

Have you put yourself on their do not mail list? I did and I have never received a solicitation from NHQ.

Other than the Red Cross, and I had this discussion with them as well, no organization for which I volunteer has asked me for money.  Not the Shrine, not my Fraternity, and not my Schul.  If CAP is so bad at budgeting they have to go to the membership for money, that's a problem.  And yes they are begging, by definition, really does no one have a dictionary any more?


beg
beg/Submit
verb
gerund or present participle: begging
1.
ask (someone) earnestly or humbly for something.
"I begged him for mercy"
synonyms:   implore, entreat, plead with, appeal to, supplicate, pray to, importune; More
ask for (something) earnestly or humbly.
"he begged their forgiveness"
synonyms:   ask for, request, plead for, appeal for, call for, sue for, solicit, seek, press for
"we begged for mercy"
ask formally for (permission to do something).
"I will now beg leave to make some observations"
2.
ask for something, typically food or money, as charity or a gift.
"a young woman was begging in the street"
synonyms:   panhandle, ask for money, seek charity, seek alms; More

[jimmydeanno]

Planned giving is a proven effective strategy for building endowments.  I have no problem with CAP asking me for money, afterall, if our own members aren't willing to support our organization and missions, why would anyone else?  Do our members not feel so strongly about what we do and accomplish that they want to see the organization continue into perpetuity? 

Believe it or not, outside of CAPTalk there are thousands of hardworking volunteers who have a deep fondness for CAP because they have been volunteering with the organization for a significant portion of their lives. Some for 50+ years.  That's significant, and it obviously means something to them. For me, CAP changed my teen years, and provided me with significant opportunities in my adult years.  It's the one and only thing that I have been doing continuously (in terms of membership type stuff) for over 15 years.  I'm young, so mind you that's nearly half my life I've been participating in our missions.

Reminding people that they are able to leave something to the organization (that they love and cherish) is not unethical or even wrongly directed.  It may be begging, but the organization can't expand it's missions and influence, reach new target areas, start new programs, etc., without money - that's a fact.  If our membership doesn't think that is worthwhile, I'm not sure why they're members.  Certainly, I get more than $38 dollars out of my membership each year.  The least I can do is give what I can.

[Alaric]

Planned giving is a proven effective strategy for building endowments.  I have no problem with CAP asking me for money, afterall, if our own members aren't willing to support our organization and missions, why would anyone else?  Do our members not feel so strongly about what we do and accomplish that they want to see the organization continue into perpetuity? 

Believe it or not, outside of CAPTalk there are thousands of hardworking volunteers who have a deep fondness for CAP because they have been volunteering with the organization for a significant portion of their lives. Some for 50+ years.  That's significant, and it obviously means something to them. For me, CAP changed my teen years, and provided me with significant opportunities in my adult years.  It's the one and only thing that I have been doing continuously (in terms of membership type stuff) for over 15 years.  I'm young, so mind you that's nearly half my life I've been participating in our missions.

Reminding people that they are able to leave something to the organization (that they love and cherish) is not unethical or even wrongly directed.  It may be begging, but the organization can't expand it's missions and influence, reach new target areas, start new programs, etc., without money - that's a fact.  If our membership doesn't think that is worthwhile, I'm not sure why they're members.  Certainly, I get more than $38 dollars out of my membership each year.  The least I can do is give what I can.

I have a big problem with it.  If the parasites need more organism, let them pay for it.  I have been doing CAP since 2009, I spend a lot of money for the privilege of doing so. If they need more money my suggestions stand.

[Eclipse]

Reminding people that they are able to leave something to the organization (that they love and cherish) is not unethical or even wrongly directed.  It may be begging, but the organization can't expand it's missions and influence, reach new target areas, start new programs, etc., without money - that's a fact.  If our membership doesn't think that is worthwhile, I'm not sure why they're members.  Certainly, I get more than $38 dollars out of my membership each year.  The least I can do is give what I can.

$38?  Must be nice. 

I'd be willing to bet I'm into CAP for at >least< $20K of real spend probably a lot more (albeit deductible), not to mention the uncountable hundreds of hours.  I'm not unique, probably at the mid-range for the active members of my wing.

Alaric's being more direct then me, but just because something isn't unethical doesn't make it not distasteful.
There's no problem making this an option, but the repeated solicitations are the issue.  I think I've received
4 emails or mailings this year on this or the CFC, and nothing on mission, purpose, or strategic plan.

Granting the benefit of the doubt to the fundraising arm, being they are just doing >their< jobs,
why aren't the other, mission-focused directorates being visible and communicating at least as
>much<.  That's where a lot of the heartburn here is.

[jimmydeanno]

You don't belong to any professional organizations that ask for money from you for different causes?  I get hit up by several, several times a year, for scholarships, etc.  All of them have planned giving options.  All of them have membership dues that cost me more than my CAP dues, and I don't get to do anything but attend a presentation here and there.

Certainly, many of us have spent a significant amount of money on CAP, whether it be putting a tank of gas in a van or buying cadets ice cream after an activity.  The point remains that the purpose of a membership is to ensure that the organization can continue on.  We have dues, yes, but it's readily apparent by looking at our annual budget that our dues would have to be significantly higher to keep our organization afloat if it weren't for the influx of money from the U.S. taxpayer. 

I hear about how much people put into their local units and how they are "tapped out."  Funding locally is the easiest thing to fix and something that is directly in each of our control.  But a bbq at National Headquarters isn't going to bring in the amount of money the organization needs to continue on the path of its strategic plan, it will get a squadron through the year, though.

"I didn't join CAP to have barbeques or solicit funds" doesn't resonate with me, because as a member I feel obligated to help the organization move forward.  I can't do "what I joined to do" without the organization being here, so if that means that I need to cook a few burgers once a year, then so be it.  If I think that teaching cadets to fly is a really important thing that our organization should be doing, then I'm going to have to cut a check.  If we're passionate about our missions, we need to find ways to support the cause, not just insult those who are making the effort we aren't willing to do ourselves. 

[MSG Mac]

If Doctor Dothrow would come up with a Paid Life Membership, (which was authorized by the May 1991 NEC) I would be interested. Otherwise my dollars will be spent locally.

[PA Guy]

As pointed out by Eclipse in http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=18665.0, I also received the CAP Estate Planning Letter.

I assume this is an outright attempt by CAP to get more of our hard-earned money from us, even after we pass away.

Good on them.

I assume some folks aren't interested in seeing any more of their personal treasure diverted to CAP than they currently do, and that led me to a curious line of thinking...

Let's list 101 fundraising ideas for CAP. I understand some people were less interested in supporting the Mary Feik Scholarship, so let's come up with a list of over 100 potential (and practical) sources of revenue for the organization that we all enjoy.

What's your best idea? I'll think hard about my own recommendation before I post it as well.

Glad you think its good on them, I think it is disgusting and unethical to solicit members for money.  If we are that desperate for money then immediately cut all travel allowance for region and national staff (I pay for my own travel to events why shouldnt they).  Discontinue the salary for the fundraising guy, pay him a percentage of what he brings in, if he can't pay for himself then he is ineffective and shouldnt be there.  Raise dues, people who are willing and able will pay, people who are not won't.  Better than the begging bowl constantly being out.

Every college, professional organization, alumni association and church I've attended or belonged to solicits money for endowments, PACs, scholarships or estate planning. I just don't see what the problem is. Some solicitations I ignore and some I give what I can. How is it unethical? What you find disgusting many others don't. "Begging bowl" is a little over the top don't you think? They aren't begging only offering an opportunity to give if you feel it. Obviously you don't so ignore it.

Have you put yourself on their do not mail list? I did and I have never received a solicitation from NHQ.

Other than the Red Cross, and I had this discussion with them as well, no organization for which I volunteer has asked me for money.  Not the Shrine, not my Fraternity, and not my Schul.  If CAP is so bad at budgeting they have to go to the membership for money, that's a problem.  And yes they are begging, by definition, really does no one have a dictionary any more?


beg
beg/Submit
verb
gerund or present participle: begging
1.
ask (someone) earnestly or humbly for something.
"I begged him for mercy"
synonyms:   implore, entreat, plead with, appeal to, supplicate, pray to, importune; More
ask for (something) earnestly or humbly.
"he begged their forgiveness"
synonyms:   ask for, request, plead for, appeal for, call for, sue for, solicit, seek, press for
"we begged for mercy"
ask formally for (permission to do something).
"I will now beg leave to make some observations"
2.
ask for something, typically food or money, as charity or a gift.
"a young woman was begging in the street"
synonyms:   panhandle, ask for money, seek charity, seek alms; More

Alaric,

Ohhhhhh, quite the scholar aren't you. I choose to contribute to a couple of flight scholarships and I bought a couple of bricks at NHQ to remember a couple of former cadets that didn't get to come home from RVN. I hope that doesn't offend your sensibilities. We get it, you don't like solicitations you have told everyone this on several occasions, get over it.

You mentioned the Shriners. Are you a Shriner? How do they support their hospitals? I believe the Shriners offer estate planning etc. through the Donor Relations office.

[James Shaw]

I have no angst with anyone trying to raise funds. It is an individual decision to support or not.

But I want to know  that they appreciate my time as well as my money before they get either one.

[FW]

^Well said, Jim.  I am constantly inundated with requests for funds from my High School, College, and Dental Schools.  I'm asked to give to my Fraternal Organizations on a regular basis. My "Shul" send me letters for "donations" every other week.  The ARC asks; not only for money, but for blood as well.  We all know what CAP asks for.  Asking to contribute more is part of the fabric of life. It's just our job to decide who we give our hard earned cash and effort. 

Now, to the OP, the guide to raising money for CAP can be found in CAPR 173-4.  Most ideas have been discussed over and over.  It's not the ideas which we lack, it's the success.  Discussing ways to be successful is another topic. Maybe, by going over every thread on CT, we can get some idea of why success is just beyond our reach... :angel:

[JeffDG]

I have no angst with anyone trying to raise funds. It is an individual decision to support or not.

But I want to know  that they appreciate my time as well as my money before they get either one.

I would appreciate if they would acknowledge my intelligence a bit.

I'm still wrapping my head around how I can help my daughter by diverting part of her inheritance to someone else.

[Alaric]

As pointed out by Eclipse in http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=18665.0, I also received the CAP Estate Planning Letter.

I assume this is an outright attempt by CAP to get more of our hard-earned money from us, even after we pass away.

Good on them.

I assume some folks aren't interested in seeing any more of their personal treasure diverted to CAP than they currently do, and that led me to a curious line of thinking...

Let's list 101 fundraising ideas for CAP. I understand some people were less interested in supporting the Mary Feik Scholarship, so let's come up with a list of over 100 potential (and practical) sources of revenue for the organization that we all enjoy.

What's your best idea? I'll think hard about my own recommendation before I post it as well.

Glad you think its good on them, I think it is disgusting and unethical to solicit members for money.  If we are that desperate for money then immediately cut all travel allowance for region and national staff (I pay for my own travel to events why shouldnt they).  Discontinue the salary for the fundraising guy, pay him a percentage of what he brings in, if he can't pay for himself then he is ineffective and shouldnt be there.  Raise dues, people who are willing and able will pay, people who are not won't.  Better than the begging bowl constantly being out.

Every college, professional organization, alumni association and church I've attended or belonged to solicits money for endowments, PACs, scholarships or estate planning. I just don't see what the problem is. Some solicitations I ignore and some I give what I can. How is it unethical? What you find disgusting many others don't. "Begging bowl" is a little over the top don't you think? They aren't begging only offering an opportunity to give if you feel it. Obviously you don't so ignore it.

Have you put yourself on their do not mail list? I did and I have never received a solicitation from NHQ.

Other than the Red Cross, and I had this discussion with them as well, no organization for which I volunteer has asked me for money.  Not the Shrine, not my Fraternity, and not my Schul.  If CAP is so bad at budgeting they have to go to the membership for money, that's a problem.  And yes they are begging, by definition, really does no one have a dictionary any more?


beg
beg/Submit
verb
gerund or present participle: begging
1.
ask (someone) earnestly or humbly for something.
"I begged him for mercy"
synonyms:   implore, entreat, plead with, appeal to, supplicate, pray to, importune; More
ask for (something) earnestly or humbly.
"he begged their forgiveness"
synonyms:   ask for, request, plead for, appeal for, call for, sue for, solicit, seek, press for
"we begged for mercy"
ask formally for (permission to do something).
"I will now beg leave to make some observations"
2.
ask for something, typically food or money, as charity or a gift.
"a young woman was begging in the street"
synonyms:   panhandle, ask for money, seek charity, seek alms; More

Alaric,

Ohhhhhh, quite the scholar aren't you. I choose to contribute to a couple of flight scholarships and I bought a couple of bricks at NHQ to remember a couple of former cadets that didn't get to come home from RVN. I hope that doesn't offend your sensibilities. We get it, you don't like solicitations you have told everyone this on several occasions, get over it.

You mentioned the Shriners. Are you a Shriner? How do they support their hospitals? I believe the Shriners offer estate planning etc. through the Donor Relations office.

I am a Shriner, and I have never received a letter soliciting funds.  Shrine hospitals are supported through donations and a per capita tax on the membership.  If people want to donate, they are welcome to, but we do not get solicited for such.

[James Shaw]

^Well said, Jim.  I am constantly inundated with requests for funds from my High School, College, and Dental Schools.  I'm asked to give to my Fraternal Organizations on a regular basis. My "Shul" send me letters for "donations" every other week.  The ARC asks; not only for money, but for blood as well.  We all know what CAP asks for.  Asking to contribute more is part of the fabric of life. It's just our job to decide who we give our hard earned cash and effort. 

Now, to the OP, the guide to raising money for CAP can be found in CAPR 173-4.  Most ideas have been discussed over and over.  It's not the ideas which we lack, it's the success.  Discussing ways to be successful is another topic. Maybe, by going over every thread on CT, we can get some idea of why success is just beyond our reach... :angel:

Thanks Fred.

I get those requests just like you do from School, Fraternal Organizations, and Veterans groups. I appreciate all of their efforts and their missions. We have to pick and choose which ones we contribute to and that often changes.

I have no issues with giving money or donating items to an organization if I have knowledge of how my money is going to be used to support the organization directly and not provide money for a year end bonus to one of their leaders. If my child needs something for group participation, then I will do my best to get it for him. If we have a cadet that needs money to go to encampment then we can help with that as well. It is easier for me to internally justify the number of hours I have to work to help make it happen. I like to see the end result.

The basis and premise for me starts with my sons, both have benefitted from the program and as long as they participate then I am sure I will be at least at the squadron. My oldest son is in the Marines and benefitted from CAP and my youngest is in the 9th grade. Then it moves to helping other cadets succeed along the way. I enjoy it. Out of the ribbons I have the Encampment Ribbon is by far one of the best and hardest to earn.

The last part is my time......I can get the money back eventually, but I cant get the time back.

If an organization cant appreciate the estimated $10,000 worth of time I give each year then why would I give more? (Not necessarily CAP but in general).

[LSThiker]

I am a Shriner, and I have never received a letter soliciting funds.  Shrine hospitals are supported through donations and a per capita tax on the membership.  If people want to donate, they are welcome to, but we do not get solicited for such.

My hospital and the Shriners Hospital next door are partnered together.  We share personnel, research space, and other items.  Although it is funny how fast we distance ourselves when the other does something wrong (like immoral animal experiments by Shriners).  Anyway, about 1 or 2 times a year, I get an email through my work email asking for donations to Shriners Hospital.

As a state hospital, we also get asked to donate to our hospital every year.  Our current employee charitable campaign is at $468,328 and represents 23% of our employees. 

I have gotten asked by the Veterans Affairs (which I pay taxes), the various professional military societies, the frat, my last few universities (mostly state sponsored schools), my alumni organizations, my old ROTC program, the city fire department (which I already pay taxes), the city police department (which I already pay taxes), the four professional societies that I pay membership to, and a whole host of other organizations that I belong/once belonged to. 

CAP is no different in this case.


As a funny story, I told our university president that I could easily find a way for the university to save over $450,000 a year.  He was not happy with my solution of cutting the President's and VPs salaries by 15% each.

[NIN]

Development is a tricky tightrope to walk.

It varies, wildly, by type of organization, mission, audience, "membership," etc.  (I used to be an IT director for a private 4 year college, so I worked with the development folks a lot on grants, etc).  That said, development in Higher Ed is substantially different than development for, say, a local human services non-profit, which is in-turn different from your national membership organization, and is also different from a separate foundation funding the non-profit, etc.

The larger problem has more facets:

1) It does not seem, at the rank-and-file membership level, that we have an understanding on any kind of strategic direction/programming/capital projects that we have earmarked for the "non-DoD" development funding we might get.  What will we do with the money we get.  this is a national-level strategic issue (long term) and requires communication with stakeholders both internally and externally. 

Should CAP have its own endowment to fund operations separate from DoD/USAF funding? Should Civil Air Patrol embark on a 10 year multi-million dollar capital fundraising effort to build a headquarters "elsewhere"? Does CAP want to fund a  program to built in situ/ab inito pilot development among senior members?  Buildings for subordinate units like the ATC cadets in the UK have?  (these are just examples I'm making up off the cuff, BTW)   Who the hell knows because our strategic direction doesn't seem to have much coherency beyond a year or so, and then its still strictly "We have multiple directions.." 

That the message to the membership as to "what these funds are for/why we need these funds" is muddled is clear even from earlier  posts in this thread.  And as we all know, in the communication process, if the receiver gets the wrong message, the first place to look is at the message the sender puts out. (see, all that training does come in handy!)

2) You raise development money in a membership organization where the members already contribute time, money, effort, etc into the organizational mission accomplishment differently than you do, say, a membership organization that is an umbrella or advocacy group for a particular cause, sport, illness, etc.

You can't always go to the membership base in a participatory volunteer organization (CAP, Red Cross, etc) who are already spending (potentially) both hundreds of dollars of their own money and hundreds of hours of their own time on a yearly basis and say "Hey, give us some more, eh?"

This is knowing your audience, and I don't think our development efforts reflect that, again, as evidenced by the utter disenfranchisment of the previous posters.

3) Audience segmentation is key.  In a school environment, you hit your alumni base for endowment/development fund, but you hit corporate folks for a different set of funds or different purpose. We didn't go to HP or Cisco or Microsoft for an in-kind donation using the same messaging we used to speak to the alumni, nor did we go to local IT businesses & organizations with the same funding message.

I don't know a lot about non-profit development apart from what I see in different organizations that I belong to (CAP, USPA, right now, and the college before that), but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that we're alienating a LOT of our active, participating, contributing membership with this constant shilling for dollars from people who already contribute a lot.

[AirAux]

Sure, I am ready to donate more money since I have only been giving for 35 years.  And what do I get?  Because I am old and fat, I get to wear a distinctive uniform that makes me look like and feel like I don't relly belong.  Morale not so much anymore.  I think part of the letter noted it would be used to increase diversity among senior members.  Yeah, great, so we pay their way on board and then how do they buy a uniform and all the other crap to be able to participate?  Just what we need, more diversity instead of unity...

[NIN]

Sure, I am ready to donate more money since I have only been giving for 35 years.  And what do I get?  Because I am old and fat, I get to wear a distinctive uniform that makes me look like and feel like I don't relly belong.  Morale not so much anymore.  I think part of the letter noted it would be used to increase diversity among senior members.  Yeah, great, so we pay their way on board and then how do they buy a uniform and all the other crap to be able to participate?  Just what we need, more diversity instead of unity...

I think the word you were looking for there was "divisiveness" not "diversity"

[SamFranklin]

For thirty years, CAP was the only nonprofit in my life not to ask me to contribute at tax time and through planned giving. The development folks are doing the right things pretty much.

To Ed's original question, I think I'd like to see this: 

1). Specific need identified. Maybe serve 500 cadets with flight training at a cost of $500K.

2.). Tie the need to a mission, here that's obviously cadets and AE.

3.). Begin the campaign quietly by approaching major givers only (Cessna, Boeing) not the members or public.

4.).  Aim for 2 gifts at 50k, four at 25k, ten at 10k   

5).  That's 300k or sixty percent at the major level. When you get most of that, say 250k, go public.

6).  Now you pursue the $1k and $100 donors to bring you the final mile.


Imagine the NHQ letter saying this:   "CAP members love flying. We want to help cadets solo. X, Y, and Z major givers have taken the lead and we're halfway to our 500k goal. Please help us at the 50/100/250/500/1000 tote bag of choice to get us the rest of the way."   


I think a lot of longtime guys like me would write a check IF we saw some success at the major donor level first. 

I might be wrong but my impression is they went after the $50 givers through the brick program too soon, before winning support from the big guys. 

[Eclipse]

One thing I learned in fundraising 101 is that you ask for "things" not "money".

You can find ways to get capital grants to build a building, but it's a lot harder to find donations
for operating expenses.

Asking Boeing for flight scholarships is reasonable, asking your membership for "money", isn't.

Another factor?  NHQ doesn't even know who the "active" members actually are because they won't push the
issue of normalizing the membership categories, so they don't even know who they are alienating.

Sure, that guy who passed by the squadron for 20 minutes 10 years ago keeps writing a check, so
he doesn't feel put upon when he gets the letter, but how about the guy who just got done with an encampment
that cost him two weeks vacation and $1000 in travel expenses?

And who does CAP need more?

[DoubleSecret]

I have no angst with anyone trying to raise funds. It is an individual decision to support or not.

But I want to know  that they appreciate my time as well as my money before they get either one.

I would appreciate if they would acknowledge my intelligence a bit.

I'm still wrapping my head around how I can help my daughter by diverting part of her inheritance to someone else.

"Ways to Better Protect Your Kids" has me completely thrown, yes.  What was that first core value again?

[SARDOC]

I'm a member of the VFW and the AFA as well as a number of other organizations and believe me that the amount of solicitation material I receive from them has got to cost them more than my actual member dues in just postage alone.

This isn't an uncommon tactic in the revenue generation scheme. 

[Ed Bos]

Seems there are a few categories of responses here:

1) "CAP should spend within their means, and not ask for money."

  - Respectfully, I don't think you understand what the organization is if you believe they're over-spending... The organization exists to pursue our chartered missions, and our leadership makes hard decisions on what we will spend money on pursuing. Saying "just cut the travel budget" is like saying "don't spend any money on anything" which leaves us with no resources to do the job.

Incidentally, I think referring to your colleagues as parasites is a little extreme, Alaric.

2) " 'They' shouldn't ask the members who already do stuff for money."
  - WE are CAP. We're asking ourselves to decide if we want to support the goals of our organization. I'm tapped out this year with other charitable giving and my own participation in the national special activity I enjoy, but if I had more money to provide for a specific goal (like the Feik Scholarship), I would do so.

Don't be threatened that you can't do more... Don't disguise your disappointment with disgust or dismay. Simply enjoy what you're able to do, and appreciate the fact that our team has lofty goals and a plan to pursue them. I'm a fairly active CAP member, and I don't feel the need to resent the organization for letting me know they would like more resources to accomplish more.

3) "Let's make a plan for additional development activities."
  - SamFranklin, thanks for answering the question posed. I think your idea of appealing to the aviation industry as stakeholders is a good one, and your observation about using them as flag-bearers for a campaign is spot-on.
- NIN, your observations about transparency and buy-in are well put.

Thanks guys, this seems to be a fruitful discussion, despite some of the venom on here.

[Checotah]

I honestly don't know if I got one of those letters or not.  I pitch all requests for money, regardless of source.

As a long time member, I have had CAP in my estate planning for a long time, but not at the national level.  My local squadron is the beneficiary of part of my estate, worded such that it, and it alone, will have control of those funds, wing banking be [darn]ed.  One of the worst concepts enacted, IMHO.

[NIN]

Keep in mind, too, there are difference between appropriated and non-appropriated funds.

If CAP raises money (for, say, CP-ish stuff, technology development for new missions, scholarship, member development, etc) that is non-appropriated and can be spent differently.   That doesn't mean its not accounted for, or is some kind of "slush fund for CAP" (I have heard that phrase used) that has no oversight.   It is just in a different bucket.

CAP does a LOT of stuff, *most* of which is funded by the USAF (appropriated money).  And when the appropriated money dries up (end the FY, sequestration, Congress decides it wants to hack/slash the USAF budget starting with CAP O&M, whatever), things stop for awhile.  Remember during the gov't shutdown last year? Yeah.

You want to have cool cadet activities?  Don't expect the USAF to fund the "non-USAF-ish" stuff , but instead you need to fund it thru in-kind donations from corporations, etc. (ex.  the MKS Business Academy I believe is that probably does benefit from external support from a 3rd party sponsor)

But as we've said: Absent any cohesive/coherent messaging about "This is what we're raising funds for.." or "Look at this awesome program we want to get off the ground with your help!", we're left to go "yeah? More money? No."

[Alaric]

Seems there are a few categories of responses here:

1) "CAP should spend within their means, and not ask for money."

  - Respectfully, I don't think you understand what the organization is if you believe they're over-spending... The organization exists to pursue our chartered missions, and our leadership makes hard decisions on what we will spend money on pursuing. Saying "just cut the travel budget" is like saying "don't spend any money on anything" which leaves us with no resources to do the job.

I think saying cut the travel budget is saying if we need more money, put leadership in the same position as the rank and file, If I want to go to NESA, the National Conference, Encampment, RSC, etc.  I pay to travel, to stay at a hotel, for food.  I see no reason why a Wing Commander can't pay his own way.  If the leadership had to do the same there would be more money for supporting scholarships, etc/

[Eclipse]

Beyond the O&A of keeping the organization's doors open above the Wing level, I would hard pressed
to find any significant non-appropriated  funds that ever filtered down to the member or activity level.

I've never seen a dime at the unit or group level - all funds to maintain the building we had, not to mention
the significant outlay of upgrading an ICP trailer came from member or private donations (from organizations
those units directly supported).

The encampments were net-zero activities, fully funded by those who participated, and receiving no money
from any other sources.

ES activities are run from appropriated funds.

O-Rides are run from appropriated funds.

The wing receives in-kind donations of facilities for support it provides to the state, and gets a small annual
budget towards O&A from member dues added to annual fees.

[JeffDG]

I think saying cut the travel budget is saying if we need more money, put leadership in the same position as the rank and file, If I want to go to NESA, the National Conference, Encampment, RSC, etc.  I pay to travel, to stay at a hotel, for food.  I see no reason why a Wing Commander can't pay his own way.  If the leadership had to do the same there would be more money for supporting scholarships, etc/

Except the Wing Commander is required to attend certain events.  When higher HQ mandates that someone attend an event, then it is reasonable that funds be provided to cover the cost of such attendance.

[Eclipse]

I think saying cut the travel budget is saying if we need more money, put leadership in the same position as the rank and file, If I want to go to NESA, the National Conference, Encampment, RSC, etc.  I pay to travel, to stay at a hotel, for food.  I see no reason why a Wing Commander can't pay his own way.  If the leadership had to do the same there would be more money for supporting scholarships, etc/

Then you'd never see the majority of these people.  Differences aside, most of the eagles and stars have
regular jobs and families of their own, and would not be able to afford to pay their own travel costs.

I don't frankly know how many of them do it today.  Being a wing CC in a larger state means you spend the majority
of your time in a car.

[Alaric]

I think saying cut the travel budget is saying if we need more money, put leadership in the same position as the rank and file, If I want to go to NESA, the National Conference, Encampment, RSC, etc.  I pay to travel, to stay at a hotel, for food.  I see no reason why a Wing Commander can't pay his own way.  If the leadership had to do the same there would be more money for supporting scholarships, etc/

Except the Wing Commander is required to attend certain events.  When higher HQ mandates that someone attend an event, then it is reasonable that funds be provided to cover the cost of such attendance.

It is reasonable if we have the money, when I was Master of my lodge, there were events I was expected to attend, the cost of attendance came out of pocket.  This is a known cost and you don't run for Master unless you're willing to spend your own money.  To me its about priorities, if as a group we want to fund scholarships, then one way to do that is by lowering spending in other areas.

[Alaric]

I think saying cut the travel budget is saying if we need more money, put leadership in the same position as the rank and file, If I want to go to NESA, the National Conference, Encampment, RSC, etc.  I pay to travel, to stay at a hotel, for food.  I see no reason why a Wing Commander can't pay his own way.  If the leadership had to do the same there would be more money for supporting scholarships, etc/

Then you'd never see the majority of these people.  Differences aside, most of the eagles and stars have
regular jobs and families of their own, and would not be able to afford to pay their own travel costs.

I don't frankly know how many of them do it today.  Being a wing CC in a larger state means you spend the majority
of your time in a car.

Regular jobs and families, you mean just like the rest of the membership that is paying out of pocket?

[Eclipse]

Regular jobs and families, you mean just like the rest of the membership that is paying out of pocket?

OK, come on.  the "rest of the membership" isn't expected to be all over a given wing, or Lord help them, regional area every
weekend of their lives. 

The "rest of the membership" on the whole, attend weekly meetings, a few missions a year, and maybe an encampment
or an NCSA.  (As to you work through my above sentence, the numbers get smaller).  They write off a couple grand in
gas and misc and move on.

The expectations of the Wing and Region CC's are far and above that ofr the average rank and file member - this is
one of the reasons CAP struggles with finding effective leadership at these levels, because the pool of people
who are even capable of doing it from a time and financial standpoint is so small.

[Alaric]

Regular jobs and families, you mean just like the rest of the membership that is paying out of pocket?

OK, come on.  the "rest of the membership" isn't expected to be all over a given wing, or Lord help them, regional area every
weekend of their lives. 

The "rest of the membership" on the whole, attend weekly meetings, a few missions a year, and maybe an encampment
or an NCSA.  (As to you work through my above sentence, the numbers get smaller).  They write off a couple grand in
gas and misc and move on.

The expectations of the Wing and Region CC's are far and above that ofr the average rank and file member - this is
one of the reasons CAP struggles with finding effective leadership at these levels, because the pool of people
who are even capable of doing it from a time and financial standpoint is so small.

When someone makes the decision that they want to be a Wing Commander/Region Commander, etc it doesn't happen overnight.  If its what somebody wants to do, they save for it.

[Майор Хаткевич]

I could do it. At least the until the divorce papers.

[JeffDG]

I could do it. At least the until the divorce papers.

And the layoff notice for not showing up at your job!

[Майор Хаткевич]

I could do it. At least the until the divorce papers.

And the layoff notice for not showing up at your job!

Family business. Ecommerce.

[jimmydeanno]

Squadron members usually just spend their time driving 10 minutes to their respective units once a week.  Maybe they hitch a ride in CAP van to the SAREX, and the really committed ones add an SLS or CLC teaching opportunity to that list - again hitching a ride in the van.  Many wings reimburse the fuel expenses of those vans for their people to travel to wing events.  I've never been to an SLS or CLC that wasn't free to attend.  I've never been to an encampment as a senior where I had to pay to staff it, or an NCSA that I had to pay the activity fee.  Many wings even offer reimbursement (in some percentage) for their members to go to NSC or RSC.  Most wings even reimburse their squadron commanders for having to drive to the commander's call.

Wing Commander's, etc., aren't spending their budgets flying off to exotic destinations to drink mai-tais on the beach.  They're going from squadron to squadron to present Mitchell Certificates, Required Command Council meetings, BoG meetings, SAREXs, Changes of Command, Encampment Graduations, etc., which can and usually do take up most weekends for years at a time.  The argument that they should be well aware that they need to be able to pay for it themselves is absurd.  The organization needs someone with leadership abilities in the position, not a fat wallet.  You can't demand that someone pay their own way for things that aren't optional for them to attend (like every single one of the activities that the rank-and-file member attends).

[Ned]

Another consideration is that if we structure the travel and other policies such that only rich people can be wing and region commanders, we should not be very surprised if their policies and procedures reflect that.

Restated, highly qualified members of average means should be able to aspire to wing, region, and national command.  If we exclude the overwhelming majority of our members from command above the squadron level, we will definately hurt the organization in the long run.

[Storm Chaser]

Another consideration is that if we structure the travel and other policies such that only rich people can be wing and region commanders, we should not be very surprised if their policies and procedures reflect that.

Restated, highly qualified members of average means should be able to aspire to wing, region, and national command.  If we exclude the overwhelming majority of our members from command above the squadron level, we will definately hurt the organization in the long run.

+1

[lordmonar]

All this angst...over someone saying  "hey.....if you think about donating some money....give it to CAP".

If you feel like you already give enough......then don't.

Are we really giving CAP a hard time for trying to raise some more money?

[Fubar]

Are we really giving CAP a hard time for trying to raise some more money?

I won't ever give them a hard time trying to raise more money, but I will be critical when the methods they use involve emails that are disingenuous. I'm not helping my kids by giving their money to CAP.

If the email simply said, "Hey, we're short on cash and we know you love CAP and believe in our missions. Consider a donation today," I wouldn't have an issue. Even an email that said if you're working on your estate planning, please consider CAP. In fact, I'm getting annoyed that the Dr. in charge of "development" seems nearly solely focused on estate planning as a fund raising source.

[Eclipse]

All this angst...over someone saying  "hey.....if you think about donating some money....give it to CAP".

If you feel like you already give enough......then don't.

Are we really giving CAP a hard time for trying to raise some more money?

Which core value is "the ends justify the means"?  I missed that one?

The email sent purports to HELP MY PROTECT MY CHILDREN.

Then it goes on to pretend to "suggest" the ways I should be preparing my estate, which coincidentally
"includes" endowing CAP.

Is this CAP or the CAARP?

[Eclipse]

In fact, I'm getting annoyed that the Dr. in charge of "development" seems nearly solely focused on estate planning as a fund raising source.

+1

The good Dr. has been on staff since sometime in 2012.  Where's the beef?

Where's The Beef - REAL 1984 Wendy's Ad

[Ed Bos]

I thought this thread would be good to brainstorm additional ideas. And I'm also keeping in mind that I won't see NHQ soliciting outside the organization. I'm sure that's going on as well.

[lordmonar]

I will give them nay sayers props for one point they are making......it would help if CAP did have a published strategic plan.....specific, pie in the sky goals or concepts...something you could take to Bill Gates and say "if we only had a really large load of cash we could do XYZ".

That's what universities do, that's what the Boy Scouts do, that's what the ARC does.

They got their ABC list (the things we are doing now) and they got their LMQ list (the things they are doing next year....that they have already got the money for or know where it is coming from) it is the XYZ list we need.   What would CAP do if it suddenly had a $1M dropped in its lap.

[NIN]

What would CAP do if it suddenly had a $1M dropped in its lap.

NASCAR

*ducks*

[Nuke52]

What would CAP do if it suddenly had a $1M dropped in its lap.

NASCAR

*ducks*

NIN, no need to duck when you're absolutely correct.

With some of the head-scratching stupidity to come from on high in recent years, it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if an unexpected windfall to NHQ went straight into the shredder so they could throw a celebratory "confetti" party!

[FW]

You guys are something else...NASCAR costs way more than $1 million...

[MSG Mac]

What would CAP do if it suddenly had a $1M dropped in its lap.

NASCAR

*ducks*

That was $6,000,000

[Devil Doc]

Another consideration is that if we structure the travel and other policies such that only rich people can be wing and region commanders, we should not be very surprised if their policies and procedures reflect that.

Restated, highly qualified members of average means should be able to aspire to wing, region, and national command.  If we exclude the overwhelming majority of our members from command above the squadron level, we will definately hurt the organization in the long run.

Wing and Regional and National Commanders arnt Rich? Dangit.

[James Shaw]

Another consideration is that if we structure the travel and other policies such that only rich people can be wing and region commanders, we should not be very surprised if their policies and procedures reflect that.

Restated, highly qualified members of average means should be able to aspire to wing, region, and national command.  If we exclude the overwhelming majority of our members from command above the squadron level, we will definately hurt the organization in the long run.

Wing and Regional and National Commanders arnt Rich? Dangit.

I am disappointed as well. I thought if I got promoted to one of those it would come with the job. 

[BFreemanMA]

I interpreted the "protect your kids" portion as saying, "Hey, you should probably have a will anyway to protect your family and kids financially. While you're doing that, why not include CAP?"

[DoubleSecret]

I interpreted the "protect your kids" portion as saying, "Hey, you should probably have a will anyway to protect your family and kids financially. While you're doing that, why not include CAP?"

It can be spun that way, but here's the thing:  We shouldn't be about spin. 

I interpreted it as a misleading subject line designed just to get me to open the email.  I think the ethics displayed fall far short of the standard CAP should be exemplifying, especially if we want people to hand our organization money.

If the institutional goal is to get people to include CAP in their estate planning, don't hide the ball.  Be proud of it, say it up front, put it the email's subject line.  Don't prey on my desire to protect my offspring in order to get me to open the email. 

[Mitchell 1969]

I interpreted the "protect your kids" portion as saying, "Hey, you should probably have a will anyway to protect your family and kids financially. While you're doing that, why not include CAP?"

Why should you or anyone have to interpret what it meant?

It was either poorly worded or disingenuously worded. Neither is acceptable.

[Johnny Yuma]

What's next? Road marches to the nearest plasma donation center added to the requirements for a cadet encampment?

[Alaric]

Squadron members usually just spend their time driving 10 minutes to their respective units once a week.  Maybe they hitch a ride in CAP van to the SAREX, and the really committed ones add an SLS or CLC teaching opportunity to that list - again hitching a ride in the van.  Many wings reimburse the fuel expenses of those vans for their people to travel to wing events.  I've never been to an SLS or CLC that wasn't free to attend.  I've never been to an encampment as a senior where I had to pay to staff it, or an NCSA that I had to pay the activity fee.  Many wings even offer reimbursement (in some percentage) for their members to go to NSC or RSC.  Most wings even reimburse their squadron commanders for having to drive to the commander's call.

Wing Commander's, etc., aren't spending their budgets flying off to exotic destinations to drink mai-tais on the beach.  They're going from squadron to squadron to present Mitchell Certificates, Required Command Council meetings, BoG meetings, SAREXs, Changes of Command, Encampment Graduations, etc., which can and usually do take up most weekends for years at a time.  The argument that they should be well aware that they need to be able to pay for it themselves is absurd.  The organization needs someone with leadership abilities in the position, not a fat wallet.  You can't demand that someone pay their own way for things that aren't optional for them to attend (like every single one of the activities that the rank-and-file member attends).

I have no idea what wing you are in, but you have been fortunate.  I have paid fees each time I have staffed anything (with the exception of CLCs and SLSs).  I don't think asking that people who want to be leaders should be expected to save for the expenses that the position takes.  I've been a member of several Wings and in only one did the Wing Commander show up to everything at the Wing Level, they delegated, so the Wing CC may go to this change of command, and the CV may go to the next one.  This not only shows delegation, but would distribute the costs (if people were paying out of pocket).  As for Command Council, BOGs, etc, they can adapt methods that businesses use to cut travel costs (videoconferencing, telecons, etc)  If its good enough for Fortune 500 companies, should be good enough for us.