RMEF Philanthropy: 2008 and Beyond
By Dale Miller, Major Gift Officer
The Elk Foundation has always been engaged in philanthropic fundraising, but in August RMEF president/CEO David Allen and the board of directors announced that major gifts will join big game banquets and other events as a cornerstone for fundraising over the next 3 to 5 years.
“There is probably nothing more important that we as an organization can do for the future of RMEF than to focus on enhancing its return from philanthropic gifts, planned giving and endowed contributions,” says board chairman Andy Hoxey. Incoming chair Joe Treadway said he wholeheartedly agrees.
RMEF is currently working with the philanthropy expert firm of Bentz, Whaley and Flessner to help take our program to a new level. The firm has been instrumental in helping other conservation organizations realize great philanthropic fundraising success.
David Allen tapped Dave Kelner and myself, both longtime staff members, to coordinate and help lead the process.
“The future of elk country is filled with challenges, which creates opportunities for people to make a difference,” Allen says. “We will continue to rely on strong support from our members and event attendees. But conservation will also depend on major gifts from corporations, families and individuals whose passion can become a legacy for wildlife and wild places.”
Kelner and I have held various leadership positions with the Elk Foundation and are already at work lining out a plan and goals for reaching out to those folks. To be successful, we both know it is critical to engage all RMEF staff and volunteers. Stay tuned for future articles in Wapiti Wire to find out how you can help. We are confident that by working together, philanthropic fundraising coupled with event fundraising will reap great rewards for elk and wild country in 2008 and beyond.