Co-Presenter
Giving Institute Webinar
September 22, 2011
12:00 – 1:00pm
International Rescue Committee's Freedom Fund: The Tale of the Ugly Duckling

Presenters:
Janet Harris, Chief Development Officer, California Academy of Sciences
Hugh Dwyer, Senior Director of External Relations Information and Operations, International Rescue Committee
Poonam Prasad, Founder and President, Prasad Consulting and Research
Janet Harris teamed up with Poonam Prasad when she conducted a feasibility study for IRC's Freedom Fund in 1999. They recommended against mounting a campaign because the organization's humanitarian mission seemed too remote for most donors to embrace and its fundraising function was too immature. Nevertheless, a $60 million campaign was launched the following year with Janet leading it from the staff side.
Not only did the campaign have to overcome the predicted obstacles, it was also forced to cope with losses in volunteer and staff leadership, September 11, the dot.com bubble and the current economic downturn. The campaign wrapped in December 2008 with $110 million raised. Come learn how to maximize the value of leaders and donors with differing styles, and how strategic investments in technology, research and branding can help your organization triumph over adversity and lay a strong foundation for a brighter future.

The webinar will be broadcast live from the Foundation Center in New York City. Hugh Dwyer and Poonam Prasad will be available to answer questions in person from 1:00pm-1:45pm at this location.

Click here to download the webinar [wmv file / 57 minutes / 77.6MB]