Nonprofits rarely collapse from bad intentions. They collapse because the foundation is cracked. Seven pillars determine survival: strategy, packaging, focus, prospects, outreach, stewardship, and leverage. Miss one and you wobble. Miss two or three and you’re irrelevant. Passion won’t save you. Discipline will. Prosperity isn’t luck—it’s alignment. Ignore the pillars, and you’re building a mission on sand.
The Seton Society: How We Built Real Relationships with Major Donors
At St. Vincent Hospital, the Seton Society transformed major donor relations by engaging members year-round, not just thanking them. Each quarter offered unique experiences: elegant dinners with personalized gifts and speakers, volunteer opportunities, educational sessions, and surprise family events. A rotating planning committee kept ideas fresh. Recognition plaques, recruitment efforts, and volunteer awards deepened involvement. Many donors later joined the Foundation Board, proving genuine relationships outlast any single gift.