Stay Tuned

Today DonorsResource.org went into hibernation (of sorts). A big move in the right direction, for sure.

Note the logo change. The new colors; brown, grey and blue are more serious, calming yet substantial.

Originally, I have to admit that concern was looming around hibernating the site. However, through all of the conversations, interviews, research and data it was confirmed that affiliated donors, sponsors and nonprofits are deeply connected to the mission of DR. We've pulled our weight and they believe in us as an organization.

How cool is that? Happy Friday to me!

Passing the Torch

This has to be my favorite post as of yet. Its official; Bill Brown is now the Executive Director of DonorsResource.org.

This decision was incredibly easy. I've been driving our org since '05 and simply put; it was time to open the window and let some fresh air in.

Bill came on board ready to rock. Since, he has been instrumental in leading us to higher ground.

I will be serving as a board member, happily focusing on marketing and development.

Congrats Bill, I'm confident in how far you will carry the torch.

Does it have to be legal?

Somewhere along this journey I shortened my entire name to DellaB. Talk about fun to write and announce to people as I am shaking hands...

DellaB has been printed on business cards, letters and plastered all over the website and everywhere and anywhere I could think of, including this blog.

The harsh reality of doing something of this magnitude? Well, it boils down to either I literally legally change my name to DellaB or go back to my birth name, Della Rae which is becoming more attractive by the mili-second.

This is so public and wierd, but intriguing. I'm totally present for the ride. Join me.

Then and Now

When DonorsResource was launched in April of this year we discussed a brand. What took priority then versus now, could fill Texas.

Eight short months ago, the thought process around brands made sense as they relate to Corona, MAC and Toyota (three of my favorites) but branding for a nonprofit website? Lost in translation.

We originally went with "passion of giving" with giving being "exciting and rewarding". Deep red colors on the website. ..red roses and napkins at our events.

"Pay it forward" started resonating with me a couple of months ago. Yes, a call to action with just three words which also speak to the importance of small, random act of kindess. Totally inclusive.

Growth happens.

Peer Pressure

I broke down and gave in. About an hour ago I revived my facebook page.

Tonight while chatting with the other facebookers over appetizers I was convinced to fire it up again. Yep, I feel victim to peer pressure. How old am I again?

The reason that account was put on hold in the first place was because of the pure distraction it brings. Networking is my middle name and to have all of that action at my fingertips... can you say "Out of control?"

When DonorsResource.org falls apart in a few months, you'll know why.

We do this and they do that

A perfect union is on the horizon. The most sensible match since peanut butter and jelly. Two forces hooking up for a good thing.

Hands on Portland, a nonprofit that has been connecting volunteers since 1996. Are you a nonprofit that has a project? Post it. You want to volunteer? Answer a post. They help nonprofits manage volunteers.

We connect donors who want to give in-kind donations with nonprofit orgs that need them. You want to donate goods? Post them. We help nonprofits manage in-kind donations.

Our common thread is that we help nonprofits get back to what they do best so they can leave managing volunteers and in-kind donations to us.

This is not a merge, but two orgs who are highly competent at serving our entire community and are going to partner.

We are happy newlyweds. Watch your communication recepticals for your invite to the reception, its going to be some kinda' party.

Feedback

Last night was such an eye opener! Nonprofits (npo's) still need support and clarification around what we do. More than not, people asked me to explain what we do.

Albeit, the questions came from npo's that are not registered with us, but still. I want to be able to say "DonorsResource.org" and have people get it.

Molly, the director of On the Move, a npo that works with adults with disabilities to enhance self-sufficieny said to me that she was not sure what last night was about or what to expect. She had envisioned us "sitting around a conference table".

I have to keep at the front of my brain that what we are doing has never been done before. Hey, that makes me a "maverick"!

Good grief.

Networking and Events

This evening from 5:30 to 7:30 we are hosting a happy hour event at the happenin' spot of the California Closets Showroom on SE Grand.

Donors and nonprofits were invited to come hang out with us. This is a live opportunity for the two groups to connect with each other and us.

We are all decked out with Rob Smith, Editor -in- Chief of the Portland Business Journal who will speak about nonprofits receiving media attention.

We are expecting around 40-50 people, which is about the same attendence at the like event we hosted in June. Although this time, I notice a different group is headed our way.

How is success measured? Maybe we should have a few plants that listen in on conversations who are equipped with clicker things that they push if its determined that a connection is being made.

Consistently Clear

Its hard to know how communication goes sideways or if it was ever there.

I delivered a 13 piece project to a vendor and we talked in detail about the expectation. Four weeks later I returned to pick up the finished project. Once back in my office, it became clear that only two of the pieces were completed as we had discussed.

After giving great consideration I called the vendor, approaching very "gingerly, with great respect for the work done..." The vendor explained that the new direction was a result of becoming "inspired by..."

The vendor and I agreed that if another "inspiration" hits while working on my projects, the flavor will be savored until getting the go ahead.