Why should I apply?

You might be thinking: fundraising?  I don’t really want to spend the summer cold-calling alumni asking for cash…and I really wanted to find an internship that helps me learn more about marketing/research/management instead.

I would venture to guess that most D-SIP interns had similar thoughts when they first discovered the program.  I was drawn to the possibility of staying in Ann Arbor for the summer (you really can’t beat it), but wanted to make sure I would have the opportunity to develop actual skills and gain valuable experience in the non-profit sector, where paid opportunities are few and far between.  I was graduating, after all, and wasn’t sure what the future held for me after August.  So please, believe me when I say: apply to D-SIP.  Not only did I develop some serious analytical skills, I did it while working in arguably the most fun environment ever (the Neutral Zone), alongside an interesting, committed staff who helped me more fully understand what goes into running a successful organization.

While interns spent their weeks working on a variety of projects, Friday classes gave us time to: debrief, ask questions we may have been too shy to ask our supervisors, meet high-profile community leaders, discuss (and often challenge) assigned readings, and learning more about the other D-SIPpers.  Each of us came from a unique perspective – we had different majors, different backgrounds, different plans for post-grad – but we all left the program with new friends, interesting stories, and a shared love for the Friday morning coffee.

I can’t say enough good things about my D-SIP experience and the Neutral Zone (seriously, you’d have to stop me), and I’m happy to say that I’m still in Ann Arbor, working in the development department of a local non-profit.  So even if you don’t think fundraising is for you – consider applying.  You might be surprised by what you learn!

Go blue!

Kate

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Please Give

In my previous post “More Bang for Your… Blood“, I expressed my views on giving in exchange for a reward. However, after reading everyone’s comments I felt a lot different about it. Watching this movie trailer also made me rethink my initial views on people who give because of guilt.

The main character (Kate) in this movie gives because she feels a huge sense of guilt, and the movie pokes fun at this type of motivation. Initially, I felt no connection to her and felt ok laughing at her shenanigans but then I realized that I give because of guilt too!

(Do Salvation Army fundraisers and homeless people strategically place themselves near stores to guilt-trip the shoppers? There are always fundraisers asking for money when I walk out of Urban Outfitters with two big shopping bags, and I almost always give because I feel so guilty.)

Before my internship, I always thought that there were better motivations for giving than others; like it was more noble to give “just because” rather than for a prize or guilt (as you all can tell from my previous posts). And I have never really had in depth conversations about why I give or asked other people why they give until this internship and blog began. Hopefully my fellow bloggers and I have got you all thinking about why you give.

So shout it all out there! What are some reasons you give?

P.S. If you are interested in seeing the movie it premiers THIS FRIDAY at the Michigan Theater! It’s called Please Give. It looks absolutely hilarious, was an Official Selection at the Sundance Film Festival, and comes highly rated on imdb and Rotten Tomatoes.

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Bad Buckets? The Komen and KFC Partnership

Today my coworkers and I listened to a seminar about “Brandraising” for non profit organizations. A brand is what distinguishes one entity from another. Logos, philanthropy, and personal interaction help build a brand while client dissatisfaction, inconsistencies in marketing, and bad stewardship can decimate an organization’s brand. The seminar sparked a discussion on the topic of the Pink Bucket Campaign.

It is no secret that cancer and obesity are related, in fact the National Cancer Institute has published research that obesity accounts for over 25% of the major cancer cases (like breast and colon cancer)^*. And the link between Kentucky Fried Chicken and obesity is no secret either: an average KFC bucket contains 2560 calories, 120 grams of fat, and 6 grams of sodium^**.  So why has the global leader in the breast cancer movement suddenly struck a partnership with a company saturated in fat?

Susan G Komen for the Cure is a non-profit organization synonymous with corporate sponsorship. For the corporations’ philanthropy raises brand image, and the non profit gets a big fat check. However, the recent partnership between KFC and Komen has received a cornucopia of negative press. Nonprofit blogs such as Selfish Giving and Getting Attention! have slammed  Komen for “cause dissonance”- sacrificing organization values for money.

To be fair to KFC, it has promised at the very least a million dollar donation, with a goal to donate 8 million at the end of the campaign; the single largest donation to a breast cancer cause. Chips, soda, cookies, and candy bars can contribute to obesity as well. But Komen’s other corporate sponsorship with companies as Frito Lay, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Peppridge Farm, and Mars Snackfood have yet to endure the criticism that the Pink Bucket Campaign has faced.

What do you think? Should Komen have entered this partnership with KFC? Is Komen under fire because the partnership with KFC is the most visible and ambitious campaign they have ever undertaken? Or is it truly just about the chicken? Most importantly, are you going to buy a Pink Bucket?

* http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/obesity

** http://www.kfc.com/nutrition/pdf/kfc_nutrition.pdf

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