This blog is a guide to fundraising for non-profit organizations. No particular kind of non-profit is targeted. This scattershot approach caused me to wonder if the author of the site, Sandra Sims, self-styled “fundraising coach,” was selling something–perhaps her coaching services? It turns out that Sandra is not available for consulting on fundraising events, which surprised me since she says, “…and I, as your Fundraising Coach, will be with you every step of the way!” (from the “About” section.) Elsewhere, under “Services,” she says something different, “For more personal assistance beyond basic questions, I would recommend one of several fundraising consultants….”
This left me a tad confused. Is she selling links? Getting fees for referrals? She offers a book and a newsletter, but both seem to be free. Further investigation reveals that she is selling a few things. You can find them under the “Products” link on the left sidebar.
This is a business site, not a personal site. As such, I did not find it interesting. I am not involved in fundraising and have no desire to be. The main page is a series of articles about fundraising-related topics, which are not presented in any particular order. You must click on the title of a post to read the entire thing. Some of the articles are written by Sandra Sims, others link to outside sites. However, you can’t tell which is which until you click through. The sources are attributed, but not on the main page.
The quality of the writing is acceptable. The tone is perky and encouraging. Grammar and syntax are correct and there are no glaring spelling or punctuation problems. It is entirely readable if not inspiring. The design is business-like and professional. The special features include a “forum” and a monthly newsletter to which one may subscribe. You can tell immediately that you are not visiting a personal site. It looks like this site is trying to sell you something–and it is.
I find it difficult to rate this site. If I were a fundraiser, I might find it useful, but only if I were doing small-scale, low-budget work. However, those doing professional development work won’t find it very helpful. I do not recommend the site to the casual reader, but if you are planning a walk-a-thon or a bake sale, you may want to take a look.NULL