Sessions at Federation of Genealogical Societies 2011 Conference about Non-Profits on Wednesday 7th September

Revenue streams are crucial for genealogical societies yet fundraising can be intimidating. This presentation focuses on a range of activities from "friend raising" to meaningful donor recognition, characteristics of a successful ask, donors profiles, and a board's role in fundraising.

In 2010 The African American Genealogical Society of Cleveland, Ohio (AAGS) completed the revision of the Society's Bylaws and added Standing Rules. This task was guided by the FGS Bylaws Workbook. Share in the pitfalls & successes of this process.

Your newsletter reflects the mission and objectives of your society. Learn how to edit your society newsletter to make the content shine. We review editing standards, design and layout ideas, file formats, and fonts for print and web publication.

Membership benefits draw and retain members. Benefits must be tangible and useful, but they also must be affordable for the society to offer. Successful societies' benefits packages will be shown and discussed. Learn to develop appealing benefits for your society.

Whether big or small, a society project can be a daunting task. This presentation is designed to help the society officers and volunteers manage a society-wide project from start to completion.

Planning is the key to making your society's annual seminar financially rewarding as well as providing visibility within the community to increase your membership and highlight products and services you provide. On the other hand, a poorly planned seminar can have the opposite result. A great coordinator (who is good at delegating), plenty of planning time, and the involvement and support of your members will help your society reap the rewards from your effort.

Information is only as helpful as the report that shows it. Good reports and charts can keep your board informed, help officers and volunteers, and keep members engaged. Learn how to create reports that drive results and keep the organization aligned and focused.

Sponsored by FamilySearch

Society finance goes beyond bookkeeping. Programming, publications, websites, and libraries all involve fiscal decisions. Be an enlightened board member devoted to sound governance of your society. Business plans, budgets, financial and tax reporting, financial software and more will be covered.

Leadership is a vital component of successful boards and successful societies. Learn the key elements of strategic planning, building teams, welcoming diverse options and outlooks, handling dissention, and motivating individuals toward a common goal.

Join FGS in discussing ideas for your society's leaders.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of genealogical societies. Learn how to find these valuable people and how to keep them happy and active!