Competing for donor dollars is an everyday reality for nonprofits and charities. If you want those dollars making their way to your organization, you need to figure out how to truly connect with donors and inspire them to give. I encourage my clients to connect with their donors through Donor Love Events. These affairs, which are specially designed around your organization’s unique experiences, allow you to reach donors on a deeper level. They are orchestrated so that you can speak to…See More

Sep 19, 2012

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Susan J. Ragusa posted a discussion

How to Effectively Network at Events – A Primer for Nonprofits

I read an article by Judy Levine the other day titled Development = Sales?.I love and couldn’t agree more with her conclusion:“[Y]our development department is not your sales team. Your board is. The development department supplies the tools, but the board – and committee members, volunteers, other donors – are the ones doing the listening that allows the organization to close the sale.”Judy’s first sentence…See More

Sep 11, 2012

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Susan J. Ragusa posted a discussion

Volunteer Oppotunities in the Hudson Valley Abound

This is a call to individuals and businesses throughout the Hudson Valley. Area nonprofits want YOU! Actually, they NEED you. Nonprofits tirelessly work behind the scenes to provide services to local residents. But they can’t do it alone. They require the support of those in the community. It is a virtuous circle – of creators, cause champions, visual thinkers, volunteers, and more – that helps nonprofits do what they do – help those in need. Volunteers are a crucial part of that circle. …See More

Aug 28, 2012

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Susan J. Ragusa posted a discussion

Nonprofit Communications Plan Development Is Crucial For Success

Are you in the midst of an appeal mailing? Planning a fundraiser? Calling donors? Stop! Look at your calendar. When did you last communicate with your donors and how? What did your communications say to them? If you are not sure, you need to be. The days of nonprofits simply updating donors with a quarterly newsletter are long gone. To attract and retain new donors, you must now creatively communicate through many channels – direct mail, email, social media, telephone and more. Also gone…See More

Aug 21, 2012

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Susan J. Ragusa posted a discussion

Creative Ways to Thank Donors

It’s about sharing the organization’s ongoing story and thanking the donor for being an important character in itDonor gifts are the reason nonprofits are able to do the wonderful work that they do. That alone is cause for a thank you. And if they are a new donor, they deserve a warm welcome in addition to thanks. When crafting your thank you or welcome, it is important to remember WHY donors give – they believe those organizations are making a difference in a cause they care about. Their…See More

Jul 31, 2012

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Susan J. Ragusa posted a discussion

Networking for Nonprofits – A New Twist

Today’s economic climate has nonprofits scrambling – for donors, new ideas, survival. This is compounded by the reality that people’s perception of nonprofits just may not be what you want them to be. Nonprofit Revolution NOW recently asked 125 nonprofit, entertainment, technology, education and business professionals, along with donors, ” What is the public perception of the American…See More

Jul 24, 2012

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Ellen Rose and Felecia Sternbach left a comment for Susan J. Ragusa

"Hi Susan - Sorry this took so long! I just signed in and saw the request!"

Jul 20, 2012

Ellen Rose and Felecia Sternbach and Susan J. Ragusa are now friends

Jul 20, 2012

Susan J. Ragusa posted a discussion

How to Promote Your Nonprofit Organization -- It's All About the Soft Sell

It’s A Privilege to Give –Pt. 2Last week I spoke of how summer gatherings are the perfect time to pitch your nonprofit to friends, family, acquaintances and new meets. Any time you are out and about and there is an opening to talk organization – be it the grocery store or you son’s baseball game – you should seize the opportunity and do so. HOWEVER, you need to make sure your…See More

Jul 18, 2012

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Susan J. Ragusa posted a discussion

How To Get Donations For A Non-Profit Organization

It's A Privilege To GiveThis past weekend, I not only celebrated the birthday of our great country, but also the birthdays of some family members. It was a time for giving – giving thanks to our founding fathers for our freedom and giving gifts to loved ones in celebration of their lives. Birthdays are joyous times. We anticipate with delight the idea of reveling and bestowing presents upon family and friends. It is a privilege to be part of the merriment. We like to see our gifts opened…See More

Jul 12, 2012

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Susan J. Ragusa posted a blog post

Names for Nonprofit Organizations – Do They Need to Match Your Cause?

Thanks to promotional efforts, people can recognize a nonprofit organization. However, sometimes due to unclear messaging they don’t fully know or understand the full spectrum of programs it offers. The message can especially become blurred if the organization’s name does not match its cause. Does that mean you need to change your name in order to be more relevant? I don’t think so.What’s In a Name?The other night I participated in an event that addressed bullying. It consisted of viewing…See More

Jun 27, 2012

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Susan J. Ragusa posted a blog post

The Non-Profit Management and Leadership Qualities That Make Your Organization Hum

A few weeks back, I wrote about a fabulous FREE toolavailable at AskingMatters.com. It is an evaluation – that only takes a few minutes – which assesses your asking style and helps you optimize your fundraising efforts. That quiz got me thinking that if people have natural styles for asking, what are the specific non-profit management and leadership qualities – both individually…See More

Jun 21, 2012

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Susan J. Ragusa is now a member of Women's Enterprise Development Center Inc.

Jun 20, 2012

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Profile Information

Relationship with WEDC and MWBE Status: None of the above

Business Name (respond N/A to business questions if your business is in formation): Cause & Event

Business Street Address: PO Box 646

Business State: New York

Business Phone Number: 917 699-4493

Business Email Address: susan@causeevent.com

Business Web Site: causeevent.com

Type of Business: Other Services (except Public Administration)

Brief description of business including specific product or service: Susan J. Ragusa, founder of Cause & Event, is a Development Strategist. She approaches non-profit development with a deep understanding of how to reach an audience effectively, promote a mission, leverage the strength of a cause and compete successfully to acquire and retain donors. Cause & Event offers tailored Consultation, Project Development, Workshops and Summits.

Susan J. Ragusa's Blog

Names for Nonprofit Organizations – Do They Need to Match Your Cause?

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What’s In a Name?

The other night I participated in an event that…

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The Non-Profit Management and Leadership Qualities That Make Your Organization Hum

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At 4:30pm on July 20, 2012, Ellen Rose and Felecia Sternbach said…: Hi Susan - Sorry this took so long! I just signed in and saw the request!

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