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09/04/2026

One of the best parts of any industry gathering is reconnecting with people you have come to know over the years.

Mark Wilkison and David Carico enjoyed seeing many long-standing interfraternal friends at this week’s North American Interfraternity Conference and Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (NIC/FFE) Annual Meeting of Members in Indianapolis. They were also glad to contribute to two conversations focused on helping fraternity and sorority foundations prepare for the future.

David joined John Berghoff of The Foundation Chapter of Theta Chi for “Planned Giving: Where Do We Start?” They shared practical ways foundations can launch or strengthen a planned giving program, even with limited staff and resources.

David and Mark also presented “What Happens After Us: Designing a Volunteer Board That Endures,” exploring how foundations can develop future leaders, plan intentionally for succession, preserve institutional knowledge, and build boards equipped to thrive through change.

Thank you to NIC and FFE for bringing together leaders committed to strengthening the fraternal experience.

We're already looking forward to next year's conference!

08/28/2026

We’re proud to celebrate Columns Fundraising co-founder Scott H. Sikes, MBA, CFRE, FAHP, CFP, who received the Be Haas Award yesterday alongside Juanita Sheppard, CRFE, at the 2026 Southern Impact: Georgia Fundraising Professionals Conference!

Named for pioneering Atlanta philanthropist and fundraising consultant Beatrice “Be” Hirsch Haas, the award honors a legacy of leadership and service to the fundraising profession.

Scott’s career includes more than 29 years of involvement with AFP and decades spent mentoring, teaching, and supporting fundraising professionals and nonprofit organizations.

During yesterday’s Leadership Q&A, Scott was asked what he believed about fundraising early in his career that he no longer believes. His answer reflected a transformation in how he came to understand donor motivation:

“I was the TAX GUY who became the PSYCHOLOGY GUY. I mistakenly thought people gave for tax deductions. I was wrong. People give because they want to give.”

And we’re especially grateful for all that Scott and Juanita have chosen to give to the fundraising profession through their time, energy, leadership, and service. Congratulations to them both on this well-deserved recognition!

08/27/2026

We're looking forward to connecting with fraternity and sorority leaders at the North American Interfraternity Conference + Foundation for Fraternal Excellence Annual Meeting of Members, August 31–September 2 in Indianapolis.

While you're there, don't miss "Planned Giving: Where Do We Start?" presented by David Carico of Columns Fundraising and John Berghoff of The Foundation Chapter of Theta Chi. They'll share practical strategies for launching or strengthening a planned giving program with minimal cost and maximum impact—helping organizations prepare for the historic transfer of generational wealth.

If you're attending the conference, be sure to say hello and learn how Columns Fundraising partners with organizations to strengthen fundraising efforts, identify exceptional leaders, and build long-term success.

See you in Indy!

08/26/2026

Last week, Wes Wicker, Sandra Cathy, and Jason Chandler attended A Night of Hope Gala benefiting Family Promise of Hall County.

The stories shared by families navigating housing transitions were a powerful reminder of the impact Family Promise is making throughout the community. From shelter and transitional housing to childcare and homelessness prevention, their work provides critical support for families working toward greater stability.

As a longtime client, Family Promise of Hall County is an organization we are especially grateful to support. 100% of proceeds from the gala directly fund local wraparound services, including Little Steps Community Daycare and the organization’s homelessness prevention program.

Congratulations to the Family Promise team on a meaningful evening celebrating the growth, resilience, and success of the families they serve!

08/18/2026

BOARDROOM BASICS: When a Board Leads Well

A strong board does more than “support” the mission. It helps an organization:

✅ make confident strategic decisions
✅ open doors to new donors and partners
✅ strengthen fundraising
✅ build momentum for major gifts and campaigns
✅ stay focused when challenges arise

When board members understand expectations, stay connected to the mission, and lead with commitment, staff doesn’t have to carry the organization alone.

Fundraising becomes more sustainable. The mission gains momentum. And when a board leads well, the impact reaches far beyond the boardroom.

Ready to build a better board? Visit ColumnsFundraising.com to see how we can help you.

08/14/2026

From brand-new members to a member who has been part of the organization since its founding in 1988 (that would be Columns Principal and Partner, Scott Sikes), the Georgia Planned Giving Council brings together professionals at every stage of their work in planned giving.

At the Council’s recent meeting at the Buckhead Club, the group heard from AI expert Gerardo Kerik on moving beyond the hype surrounding artificial intelligence and focusing instead on practical, real-world applications for the industry.

Thanks to ATL Tax Group for sponsoring the program and to the Georgia Planned Giving Council for another great opportunity to learn, connect, and strengthen the planned giving community.

And for the record: longest-tenured, not oldest. 😊

08/13/2026

It is energizing to work with a board that is fully invested in its mission.

At a recent retreat with the Forsyth County Education Foundation, every board member participated in awarding more than $100,000 in grants to nearly 30 recipients across the school system, all to advance excellence in education.

Columns Senior Consultant Jason Chandler facilitated much of the retreat, where the board explored best practices for expanding membership and strengthening board effectiveness. Together, they developed strategies focused on growing staff and volunteer capacity, building the endowment toward $1 million, and strengthening major gift fundraising.

And thanks to Apple Spice Catering, lunch included some of the best chicken salad around. 😊

If your board could benefit from dedicated time to strengthen its leadership, fundraising, or long-term strategy, we’d be glad to help. Contact us at Columnsfundraising.com to find out how.

08/07/2026

Scott Sikes recently led a continuing education session for the Georgia Highlands College Foundation Board of Trustees, exploring how organizations move beyond simply raising money to building lasting cultures of philanthropy.

From donor engagement and stewardship to the critical role of board leadership, the session emphasized a simple truth: meaningful relationships are the foundation of sustainable fundraising success.

Whether you're strengthening a governing board, preparing for a campaign, or building a long-term fundraising strategy, investing in your leadership team is one of the highest-impact decisions you can make.

Interested in equipping your board or leadership team? Visit ColumnsFundraising.com to learn how Columns can help.

08/06/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Columns Senior Consultant Cara Schroeder!

We're excited to celebrate Cara's selection to the Atlanta Regional Commission's Regional Leadership Institute (RLI) Class of 2026.

RLI brings together leaders from government, business, and the nonprofit sector to examine the issues shaping Metro Atlanta's future, including housing, transportation, economic development, workforce development, and regional collaboration. Through the program, participants work alongside fellow leaders and subject matter experts to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing our region.

Cara's passion for community leadership and public service makes her an outstanding fit for this distinguished program, and we're proud to see her recognized among this year's class.

"I'm honored to join the Atlanta Regional Commission's Regional Leadership Institute Class of 2026. I look forward to learning alongside leaders from across Metro Atlanta, building new relationships, and bringing fresh perspectives back to the communities and organizations I have the privilege to serve."

Congratulations, Cara! We can't wait to see the impact you'll make.

07/28/2026

BOARDROOM BASICS: Keep the Board Connected to the Mission

Even strong board members need a consistent mission connection.

At every board meeting, we recommend including a mission-related speaker, stakeholder, or program story.

Why it works:

➕ provides for greater understanding
➕ builds confidence
➕ encourages advocacy
➕ increases giving and fundraising involvement

Board members can’t champion what they don’t truly understand, and the more you inspire them and connect them to the mission, the more engaged they become.

Want to build a board that advocates, gives, and leads with confidence? Columns Fundraising can help you create a board engagement strategy that strengthens both governance and fundraising. Learn more at ColumnsFundraising.com.

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Atlanta, GA
30305

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http://www.columnsfundraising.com/

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