I spoke recently with a resource provider who has been a long-time NEAHP member and member of the board.  He was surprised about language in a recent conference presenter application form that stated, “resource providers must partner with a development professional.”  He was surprised to learn that he wasn’t a development professional, since his career is devoted to serving those of us who work in development offices.

A case of PC sensitivity?  I don’t think so. 

The vast majority of the resource providers who are active in NEAHP are highly knowledgeable about multiple areas of fundraising.  Many worked in development offices for years before making a switch to the for-profit world.  Even those who have not been active fundraisers have worked with us for so long and are so intimately involved in aspects of our programs that they can legitimately consider themselves to be development professionals.  If you’ve just started a new job in a development office and want to learn more about what was going on before you arrived, make sure to call the resource providers used by your predecessors.

NEAHP is somewhat unique in allowing resource providers to serve as full members of our association rather than having status as an affiliate.  They are also welcome members on our Board and committees, bringing different perspectives to our discussions and decisions.

Sure they are making new contacts that could result in business opportunities – but networking is a key reason why many of us joined NEAHP and have chosen to volunteer our time.

Resource providers are also sources of great leads if you are conducting a job search.  They tend to know everyone in our field and keep track of who is coming and going throughout the region.

I am especially grateful to the resource providers who serve as sponsors and exhibitors at NEAHP’s annual conferences.  Of course they want our business – that’s how they make a living.  But their generous financial support underwrites conference expenses and makes the educational events affordable for attendees.  Even more important, though, is that they offer products and services designed to help us be more successful in raising funds to benefit the people served by our organizations. So let’s raise a glass to toast the resource providers who make us look good on a daily basis and thank them for being true development professionals.

Happy Holidays,

Rich Solomon, CFRE
Director of Development
Quincy Medical Center Foundation
rsolomon@quincymc.org