The J.F. Smith Group

09/09/2026

Training Wednesday! Have you ever looked at a record in your database and realized you couldn’t actually find what you were looking for? Or worse—the information was there, but it was buried in a three-paragraph note that no report could ever pull? If you want your database to drive real decisions, you have to understand the anatomy of a record.

09/01/2026

Training Tuesday! Do you or your organization use spreadsheets when you maybe should be using a true database? Spreadsheets can be great tools, but they aren't always the right one. We talk about a few of the key differences here and why you may want to switch to a full-blown database.

Do you or your organization use spreadsheets when you maybe should ...

08/19/2026

In our new series on databases, Steve Jankiewicz, Sr. VP of Client Services, explains why clean data is so important. Your database isn't just a place to store information; it's one of your organization's most important decision-making tools!

08/11/2026

Listen in to today's Training Tuesday as Jerry discusses the importance of effective contact reports after meeting with a prospective donor!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

08/06/2026

Our partner - East Central University - recently unveiled the newly renovated Elvan George Locker Room for the Tiger football program. The renovation project transformed the space into one of the most state-of-the-art locker room facilities at the NCAA Division II level.

The renovation is just one of the many projects included in ECU's $36.3M comprehensive capital campaign. Big things are happening in Ada, Oklahoma!

08/04/2026

Training Tuesday! Listen in as Jerry describes what you should set out to accomplish during your first preliminary meeting with a donor prospect!

08/03/2026

We are thrilled to officially announce our second partnership with North Cobb Christian School!

At the J.F. Smith Group, there is no greater compliment than a client returning to work with us a second time. We first partnered with NCCS back in 2017, and being invited back to lead their upcoming feasibility study for a new capital campaign is a testament to the deep trust and collaborative spirit we’ve built together.

We look forward to working alongside Head of School Todd Clingman and his exceptional team to help shape the future of this incredible Kennesaw community.

07/28/2026

Some organizations decide to jump straight into a capital campaign without doing a feasibility study. They think they already know the projects their constituents will support, how much they would be willing to give in support of a campaign, and believe they are ready to handle all the demands of a capital campaign. They are setting themselves up for failure! Check out Jerry's Tuesday Training video to learn why a feasibility study is so important!

Some organizations decide to jump straight into a capital campaign ...

07/28/2026