When I took over for Bill Rankin at GAIA’s helm a few months back, I had two concerns: 1) are the programs as good as advertised? and 2) will the organization’s donors stay with GAIA through the transition?  Last month, I wrote that the answer to #1 is an emphatic “yes!” based on my December field visit.  Today, with year-end donations tallied, I can add a relieved “yes!” to #2 as well.

The short summary to our year-end fundraising is this:  GAIA had its best December ever income-wise, thanks to a large contribution from the Elizabeth Taylor HIV/AIDS Foundation, and literally hundreds of individual and family donations.  At this time of organizational transition, this is truly astounding.

Importantly (and responding directly to worry #2 above), contributions were particularly strong among repeat supporters.   In fact, nearly two-thirds of 2010 donors repeated (or increased!) their gift in 2011, the highest percentage in our history.

I see that behind the strong programs are strong and loyal supporters who care deeply for our work and donate for different reasons.  Some are personal – your own loss of a loved one to AIDS, entering college on a scholarship, or watching nurses provide life-saving care.  Others donate because of an introduction to GAIA through their congregations, schools or friends.  All of you give out of the ultimate example of selflessness – to help people whom you will never meet.

I am inspired and heartened and excited. GAIA will be growing its programs in 2012 and that is thanks to you.

Onward to 2012 and beyond!

Todd Schafer
GAIA CEO