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Fundraising, Strategic Planning, Zoom Panel Forum

Zoom Panel Forum Recording: Yogi -N- Year-end Fundraising Strategies

by The Timothy Group
June 17, 2020

View the live recording of this crucial discussion “Yogi -N- Year-End Strategies” led by top development experts with 120 participants across the US! View the recording or download the documents shared during the call (see below).

view Live Recording

FEATURED GUEST HOST PANELISTS:

Justin Behrens, LSW, CEO/Executive Director, Keystone Mission, Scranton PA
David Hoag, President, Warner University, Lake Wales, FL
Todd Toslma, Head of School Administration, NorthPointe Christian Schools, Grand Rapids, MI
Nate Vander Stelt, Executive Vice President, GACX/A Global Alliance For Church Multiplication

DOCUMENTS SHARED DURING THE CALL:

ProposalCoverSheet_proof Download
FINAL Priorities info pages Spring 2020 CS acquisition Download
CS acquistion Memorandum of Partnership Given Gift Version Download
CS acquisition President ltr – alumni Download
Development, Strategic Planning

Attract & Hire Advancement Superstars

by The Timothy Group
June 15, 2020

PDP (Professional DynaMetric Programs®) is an effective tool that we use at The Timothy Group to attract and hire advancement superstars in all things having to do with people in the workplace. PDP developed their ProScan Survey and Reports to help people understand themselves and others. The PDP components are ProScan, JobScan, and TeamScan. They define and measure strengths, providing an accurate description of a person’s style of behavior. Organizations are using the ProScan results to help them know and develop their people, to hire and place the right persons in positions, and to develop strong teams. See current research studies and published case studies. 

ProScan

ProScan, the core of the PDP process, is a non-threatening, quick, easy, and reliable tool that is one of the most advanced people measurement instruments available. Statistical research of working adults enables the ProScan Survey to produce reliable results to accurately assess a person’s basic and preferred work styles. The survey examines combinations of specific traits that affect how the person works most effectively and reacts under stress. ProScan focuses on strengths and motivators and is an EEOC approved hiring and workplace tool. ProScan reports measure how a person functions most naturally, the role a person feels they need to play, how a person predictably comes across to others, energy resources, satisfaction index, stress levels, energy drain, and decision-making style. 

The Timothy Group takes the interpretation of the ProScan profile a step further as we use our experience in the advancement/development arena to relate these individual strengths and behaviors specifically to development activities, and provide the tools needed to ensure success. 

JobScan

JobScan uses a specifically designed JDA (Job Dynamics Analysis) survey to help organizations develop customized Job Models for specific positions. By defining and measuring strengths and work styles necessary for success, Job Models provide objective criteria for hiring and placement decisions. 

TeamScan

TeamScan graphs a composite of the individuals in a group, using their individual ProScans, showing likely group work styles and preferences. TeamScan predicts group interactions, and measures group characteristics such as communication styles and team perceptions. 

Simple 4-Step Process

All PDP surveys are delivered and completed electronically and can be completed in fifteen minutes or less and provide a wealth of information: 

(1) We send an invitation link to you via email 

(2) You complete the survey online .

(3) We are notified that the survey has been returned. 

(4) We process the report and then send it to you electronically. 

After you receive the report and have a chance to read it, we are available to discuss the results with you. Whether virtually or by cell, this phone conversation generally ranges from 30 minutes to one hour. 

We would love to be of assistance to you through the use of PDP. Please download our brochure and let us know if you have questions about the process.

Executive Search & Development Services_The Timothy Group Download brochure now
PDP-QuickView-CC-Sample Download Sample Report

Article submitted by Jane McLaughlin. Jane started The Timothy Group, along with her husband Pat, in 1990. She is the Chief Financial Officer as well as the company’s certified Professional DynaMetric Programs® Administrator.

Client Impact, Donor Relations, Major Donors, Strategic Planning, Zoom Panel Forum

Donor Engagement & Energy Strengthens!

by The Timothy Group
May 27, 2020

Let’s get on with the good news!

Yes, donor engagement and energy continues to strengthen. People are being drawn together in ways that were unheard of just months ago. People are sewing masks for friends and family, donating meals to health-care workers and offering help to neighbors in need. Many businesses and institutions have pivoted to virtual engagement, and to a deeper level of connection than anyone would have ever guessed.

The Christian education, ministries, and missions that have seized upon these times as an opportunity to not be forgotten have learned new skills and broadened their reach and levels of support. They are strengthening plans for donor giving and expecting growth for the years to come.

With such effort, we have seen remarkable response to some of the urgent questions and needs of this crisis. How do we continue to educate our youth? How can we safely care for our homeless? How can we help kids to stay happy, healthy, and safe this summer? Many donors have stepped forward and continued to support these and other beloved missions wherever they’ve felt the call.

What seems to be working for our colleagues out in the field? Here are some ideas and encouragement shared and collected by our guest host panelists through our recent Zoom Panel Discussions. We hope it revitalizes and strengthens you!

Christian K-12

Keep active with your annual fund planning.

Consider a cost-based tuition model with an annual fund plan that covers smaller non-operating budget projects. This model sustains well through health and economic crisis.

Continue to communicate in a low-pressure way such as “We’re still here, God is providing, help when you are able” sets a calm, reassuring tone.

Replace active asking with conversations on well-being and sharing love for the mission.

When major donor gifts come in (and they will), find a cool, new way to thank your donor and show your love and appreciation. Consider driving to their home and place a gift basket and yard sign by their front porch that says “we love you” with your school verse. Give them a call as you drive away and let them know there is a surprise for them.

Be cautious as to when it is the right time to follow through with the ask. Consider language such as “hey we are still here, we know we had asked awhile back – if you can help that’s great, if not, we’ll come around another time”. Realize the ask is still there and that you are not withdrawing it, but will come around to it another time.

(Click here for more insight from Sam Barfell of Southside Christian School.)

Christian Higher Education

Move from being a big cruise ship to that of an agile kayak able to navigate through today’s changing and/or future turbulent times.

Become “lean and mean”. Look for today’s opportunities to shrink size, space and scale, streamline and/or eliminate duplication of services. This puts you in a position able to transition quickly and smoothly through crisis.

Start an educational or community initiative that collaborates and links with others in local communities that share your vision and mission.

Form a President’s Advancement Advisory Council with energetic staff, major donors, community members and others that share your vision and mission.

Don’t be afraid to go “against all odds” with fundraising events or galas. Seek new ways to hold them or invite big-hearted celebrities to join you in sharing your mission. They are very willing to help during challenging times.

Put prayer, marketing and ministry together and be spiritually creative. Try a series of prayer or other meaningful short, 30 second videos to show it’s “our turn to pray and care for you”. Try 30-minute virtual lunches to pray and share how things are going out there for your students, staff and donors.

(Click here for more insight from Bill Blocker of the College of Biblical Studies.)

Rescue Missions

Place focus and emphasize on how to keep new donors (via the current crisis)  on board and engaged for the long haul. Even with lack of funds from storefront sales, giving is ticking up.

Yes, do keep up with the personal donor phone calls. Donors will ask, so be prepared to answer when donors ask, “how else may we be of help?”

Gently steer donors to your website to give online via your phone calls or inbox e-News. Keep your “give button” front and center on each webpage. Provide current testimonials and update all content. Keep needs out front.

Blast social media with 30-second snippets featuring clients and their stories.

(Click here for more insight from Tony Gooch of Durham Rescue Mission and Greg Kelley of World Mission. An article featuring more of Greg’s thoughts will be posted next week.)

Camps & Ministries

(Click here to see the recent article submitted by Amy Carlson of Youth Haven Kids’ Ministry.)

Do you have any ideas or encouragement to share? We’d love to hear from you. Please share your comments below. Thank you!

Client Impact, Donor Relations, Strategic Planning

Youth Haven Kids’ Ministry: Delivering Hope To Kids’ Homes with New, Innovative Methods

by The Timothy Group
May 19, 2020

As we welcomed 2020, kissed our loved ones and wished them a Happy New Year, none of us imagined we would be where we are today. The world has changed, and we have all been impacted. Each one of our lives has been touched in one way or another by this virus and its effects.

For a ministry that utilizes camping programs as a primary ministry tool, the closing of schools and stay-at-home orders have posed a unique challenge. But this virus has not stopped us from reaching out to disadvantaged boys and girls with the love and hope of Jesus Christ! If anything, it has spurred us on to do more for them, and to find new and creative ways to be a part of their lives. Our methods have changed, but our mission remains the same.

Same Mission, New Method

Youth Haven’s mission is to provide life-changing, Christ-centered experiences for disadvantaged children. The kids we serve at Youth Haven were already facing difficult circumstances before this pandemic began. Now, many of them are stuck at home in situations where they are being treated unkindly or needs aren’t being met. At the same time, more and more children are facing financial hardships because their parents have lost jobs.

We had to ask ourselves two questions: How can we meet the needs of our kids in a way that respects the guidelines put in place by the authorities and protects our kids and staff? And how do we help our supporters understand how important they are to us during this time?

Haven For Kids Online

The first step was to ensure we continued to fulfill our mission in any way we could. The most obvious need was that, suddenly, kids were stuck at home looking for things to do. Unfortunately, the Internet can often be an unsafe place for kids. We recognized the need for kids to have a haven online, where they could find fun things to do without having to worry about harmful content or safety issues.

In response to the need for kids to have safe, fun things to do at home, we launched a new kids’ website at www.havenforkids.fun. It’s full of fun activities, videos, stories, answers to questions kids might have, challenges for them to participate in, and more. We’ve seen a great response so far, and it has allowed us to share the hope of Jesus with kids all over our nation who are going through difficult times.

Virtual Summer Camp

We’re also excited to begin our first ever virtual camp experience this summer, allowing us to reach kids with the message of God’s love in the own homes. The kids will be registered for a specific week of virtual camp, and we’ll mail or hand deliver a special supply kit full of activities, snacks, instructions, and a few other items just for fun. They’ll receive an access code to a password-protected web site, where they can watch videos and livestreams from Youth Haven and interact with our staff. They’ll be able to earn points by completing various activities, and we’ll mail special prizes at the end of each week

Kids’ Care Packs

We also understand many of the kids who attend Youth Haven are in situations right now where their basic needs aren’t being met. Our schools did a fabulous job of stepping in to provide meals for kids, but we knew that wouldn’t meet all of their needs, so we developed a program called Kids’ Care Packs. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have delivered over 600 care packages to children in need during this difficult time, with snacks, personal hygiene items, activities, and small toys. We have received numerous e-mails from grateful parents with photos and videos of their kids opening the care packages.

Birthday Brigade & Bibles

But perhaps the most important need we’re meeting is the need for the children to feel loved, and to know they’re not alone. They need to be reminded that God loves them and is with them, no matter what they may be going through – and that they have friends here at Youth Haven who also love them. The web site, virtual camp, and care packages certainly help meet this need. In addition, we’re beginning a new Birthday Brigade to take cupcakes and gifts to kids on their birthdays. We’ve increased the number of mailed activities and Bible lessons we’re sending to the children. And we’ve mailed multiple copies of our custom Bibles to kids who visited our kids’ website and didn’t have Bibles of their own.

Donor Calls & Hearts’ Desires

Through all of this, we also knew how vital it was to continue building relationships with our supporters. We want them to realize this is a partnership, and we are working together to reach kids for Christ and meet their needs. We quickly began making phone calls to people who stand with us financially, simply asking how we could pray for them. What we found was that most of them turned the conversation around to asking how they could help us help the kids. That is their hearts’ desire, and we have been so grateful.

Personal Notes & Prayers

In addition to the phone calls, we have continued to send hand-signed thank-you letters with every gift receipt, a practice that is standard for us. We established a prayer team, inviting people to sign up to receive a weekly e-mail that includes first names of children they can be praying for. And we’ve relied heavily on our direct mail program to communicate with our supporters. We have also utilized social media, but given the fact that we also have parents and agency workers who follow our social media sites, we do have to be mindful of what we post there. Direct mail allows us to personalize our message to the group of people we’re trying to reach.

We’re so grateful for everyone who has continued to give and pray for the children during this time when so many are struggling. All of our programs are – and have always been – provided to disadvantaged children free of charge. God has been faithful, and as we continue to adapt and meet the needs of His children, He continues to provide partners who stand with us.

Guest post article submitted by Amy Carlson, Director of Communications and Marketing, Youth Haven. Amy’s husband, Lars Carlson, serves as President & CEO for Youth Haven.

As a pastor’s daughter, Amy has always been familiar with full-time ministry. When she met Lars Carlson in high school, God was already preparing their hearts for the calling He would place on their lives. They married in 1995, and Amy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Western Michigan University in 1997. That same year, Lars and Amy felt God calling them into full-time service at Youth Haven.

Donor Relations, Major Donors, Strategic Planning

State Of Donor Affairs Survey Results

by The Timothy Group
May 13, 2020

Survey results are in! Check out our 1-page pictorial report on the current State Of Donor Affairs. Please also make sure to view the individual comments, words of encouragement, and “go-to” verses by our survey respondents located below the report. A big thank you to the respondents who took the time to share their thoughts!

Download & View Report

Survey Comments:

“A special thank you to your group for being an excellent resource and encouragement during this time.”

“Giving has not declined over our monthly average. Received a significant gift unsolicited.”

(Joshua 1:9) 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

“We are praying more as Administrator…Daily. We meet at 9 AM M-F and we really pray. Not a bad plan.”

(2 Corinthians 12:10b) “When I am weak, then I am strong.”

“Pray for seniors, many of which are rightly isolated and some that are lonely. Thanks for what you are doing!”

“Thankful that no cases of COVID-19 in any of our shelter guests or staff in the last 5 weeks. This is one of the things that I have been able to share with our donors in phone calls, emails and handwritten notes and it so resonates with them. Many say that has been my prayer. The first time donors I have spoken with say they gave because we are there for the homeless at this time and plan to continue – which is a praise, too. With some donors working from home, I have connected with them and they are open to talking and sharing their feelings and fears. Many times, a scripture comes to my heart of what they shared & have given it to them. And then, praying with them before ending our call. For me, Psalm 91 had been my ‘refuge and my fortress’ scripture for comfort, strength and peace for 30 years and especially my 9-1-1 scripture at this COVID-19 time,”

“I am reminded of the song “Only King Forever” during this time-one of the lines is, Kingdoms once strong now shaken, we trust the name of Jesus.”

“He continues to Provide!”

(Ephesians 3:20) 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

“Value loss of appreciated assets is our major concern.”

(James 5:16b) “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

Capital Campaigns, Client Impact, Extra Inspiration, Strategic Planning

Simpson Rising!

by The Timothy Group
May 8, 2020

On occasion, The Timothy Group loves to share what Kingdom-inspiring things our friends are up to in hopes that it helps others clarify their “3 M” story – Ministry, Message, and Money. Here is what’s happening at Simpson University in Redding, CA.

MINISTRY

For almost 100 years, Simpson University has been a “Gateway to World Service!” Simpson is a Christian liberal arts university committed to creating an unapologetically evangelical Christ-centered learning community. Simpson desires to train students who are passionate about learn­ing and serving, with a deep desire to live their lives out loud as Christ-followers and influential leaders for the Kingdom.

MESSAGE

Simpson University’s passion is to be the university of choice for students who aspire to achieve their chosen life goals through a Christ-led, transformational and innovative education.

Simpson’s goal is to develop each student in mind, faith and character for a lifetime of meaningful work and service in a constantly changing world. The phrase “Simp­son Rising!” has come to symbolize their collective sense of what God is doing there. Simpson trustees have developed a visionary strategic plan that includes some exciting new projects that will position Simpson to be the university of choice for the next generation of Christian leaders.

One innovative way that Simpson is creating engagement and excitement is by making sure their “Simpson Rising” card gets into the hands, hearts, and minds of their constituency. (see photo below). This very well done half-page card showcases their 5-year strategic plan using graphic charts and visuals. Simpson’s President, Norman Hall, prefers using the “optics of momentum” as a positive alternative to some of the news messaging being published today. (Check out Norman’s thoughts as a guest host panelist from The Timothy Group’s Zoom Panel Forum discussion on “Visualizing A Season Of Recovery”.)

MONEY

Of course, Simpson’s visionary planning comes with raising the necessary funds to match their Kingdom goals. Their hopes and plans include raising $10M for a Business Technology and Engineering Building, $5M for a new Events Center, and another $5M for their Simpson Fund. They have begun to conduct a pre-campaign study which goes along with garnering alumni, family, friends, and community donor support.

The Timothy Group is supporting and praying for Simpson University’s Kingdom accomplishments! Simpson is Rising!

Simpson Rising Forecast Card
Capital Campaigns, Development, Donor Relations, Fundraising, Major Donors, Stewardship, Strategic Planning, Zoom Panel Forum

Zoom Panel Forum Recording “Visualizing A Season Of Recovery”

by The Timothy Group
May 6, 2020
View Live Recording

View the live recording of this crucial discussion “Visualizing A Season Of Recovery” led by top development experts with 120 participants across the US! Panelists include:

Ali Crotts, Executive Director of Advancement, Carmel Christian School, Matthews, NC

Jay Riemersma, Senior Director of Development, Family Research Council, Washington, D.C.

Norman D. Hall, Ed.D., President, Simpson University, Redding, CA

Lars Carlson,President & CEO, Youth Haven, Inc., Rives Junction, MI

Amy Carlson, Director of Marketing & Communications,  Youth Haven, Inc., Rives Junction, MI

Donor Relations, Major Donors, Strategic Planning

Unspoken Donor Concerns Going Into A Season of Recovery

by The Timothy Group
April 29, 2020

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

Remember the good old days, when you could go online with Delta Airlines and book a flight to a mega/major donor’s home or vacation home and make a personal visit? Then they would greet you at the door with a handshake, a hug, or even a peck on the cheek. It was a real, live “love fest” with a few hours or days of developing a deeper connection with a close friend, advisor, and key investor. You could emphasize your mission, your vision, and your core values. You could carry along a personalized proposal, share your need, and make a personal request. Those were the days. 

Our world is being reshaped by the searing experience of the coronavirus. People are fundamentally rethinking the way they work, shop, travel, gather, and give to their favorite charities. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and we will be able to return to the “good old days,” we’re just not sure exactly when. Hope is on the horizon. 

A CRACK IN THE DOOR

Nearly 30 states have either re-opened their economy or set dates to slowly allow people to return to their businesses and their work-a-day world. There appears to be life BC (before COVID-19) and AC (after COVID19). The door is not yet fully open, but the process is at least beginning. We have been encouraging you to call, text, email, or meet virtually with your donors in the meantime because in the very near future there will be a “season of recovery.” Life will slowly begin to look a bit more normal and I hope as you return to your office and reboot your ministry, your donors reflect and appreciate your efforts to contact them during the “bench time” (my baseball background sneaks in often).  

SEASON OF RECOVERY

In the past, donors gave to your ministry because of their clear understanding of your mission, your vision, and your core values. With their gift income dollars and your strategy, energy, competence, and integrity, you have made a good team. It’s time to call them again and let them know of your planned revival. Ask them to level with you about their real and felt needs. Help draw out any unspoken concerns they may have. What does their individual fear, uncertainty, or doubt about the immediate future look like? Inquire about their family, extended family, anyone who is sick, or even someone who they know who has passed. Practice one of my favorite acrostics, W.A.I.T. or Why Am I Talking? Listen deeply to your ministry partner, hear what they are saying, and even offer to pray with them. Share a virtual hug and prepare for the upcoming ministry moment.  

Be sure to inform them of any updates to your ministry plans, and any changes with staff they may know and love. Perhaps a student, resident, or client they have helped you fund in the past. Graciously, appropriately, tactfully, courteously, and politely share a specific need. Make a soft ask and invite them to help you with some start-up costs for that specific need. They still love and appreciate your ministry and because you kept the relationship active, they remember that. Invite them to make an eternal investment in your ministry going forward. Remember that generosity is not about finances or fear, but rather our trust in Jehovah-Jireh, for He is Our Provider. Let the Season of Recovery begin! 

Article Submitted By Pat McLaughlin of The Timothy Group 4.30.20

Capital Campaigns, Strategic Planning

Is Now The Right Time For A Pre-Campaign Study?

by The Timothy Group
April 29, 2020

There is an abundance of important questions being raised today, such as:  

“What activities should we minimize or eliminate?”  

“Should we postpone or cancel events?”  

“Should we press forward with donor asks or pull back?”  

One important question we at The Timothy Group have been hearing frequently is:  

“We were planning to conduct a Pre-campaign (or Feasibility) Study over this Spring and Summer, with a Capital Campaign planned in the Fall. Is this a good or bad time to try to do this?” 

Unfortunately, at this time, there is no simple answer to this question. States and non-profit organizations will begin re-opening activities and group gatherings on varied schedules; about a dozen states have begun the process as of today. Each organization will also be impacted differently. For example, a school must consider the upcoming summer vacation and uncertainty about the Fall: while a rescue mission may experience higher demand for services now than normal. So, know your organization and begin steps now that will allow you to “jump-start” it once you get the green light. 

Donor Research: The first step in a Pre-campaign Study is identifying who you want to hear from to determine your readiness to conduct a successful campaign. You want to know the “buy-in” for the project and the potential available support from your constituents, both financially and in a volunteering capacity. So, identifying who you need to talk to is important. Who are your top 10, your next 20, and your next 200? Regardless of whether you launch a study next week or in two months, you can get your lists in order. Our advice is to get it done now! 

Case for Support Development: In your Pre-campaign Study, you will “test” or measure the interest in, and support for, what you plan to accomplish in your Capital Campaign. Your “Case for Support” is a document that lays out that plan in a thorough and compelling way, so your closest friends and donors can realize your vision and thereafter share their level of interest. You will need a strong Case at some point, so start writing it today. We often complete several reiterations of this document before we finalize it, so why not get started on a draft now? You’ll be a step ahead when the time comes.  

Your Calendar: A well thought through Pre-Campaign Study takes about 90 – 120 days to plan and carry out. We can often finish a Study in 3 months, although the timeline is heavily dependent on communication  between parties. Here is a typical breakdown we would recommend: 

Month 1: Preparation of all documents. This includes the Case for Support, the Questionnaire, and the Cover Letters, envelopes, etc. and the segmentation of potential interviewee lists.

Month 2: Data and input collection. This includes the mailing of materials, the completion of personal interviews, and the return and compilation of mail and online surveys. 

Month 3: Results analysis. This month consists of breaking down all the compiled data and creating a written Report of the results of the Study. 

Month 4: Report presentation. This consists of preparing and presenting the final Report to the Client. This month also includes plenty of Capital Campaign pre-planning and often results in a decision regarding whether to move forward or not being made.  

One additional crucial factor to weigh is a little more subjective – when will your donors and supporters be ready to give input and make any Pre-Campaign or Campaign decisions? We have heard that some donors may need time to recover and therefore, may not be ready to make any financial commitments before the year’s end. Others we know are ready now as this time has not affected them as adversely. So, this is a question only you can answer, as you know your constituents best. We don’t believe you should hold off just because you’re unsure of what donors will say. That is, after all, one of the main reasons to conduct a Pre-campaign Study in the first place. 

In summary, you may be more ready than you think. We talk about a “season of recovery” which we believe will begin by late Summer or early Fall, when normal fundraising activities will resume. If these factors line up reasonably with your long-range plans, that makes this Summer a great time to conduct your Pre-Campaign Study! 

Who Is Ready? To put your mind at ease a bit, we have a client who is currently pushing forward with their Pre-Campaign Study. They will be mailing out their Case Statement this week and plan to conduct face-to-face interviews, likely virtually, in late May. Their long-range plan is to complete the Study by early June with an anticipated Capital Campaign launch this Fall. The factors, for them, are aligned at this time. 

We encourage you to walk in faith and have full confidence that God is with you. Here is a Scripture passage we often share with anyone pondering a Capital Campaign for ministry growth:  

“All this,” David said, “I have in writing as a result of the LORD’s hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details of the plan. Be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.” I Chronicles 28:19-20

Article Submitted By: Kent Vanderwood, Vice President, The Timothy Group, April 30, 2020

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