My intent with this engagement is to help the nonprofit build sustainability through the development of a robust strategic fundraising plan that leaves the grant writing to the Executive Director and staff and develops the fundraising prowess of the board through building relationships – at that same webinar the advice was: first comes friend-raising, then comes the fundraising.

In this engagement, nonprofit boards will also learn the power of their mission, vision, values and strategic goals. The goal is to develop strategies and a message that results not in the nonprofit or board member asking for money – but, rather offering an opportunity to the donor to be a part of something that is valuable and important to them. They are not being asked to give but are rather being given an opportunity to make a difference in something that is important to them.

Deliverables:

The two nonprofits that take advantage of this engagement will benefit from the following deliverables:

• An assessment of the nonprofit’s fundraising strategy, this will include (among other components):
   ˗ A breakdown of fundraising sources by dollar and percentage
   ˗ A breakdown of fundraising efforts, i.e., how much is raised by the staff and how much is raised by the board
   ˗ Identification of board fundraising policies
   ˗ The strengths and weaknesses of the current fundraising plan
   ˗ The effectiveness of the fundraising story/message
   ˗ How the nonprofit’s fundraising efforts align with the nonprofit’s client definition, mission, vision, values and strategic goals

• The crafting of an effective story/message to be used in fundraising

• Developing a strategic fundraising plan/campaign that:
   ˗ Identifies why new funds are needed and how these new funds will be put into place (you don’t raise money just for the sake of raising money)
   ˗ Identifies the nonprofit’s strategic goals that are supported by the fundraising plan
   ˗ Establishes the nonprofit’s Social Return on Investment (SROI)
   ˗ Builds on board member networks
   ˗ Builds on mission and vision-related supporters in the community
   ˗ Sets firm, challenging, yet achievable objectives for the nonprofits fundraising – timelines, milestones and dollar amounts

• Guidance in developing the media that will drive the campaign
   ˗ Web-based
   ˗ Email based
   ˗ Public relations
   ˗ Branding

• A final assessment and the Strategic Fundraising Plan in graphic form

This is an intensive effort but should be achievable within the six month time frame and will prove to be a valuable and enduring asset for your nonprofit.