Services
Development Program Auditing
Every 5-7 years it benefits an organization to bring in outside counsel to review the current fundraising program. This includes interviews (key trustees, the executive team, targeted donors, and the development team), a review of the current plan and strategies, and a review of office and computer systems for donor tracking and information retrieval. The process is concluded with a report and set of recommendations for improvement.
Interim or Part-time Chief Development Officer
For organizations in transition or desiring a higher level of expertise on a limited budget, Non-Profit Advantage offers contract executive and fundraising leadership. This typically works out to an on-site commitment of 1-2 days a week plus email and phone contact as needed. We work with leadership and staff to evaluate the current situation, develop a strategic plan, set short-term progress benchmarks and then supervise fundraising operations. Such transitions are a perfect time to make changes in structure and strategy in order to heighten future effectiveness. Can include assistance in screening potential permanent applicants.
Fundraising Coach
An inexpensive way to support your development manager, offer in-house training, and grow your fundraising program: Non-Profit Advantage works weekly with the chief development officer to plan and execute strategies for fundraising with a dual focus on increasing the number of donors and increasing donor income. Serving as an accountability partner we keep development teams focused on their goals, solve emerging problems, and troubleshoot the overall fundraising program. Coaching occurs on-site, via email or through phone consultation with daily access for questions and discussion.
Campaign Readiness Testing
Before you commit to a capital campaign or even a costly feasibility study invest in a short, efficient and incisive campaign readiness evaluation. A Non-Profit Advantage consultant will meet with key board members, the executive leadership team, major donors, and the development staff through individual and small group interviews. We use our own Campaign Readiness questionnaire and the interview process to determine if your organization can, at this time, conduct a successful campaign of the size and scope you are considering. If not, alternatives are presented as well as a plan that will bring your capacity to a point where such a campaign will work. Campaigns are large and costly commitments. Take the time to determine if you are ready.
Capital Campaign Counsel
Capital Campaigns are enhanced and succeed through the engagement of outside counsel to work with leadership and staff to plan and implement the right campaign for the organization, donors, and the cause. From setting the overall strategy to writing the case statement, to helping find volunteer leadership – your Non-Profit Advantage consultant will walk with you every step of the way. We emphasize identifying natural partners to advise and create the opportunities for major donor solicitations, a quiet phase where the first 40-60% of the goal is pledged, ongoing communications that build interest and excitement from all supporters, and the involvement of volunteers to lead and represent the campaign to the public. Non-profit Advantage has the flexibility to serve as advisory counsel or to play a direct role in management and solicitation.
Feasibility Studies and Philanthropic Market Assessments
Prior to any capital campaign it is wise to test the market to determine the timing, size of the campaign, approach, and major stakeholders. Third party interviews free prospects to offer candid feedback on the project, its costs, and the organization’s perceived capability. Such interviews also serve to gauge prospect giving potential and pre-sell the planned campaign to key prospects. Non-Profit Advantage creates a set of questions, works with leadership to identify key donors and prospects, and then conducts these interviews about the project. A confidential report is developed that forms the basis for writing a compelling case for support and the strategy for launching the campaign.
Major Gifts Program Development
Identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors is the true foundation of any successful development program. Yet, many organizations fail to create and execute a systematic plan for connecting their donors and prospects to the mission and challenging them to make ever greater commitments. Non-Profit Advantage works with staff and board members to move key individual donors to incrementally higher levels of giving and involvement based on bringing together the donor’s passions and the organizations needs. We utilize the Moves Management approach to major donor development.
Annual Fund Planning and Implementation
Annual Fund programs create a foundation of philanthropic giving and are part of the development strategy for increasing donor participation. But, in many medium to small organizations, Annual Funds are not maximized because key elements are missing. There is a lack of coordination among the various donor groups and their respective communications, solicitations lack compelling needs, timing is poor, or the overall program is poorly executed. Non-Profit Advantage designs a comprehensive strategy involving all donor groups, creates mail and brochure content, and supervises annual fund rollout.
Communications and Marketing
People need to hear about your organization and its needs several times before they will notice or get involved. Communications are essential to an effective development program. They educate and motivate people to give and volunteer. For many organizations, Non-Profit Advantage designs an appropriate communications strategy and will assist staff in execution. This is an essential compliment a comprehensive fundraising plan.
Direct Mail Implementation
People will open mail solicitations from organizations they care about! Direct mail is the most efficient way to educate and solicit your entry-level donors. Our consultants work with you to craft strategies and packages that are both cost and response effective. We will provide realistic analysis of your donor base, assist in what donors should be targeted, create the packages and oversee design, printing, and mailing. Don’t waste your money sending sporadic letters to the wrong people. Conduct a solid program of 5-10 targeted mailings per year.
Strategic Planning
Every three to five years, organizations benefit from taking a timeout with key leadership staff and the board to review programs and strategies, and consider future direction for the organization. As a third party facilitator, Non-Profit Advantage frees up staff to participate in the process, bring objectivity to the process, and creates a final report documenting plans, strategies, and agreements.
Board Development and Training
A strong board creates the foundation for a strong organization and active major donor program. Non-Profit Advantage works with senior staff to analyze the current board, create and implement a board recruitment plan, and assist with board orientation and training. Services include developing board job descriptions, advising on committee structure, establishing a board annual fund drive, creating recognition strategies, and helping to make all board members invested and committed to the mission of the organization.
We recommend an initial and complementary consultation to explore your needs and specific situation. Services are priced on scope of the project or time allocation. We are also happy to present a proposal with measurable products and outcomes.