Development Plan & Roadmap

A successful fundraising program needs a vision for success and a plan of action based on your mission, your donors, your goals.

Whether conducting outreach to prospects, creating your case for support or annual appeals, or determining an effective events schedule, your annual development plan is your guide for all fundraising activities and tactics to reach your goals. Using a proven development plan structure focused on fundraising by channel (individuals, foundations, corporations, events) as well as sections on board activities, communications, and infrastructure, we work with you to outline all strategies in light of your goals. Additionally, through a series of targeted meetings during the planning engagement, we review current activities, suggest ideas that work in our current fundraising climate, and provide templates for revenue forecasting and development resource allocation to ensure your plan is tailored to your organization’s needs and situation.

"I just finished reading your final report thoroughly and just wanted you to know (from one consultant to another) that this is a really terrific assessment. It's thorough (amazing given your timetable), well written and (the best part) it is basically a practical road map for the new Development Director to follow to get the development house in order and build from there."

Principal, Joan Garry Nonprofit Consulting

Major Gift Program Strategy

A plan to cultivate major donors is a must. It is key to building relationships, identifying board prospects, and ultimately, gaining investors for your vision.

In our work together, we help you identify new major gift prospects, engage current donors through your programs and events, and identify mission-driven activities to strengthen support. We also conduct research so you know your prospect’s capacity and propensity to give; develop strategies to outline the right time to solicit a gift, how much to request, and who should make the ask; and work with you as you prepare for and follow up with donors and prospects.

Our major gift services include:

  • Conducting research so you know your prospects’ capacity and propensity to give;
  • Helping you improve or establish a moves management plan;
  • Developing strategies to outline the right time to solicit a gift, how much to request, and who should make the ask; and
  • Working with you as you prepare for and follow up with donors and prospects.

"With Nadine's help, Elev8 Baltimore successfully raised over $1.2 million in new revenue, contributing tremendously to our on-going sustainability. Her tenacity and enthusiasm for our work has kept us on our toes, and she never let us forget a deadline or pass up an opportunity to make the pitch."

Director, Elev8 Baltimore

Campaign Feasibility Study

Campaigns have the power to transform your organization. Let us take your goal and create a plan for success.

Campaigns can be catalysts, offering opportunities to build long-lasting relationships with donors and creating a launching pad for future support. They can also be overwhelming and labor intensive. With a tight timetable and heavy reliance on volunteer leadership, campaigns can test even the strongest organizations. Our campaign consulting services include:
  • A feasibility study to determine your readiness and likelihood for campaign success;
  • The creation of a case statement and other messaging to drive support; and
  • A study summary report outlining steps needed to raise funds during the campaign and a timetable for completion.
We also conduct research on potential donors, advise on the creation of campaign collateral materials, offer fundraising coaching and training for volunteers and staff, and provide ongoing campaign management services to ensure you stay on track.

"Nadine immediately earned our Board's trust and respect -- from her first conversation with our Development Committee to the detailed recommendations reflected in the feasibility study to her ongoing strategic coaching. Our donors appreciated their conversations with Nadine and her Focus Fundraising colleagues; they left each interview feeling appreciated, heard, and inspired. Nadine continues to guide our team with just the right balance of patience and urgency, at each step challenging us and supporting us to do more than we thought possible."

Director & CEO, LearnServe International

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