Planning
For a free
Preliminary
Development Inventory please call 1.888.469.1852
Basic to any successful fund raising program is a thoughtful plan and calendar. The most effective fund raising plan will reflect the organization's values, history, culture and constituencies. Systematic procedures and accurate data are necessary to attract and manage charitable contributions. Systems need not be complicated or highly technical. They must be effective and easily managed. RTG consultants work with an agency staff and board to identify organizational strengths and weaknesses that must be considered in creating an effective custom plan. Past fund raising successes are maximized and pitfalls are avoided. The plan is a standard for accountability and a benchmark from which progress is measured.
VISIONING AND CASE STATEMENT
The foundational document that is required in successful fund raising efforts is the Case Statement. The development of the case for an organization is crucial both for its description of mission, programs and vision, and also for the participatory process that is necessary to develop the case. Sections of the Case are written by agency staff. RTG consultants participate in the design and editing process. Board members help formulate a statement of vision for the organization and the need for financial resources. RTG is experienced in leading organizations in the visioning and case development process and will bring insightful guidance and unique resources to this fundamental task.
Every organization has stories to tell. How they are told and perceived are crucial factors but sometimes disconnected. Constituency perceptions need to be understood in order to develop effective newsletters and other organizational statements that connect with donors and friends in ways that encourage them to act. Regularly published newsletters and other print media are means of creating accurate and compelling perceptions for constituents. Another rapidly growing influence is the internet and the world wide web. RTG consultants are industry leaders in print and electronic communications and know how to tell the stories that express an organization’s mission and impact.
OPERATING REVENUE
The three primary vehicles for generating consistent income to meet monthly operating costs are mail, events and face-to-face contacting. Well crafted, non-manipulative letters that tell the true stories of an organization’s outreach are effective fund raising tools, even in this culture that has become weary of mail appeals. Particularly when coordinated with other publications and events, written correspondence can communicate the heart of an organization. Strategized fund raising events and activities, when planned and implemented correctly, will attract new and increased contributions from donors and non-donors. Staff and board members who are prepared to participate can be trained to help individuals support their organizations financially.
MAJOR DONOR DEVELOPMENT
The 80/20 rule applies to organizational funding. That is, 80 percent of the financial support will come from 20 percent of the donors. This means that a few donors will give larger than average gifts. If an organization's gift list does not include large contributions, it is missing significant income. Many organizations incorrectly perceive their constituency as being unable to give large gifts. Major donors often start out as typical contributors. They become philanthropic leaders as an organization reaches out with genuine understanding and meaningful opportunities for involvement. RTG consultants understand both sides of the issue. They know how to identify major donor prospects from among existing supporters and they are skilled in creating an environment in which those friends will increase their support.
BOARD DEVELOPMENT
Boards have three primary responsibilities: fiduciary, oversight and advocacy. The board is the basis for the IRS to grant permission to a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization to issue tax-deductible receipts for contributions. The board is responsible for the employees, mission, programs and activities of its non-profit organization. Finally, the board is the link between the organization and its community. RTG consultants recognize the profound responsibility held by a non-profit board. The firm's approach to board development is based on an understanding of the life cycle of an effective governing board. Areas of expertise include priority responsibilities, effective practices and policies, member selection, recruitment and orientation, board and individual performance evaluation, and the board development retreat for trusteeship-leadership training.
INTERIM LEADERSHIP AND EXECUTIVE SEARCH
Quality and continuity in fundraising leadership can be pivotal in assuring success in both operating and capital revenue programs. RTG provides interim leadership when vacancies occur in chief development positions. Several RTG consultants are experienced at the chief development officer/vice presidential level and can provide part-time, interim leadership in situations that require coordination and accountability during a personnel search. RTG will keep a development department focused and productive during a vacancy. Assistance may be required to secure the right person to fit the specific institutional need. RTG is networked with development professionals and similar professions throughout the nation and is prepared to generate and qualify candidates for top development leadership positions.
FUND RAISING READINESS
The issue of readiness applies to an organization both internally and externally. Internal readiness refers to staff expertise and procedural effectiveness. Internal factors must be assessed to determine strengths and areas that need attention in order to be ready for the demands of comprehensive fund raising initiatives. External readiness refers to constituency perceptions and the kinds of relationships the organization has developed with its community. An external readiness audit, sometimes called a feasibility study, can be an important means of preparing the public for a major fund raising project. The readiness audit can be more than a neutral assessment. It can be designed and implemented in such a way as to promote an organization and its vision. Done properly, the readiness audit will lay an effective foundation upon which to build a successful fund raising campaign.
CAPITAL ASSET CAMPAIGN
When an organization's vision for the future requires funding that is beyond the scope of current resources, a capital asset campaign may be implemented. Most asset building campaigns require certain basic processes. However, RTG consultants begin with the organization’s particular history and distinctive character to develop a plan to fit its constituency. Although some gift agreements may be technically complicated and the campaigns that garner them may involve multi-year action plans, successful capital campaigns can and should be "user-friendly.” RTG consultants are skilled in both the detail and the relational aspects of capital fund raising. They design capital campaigns such that they enhance the relationships between the organization and its donors. They know how important a capital campaign can be to an operating income fund.
TRUSTS, ANNUITIES, BEQUESTS
Trillions of dollars in assets are currently being transferred from the World War II generation to the Baby-Boomer generation. The government has established taxes to confiscate major revenues in the inheritance and transfer process. The government has also established legitimate means by which wealth can be transferred to descendants and to charitable organizations. Various financial vehicles such as trusts are designed to benefit those who wish to access legitimate and legal tax-avoiding provisions. RTG consultants are familiar with such financial arrangements and are prepared to guide an organization into this crucial area of development. RTG consultants are not certified financial advisors. They know where their expertise lies and when to involve qualified legal and financial advisors.
FOUNDATIONS AND GRANTS
Corporate and independent foundations invest more than $10 billion in non-profit organizations annually. As would be expected, the demand and competition for foundation support is great. Contrary to common perception, this kind of funding is neither easy, quick, nor in most cases, large. The application and approval process is time consuming and requires significant effort to complete successfully. In most cases, foundations reject the overwhelming majority of applications they receive and provide funding to only the few that best meet the foundations’ objectives and the goals of their founding donors. There are proven methods of research, cultivation and application that significantly improve both the quality of a grant proposal and the likelihood that it will be given serious consideration above other similar applications. RTG consultants are experienced in working successfully with foundations and are equipped to guide a client’s foundation search and application process.