For many non-profits, the fundraising role is lumped in with multiple other job duties, equating to less than one full time equivalent staff member dedicated to this important role. It isn’t enough to say that fundraising is a priority, in order to find success in this realm, you’ve got to dedicate time and resources to move the needle.

If you ask Oxford...

Philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good cases

So...just the desire to help others? And does it HAVE to be to good causes? What if the donor gives only for personal recognition and prestige? Does that make what they are doing not philanthropy? Hard to say.

When hiring a fundraising firm, you’re doing just that, hiring additional fundraising FTE’s to help you bring philanthropic revenue through the door. If you wouldn’t hire each person that will be working with your team actually onto your team, don’t hire them as your fundraising firm.

You should customize each presentation based on each prospect’s values and what you have learned is important to them. Never do cookie cutter presentations or your prospect will never feel like their desires are understood.

Boldly launch a more visible, robust multi-year philanthropy initiative, keeping in mind that need dictates goal.

While dollars raised will be the ultimate performance metric, in our work with clients we see success coming from concentrating a fundraising fitness program in four areas.

Where should we focus our time and efforts regarding philanthropy? We must focus on building and expanding authentic and meaningful relationships.