An overwhelming number of nonprofit organizations do not have a written strategic plan and most have no written policies and procedures, or even a case statement. Fewer yet have a board of directors involved in fundraising. These basic fundamental planning tools and systems are absolutely essential for long-term success, and the organizations without them tend to be the ones who flounder and just “get by” every year, never realizing their true potential.

 

Accelerating Philanthropy helps organizations create and define a donor-focused philosophy that drives all its fundraising efforts. It is a philosophy that continuously looks at everything from the donor's perspective. We must always put ourselves in the shoes of the donor and ask, "If I support your organization, what's in it for me?” And "What's in it for me?" cannot be answered by giving them a premium of some kind. While it is true some donors will give to get a book or other type of premium, they tend to be short-term donors who will not give again until the next premium is offered. And chances are that premium will need to be even better than the last one.

 

Truth is, the long-term donors all nonprofits really want as partners simply need to be assured their giving is truly making a difference in the lives of those your organization serves.

 

At Accelerating Philanthropy we start with the end in mind (What's in it for the donor?) to create a development philosophy uniquely-designed for each organization. And then, with a philosophy that focuses on the donor's needs, rather than the organization’s needs, the fundamental planning tools can be created and executed.

 

While strategic plans, policies, procedures, job descriptions and goals, are all vital to long-term success, when they are created and executed from a donor-focused perspective, true long-term fundraising success happens.

 

Beyond the fundamentals and philosophies, Accelerating Philanthropy helps nonprofits learn the countless personalized ways it can make its donors feel special, honored, needed and appreciated. All of which will strengthen the relationship and lead to increased and consistent support.

 

When nonprofits marry a good strategic plan with all the related policies, procedures, goals, timelines, clearly defined tasks and metrics for success AND a truly donor-focused philosophy, it is a recipe for Accelerating Philanthropy. The end result is long-term fundraising success that will empower the organization to expand all it does for those they serve.

​

​