ASK THE EXPERT: Creating an Effective Development Program
March 10, 2010 by Howard Adam Levy
Filed under ASK THE EXPERT, Fundraising
Mary Ellen from an animal rights organization in Massachusetts writes:
“How does one create an effective development program? In a new job and need to increase giving.”
Fundraising consultant Roxanne Greenstein responds:
Mary Ellen should get to know her board of directors (with the assent of the Executive Director), meeting with each individually and discussing their connection to the organization and to other people who might be interested in supporting it. She should review all prior fund raising and giving history. She should also survey the program staff for who they know who might be a potential donor or who has greater potential than he/she has already demonstrated. Perhaps, she could plan a cultivation event to create some excitement about her bringing a new energy to the development task. I heartily recommend an excellent book on the subject by Michael Seltzer, Securing Your Organization’s Future, published by The Foundation Center.
Roxanne Greenstein, President
Greenstein Consulting / Fundraising, Board Development, Strategic Planning
greenstein.r@verizon.net / 212-426-1542
