Where do we start?

 

 

Feasibility Studies and Campaign Planning

 

A feasibility study--a highly recommended first step in the fund raising process--establishes the foundation for a successful fund raising effort while alerting the community that a campaign is being contemplated.  Confidential interviews with business leaders, foundation executives, board members, civic leaders, and government officials provide valuable information to our clients to help formulate strategy and positioning, to determine potential sources of funds, and to locate respected, effective leadership for their upcoming campaigns.

 

Feasibility study interviews pre-sell community leaders on the value of their financial and leadership support in addition to collecting opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of the organization and its programs, potential contributors and expected levels of support, and campaign timing as it relates to other area fund raising efforts.

 

We compile and analyze the interview data and make recommendations regarding the goal, leadership, campaign strategy, timing, and key issues that must be addressed before launching the campaign.

 

Campaign Management

 

Successful fund raising campaigns are the result of committed volunteers making their own pledges and getting contributions from their peers.  It sounds simple enough.  Securing affirmative responses is the challenge.  Our experience and guidance in the "art of the ask" will equip your volunteers with the background information and confidence to cultivate their prospects and make the best case possible for a donation.

 

Some of the critical steps that lead to this interaction include setting an attainable goal, enlisting the right leadership, identifying prospects and pairing them with the appropriate volunteers, communicating your story compellingly, and putting an organization in place that will complete the project in a timely manner.

 

Fund Raising Counsel

 

Perhaps your organization doesn’t need a formal campaign structure.  You may already have a fully-staffed development office.  Or perhaps your fund raising goal isn't large enough to justify hiring full-service campaign management.  Whatever the case, we can tailor our contract to provide only the amount of time and counsel that you need.  It could be as little as one or two days per month.  This can be a cost-effective way to get a fresh perspective as well as expert advice to help achieve your organization’s development goals.

 

Organizational and Development Assessment

 

If you think your organization hasn't reached its funding potential, The Winslow Group can examine your current administrative, leadership and development operation, including staff configuration, systems, Board direction, and general fund raising apparatus.  Site visits and confidential interviews of staff and Board members can provide clues to areas of need that might not be readily apparent to those who are close to the situation.  Unbiased observation and analysis of your operations can help get your organization back on track.