Why is program evaluation important?
Organizations should evaluate the impact of their programs periodically to better ascertain whether they are achieving their desired results. Typically, the evaluation process focuses only on cost of the program. We use the “dual bottom line” approach to assess ROI based on the financial investment as well as the impact on the organization’s mission to […]
Why is marketing important?
Marketing generates interest, conveys uniqueness, and compels action. Great marketing helps nonprofit organizations distinguish themselves from the competition through dynamic images, targeted messages, and engaging content. Effective marketing begins with solid research to instruct design and distribution. Optimally, the integrated marketing activities cross platforms to present a consistent brand. Communication is a strategy to convey […]
What is the difference between a Mission and Vision Statement?
A Mission Statement describes an organization’s purpose – its reason for existence. A Vision Statement describes the long-term change the organization wants to achieve – its hoped-for “end state.”
What can we do to diversify our board?
Creating more diverse and inclusive boards is one of the most important challenges facing nonprofits today. A growing body of knowledge suggests that we should begin by identifying what the ideal profile of our board would look like with respect to sectors represented, skill sets, and demographics (age, race, residence, gender, ethnicity, etc.). Only then […]
What is a Development Audit?
A Development Audit – often referred to as a Development Assessment – is designed to determine an organization’s ability to raise annual operating support. While it is similar to a Feasibility Study in several aspects, it is almost always internally-focused, may include comparative analysis with “best practice” organizations, and does not include usually confidential conversations […]
Why is it important to use an outside consultant for Feasibility Studies and Development Audits?
Using an outside professional is important for three reasons. First – using a consultant allows you to access the expertise you probably don’t already have on your current staff. Second – an outside consultant can often identify, during the course of confidential conversations with key staff and volunteer leadership, potential problem areas that warrant attention. […]
What is a Case Statement?
A Case Statement – also called a Case for Support – is a concise description of the need(s) the campaign is designed to address, the impact it will have on the organization and those it serves, and the amount of funding required. It will often include a preliminary design for bricks-and-mortar projects. While Case Statements […]
What is the difference between a capital campaign and a comprehensive campaign?
A capital campaign is designed to raise funds for bricks-and-mortar projects. A comprehensive campaign has several components, including – for example – capital, project, endowment, bridge fund, and/or operating needs.
What is a Campaign Feasibility Study?
A Feasibility Study is an in-depth analysis of an organization’s ability to raise funds for a specific purpose or purposes. It is almost always conducted by an impartial expert consultant with extensive experience leading successful campaigns. A Feasibility Study should include confidential interviews with current and potential lead donors, staff, volunteer leadership, opinion leaders in […]