What is Cultural Heritage Tourism?
“Traveling to experience the places, artifacts, and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present. It includes visitation to cultural, historic, and natural resources.” (Source: National Trust for Historic Preservation)
How often should an organization update its Strategic Plan?
Current strategic planning methodology is designed to help organizations view themselves in new and creative ways, and position themselves for continued growth and development. The focus is on creating a process that helps an organization deal effectively with change – whether in the form of opportunity or threat – while staying true to its mission […]
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. […]
How can Strategic Planning help my organization/destination – especially now?
Strategic planning allows an organization to identify, prioritize, and focus on what’s important. It also helps engage audiences that are critical to success and sustainability. A well-designed and customized planning process can foster input from both internal and external stakeholders to help chart the organization’s (or destination’s) future, articulate strengths, identify issues and define solutions. […]
Should we use an outside facilitator to assist with our planning process?
Most organizations will use a consultant to help them develop their Strategic Plan for several reasons. An experienced planner will know what tools are needed to assemble a Strategic Plan that meets your organization’s unique needs. He or she will be able to devote the time and energy necessary for the planning process. And an […]
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 […]