ANNUAL FUND
Evaluate current programs to determine if the messaging is effective in asking the right people in the right way, at the right time and for the right amount.
Segment donors and other constituents and provide an appropriate communication strategy for each segment.
Develop timelines and a communication plan for coordinating donor engagement and create and help implement a donor thank you program.
Design and implement strategic fundraising and “friend raising” events, coordinate logistics for annual meetings and board retreats, and develop sponsorship and partnership programs to increase mission awareness, acquire new supporters, boost credibility, and increase revenue.
MAJOR GIVING
Develop strategies to cultivate and steward donors with a tailored approach to demonstrate appreciation on the part of the organization.
Recommend donor giving levels, naming and recognition opportunities, and incentives to inspire donors.
Provide assistance in how to encourage donors to upgrade small gifts to larger ones to move them up the giving ladder.
Create, improve and implement donor stewardship programs to ensure building meaningful relationships with donors.
PLANNED GIVING
Review and evaluate current planned giving programs, determine strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations for improvement.
Create a planned giving program to fit an organization’s specific needs, history and future campaign plans and provide the implementation steps.
Work with board of directors to discuss policies and procedures and provide ongoing counsel for the planned giving program.
Provide advice on setting up an advisory committee comprised of legal and financial experts who have the technical expertise to help with more sophisticated gifts.
Evaluate an organization’s capacity for internal administration and recommend tracking procedures for legacy gifts/bequests when the donor has provided advance information about his/her/their intentions.
Market planned giving program to constituency by creating and/or purchasing marketing materials for wills, bequests, and response fulfillment.
CAPACITY BUILDING
Resource Development Audit – Understand and review all aspects of an organization’s development operation, from internal systems to staffing to budgets and volunteer leadership, to determine strengths and areas for refinement; determine an organization’s ability to raise the funding needed for current operations and future sustainability and growth by reviewing policies, reviewing and refining strategies, assessing case statements and evaluating activities and results; and review annual fund history, individual giving, donor acquisition, retention and stewardship, appeal letters and e-solicitation, gift acknowledgments, major gift program, corporate and foundation relations.
Fundraising Strategy – As an additional component of the Resource Development Audit, create a comprehensive fundraising plan that delineates the strategies and activities required for fundraising success including timelines, staffing patterns and budgets.
Progress Monitoring – Offer ongoing strategy and progress review meetings to provide guidance and support to continually build a sustainable philanthropy program.
Board and Staff Fundraising Training – Provide a two-hour training (or longer if required) that covers all aspects of a Board’s involvement in fundraising.
Interim Development Director Staffing – Provide extensive experience in all fundraising roles with flexibility and ability to work with all levels of client experience; step into an organization to work as staff during those times when it may not make sense to hire a long-term staff member or when a seamless transition during a search for new staff is needed; and work closely with leadership and other staff to ensure not only that the necessary work is being completed, but that organizational resources are being properly aligned for ultimate future impact.
Fundraising Staff Coaching – Provide a structured, knowledge-based process for coaching member(s) of an organization’s development team. Our mentoring program is less structured, requires less staff time, and can be project based. Both Coaching and Mentoring programs can be for new hires or existing staff who are challenged by current responsibilities and/or are being asked to take on new responsibilities.
Solicitation Training – Provide a three-hour in-depth solicitation training (or longer required) for those on the Board who are comfortable talking with donor prospects about money/finances and asking for a major gift. Structured role-play is included.
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS AND SPONSORSHIPS
Develop the levels of support that include both dollar amount and marketing/reach for sponsors.
Identify suitable corporations to solicit.
Create a comprehensive sponsorship plan including the timeline and follow through.
Create targeted messaging for sponsors outlining why they should consider a corporate partnership with the organization and the benefits to them.
Develop an effective printed and/or digital case statement and outreach plan to be implemented.
Provide post-event sponsorship follow-up with a thank you and summary of the event story to build long-term relationships.
With its comprehensive array of services, Brandt Associates has a solid track record of providing organizations with fundraising counsel for annual funds, major giving and large capital campaigns, planned giving, campaign planning, assessment and management, as well as wealth screening, prospect research and grant writing solutions.
It’s all about mission. Sustainable and impactful organizations are first about mission, and to do that, they need to invest in their people and systems.
Brandt Associates can serve as an extension of your team to develop new leadership skills, guide strategic thinking, identify gaps and blind spots, improve operations, and advance outcomes and impact, all with an eye toward improving the long-term health of your organization.
A well-crafted communications plan is a key ingredient to any successful fundraising campaign, including face-to-face and remote solicitations. People give to people.
Consistent, compelling marketing will enhance relationships with donors, increase their engagement, inspire them to give and tell others about an organization’s mission.