In a time of economic downturns, global unrest, and threats of homeland security, many nonprofits are questioning their tried and true fundraising methods. Is it still possible to get volunteers involved in fundraising? Will donors still consider major gifts when their portfolios are shrinking daily? Should an organization plan an event with the chance that a major national event could cause the event to be canceled?

Nonprofits cannot stop their fundraising efforts because of outside factors. Instead they should turn to their internal processes and philanthropic climate. This is the time to look carefully at how the organization feels and acts about fundraising.

Board Involvement—is the board committed to fundraising? Do 100% of the board members give to the organization at a level that is meaningful? Do they ask others to give and to get involved?

Staffing—has the organization committed to hiring qualified fundraising staff? Are the right people “on the bus” and “in the right seats?” Does the organization provide adequate training for the development staff?

Policies and Procedures—has the organization established gift acceptance polices and investment polices to assure good stewardship of donors funds? Is there an adequate donor software system in place and office procedures that can be followed in the event that temporary worker is ended to fill in for development staff?

Accountability—is the organization accountable to its public? Is the 990 Form filled out accurately? Is it properly registered with state authorities? Is the organization aware of IRS regulations? Is the board aware of its fiduciary responsibility for the organization?

A compelling Case for Support—does the organization have a history of success? Is there a compelling reason for donors to want to get involved with the organization? Can donors see where their money is going and how it is changing lives?

Integrated Development Program—is the organization free from dependency on a single event or a major grant for all its funding? Does the organization have a plan to move donors up the donor pyramid to the ultimate gift? Has it set reasonable goals?

Laying the groundwork for successful development program is well worth the effort. In good times and bad, the most successful fundraising programs focus on the donors. Proper stewardship and recognition, accountability and a well rounded development program can make all the difference in the world. One way to help establish the proper groundwork is by conducting a development audit and using the results of the audit as a basis for forming a development plan with realistic goals, timelines, budgets and areas of responsibility.

Linda Lysakowski, ACFRE is President/CEO of CAPITAL VENTURE, a fundraising consulting firm with offices in PA, NV, VA and FL. Linda is one of only 66 people worldwide to hold the Advanced Certified FundRaising Executive designation, is a graduate of AFP’s (Association of Philanthropic Counsel) Faculty Training Academy and Chair of the Continuing Education Review Board for AFP, in addition to serving as President of PANO (Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations), Secretary of APC (Association of Philanthropic Counsel) and as a board member of AFP’s Foundation for Philanthropy. Linda may be reached at (toll free) 877-540-2896 or Linda@cvfundraising.com