Development Officer Tips

How does a development officer make a difference in the lives of the people their organization serves? Raising the money to make it happen is just one part of the equation. An important one for sure but here are some of the ways you can make a difference in the lives of the people your agency services.”  

1. Raising the most money you can raise for your institution, in an ethical and professional manner, means focusing on major gifs and not spending all your time running special events, working on PR, or other non-development activities.
2. Providing good stewardship for the donor. Telling the donor how their money was used, making sure the agency uses money in the way it was intended by the donor.
3. Making sure that you don't accept donations that are not in the best interest of the donor or the organization and the people it serves.
4. Assuring that all your organization's communications focus on people-using person first language is important, not making the people you serve sound "needy" but rather, focusing on creating opportunities for people.
5. Sitting down with the people you serve and hearing their side of the story can not only help you focus on the organization's mission but will help you create a compelling case statement for donors.
6. Providing opportunities for donors to meet the people helped by their contributions as often as possible. One of the most memorable events I attended before entering this field was a homeless shelter's breakfast meeting for business leaders, during which the business people shared breakfast with shelter guests.
7. Work with the program staff of your organization to help them understand the role of development and how important it is to fulfilling the mission. You might be surprised at how often program people can provide great stories about the program's success as well as leads to potential donors.
8. Help your board and your organization's leadership understand the importance of high ethical standards in fundraising.
9. Be sure your organization is accountable and transparent. Donors will be more receptive to an ask from an organization that they know is using their money wisely.
10. Work with your finance people and accounting firm on the preparation of the 990 form. This is a great public relations tool that can help bring in donors to your organization.