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"SMALL SHOP: Balancing Priorities with Limited Resources"

January 26, 2010 - Program Summary

Present economic uncertainty is prompting shops of all sizes to come up with creative solutions. For the small shop of limited resources, the challenges are greater than ever, with most of us making it up as we go!  Five small shop leaders gave their perspectives, and then attendees were split up into five groups to share what has worked for their shop and to discuss other ways to cope.

The five small shop leaders were:

• Tanya Holton – Senior Director of Development, Kenneth B. Schwartz Center
• Cristine More – Independent Nonprofit Organization Management Consultant
• Leemarie Mosca – Director of Development, Rosie's Place
• Mary Myers – Vice President of Development, Campaign for Catholic Schools
• Barbara Shenker – Director of Development, hopeFound

The writer of this summary sat at Tanya Holton's table.  The following are some random jottings of what our table discussed.  

Really good project management is key to managing limited resources. Project management is challenging – be sure to create a GOALS SPREADSHEET.  Include a timeline, and meet weekly with staff to monitor goals.  Always tie actions to a strategic goal – or don't do them.  Always ask: "What is the strategic purpose of this?"

It's easier to persuade a new donor to come on board – everything they hear is new.   When rekindling donors, don't worry that all your programs are "old," think about what is new about them and spin it so the program "feels new." A simple phone call can make all the difference in rekindling donors.  The special attention makes them feel special.

Many times, a personal note – in blue ink – can mean a lot to donors.

You must not be afraid to ask your donors to introduce you to prospects.  Sometimes donors are afraid you're contacting them to solicit them – be sure to tell them that you'll be soliciting them, all you need for them to do is introduce you so that you can get the meeting with them.

One of the people at our table draws up "treasure maps."  She asks donors/board members to think of their various circles of influence:  book clubs, parent groups, health club groups, church groups, etc.  Ask them to think of one or two people in their, say, book club who might be interested in your organization, and so on.  Think about convening these one or two people either in a group setting with the donor, or one on one with you, so that you can interest the prospects in your organization.

Have board members participate in a phonathon.  Perhaps a new board member could come out of it!

Consider creating board committees around specific areas of development interest: ie: not just one Development Committee, but a Planned Giving Committee, Campaign Committee, etc.

Consider creating an advisory board.

Listening to your donors is ALWAYS key, especially now.  Yes, time is a limited resource – but the return on the investment of listening time is usually very high.

Professional focus events - ie: board members invite colleagues around their affinity (lawyers, etc.) – drinks & a speaker, to get colleagues interested in your org.

Organize former board members into "alumni groups" – ask them for help (invite their feedback).  WGBH does this effectively with former Community Advisory Group.  Reunion event.  Showcase an initiative.