Here’s where you learn what it is like to work with me.

Nonprofit growth is more about building a framework that is adaptive to a changing environment than it is about the money.  The development function is not an isolated component of the organization – it’s integrated into everything else at the organization, and everything affects development. It’s an ecosystem.

I consider the whole organization: what works and what’s out of synch, and identify pathways for growth that maximize existing resources while attracting new resources. It’s an integrated approach that allows for more perspective in order to be fully conscious of potential and effectiveness. My approach is values-based and collaborative. My clients appreciate the fact that I encourage them to identify and work from their strengths – that’s makes growth sustainable for
them. After working with me you can expect the following results:

You’ll be better prepared for a different and ever-changing future. I draw from my own experience in nonprofit development and cutting edge research to help nonprofit leaders build resilient and adaptable frameworks for growth.

You’ll understand the big picture more clearly. Trends, opportunities, and choices give you a view of the reality and what’s possible. This way, it is much easier to see connections, build networks, and draw insights. Prospects and donors are more likely to become long-term stakeholders when they sense inspiration and shared vision. Attracting and keeping donors is easier. Vision + energy + resources = new possibilities.

You’ll ask better questions, more thought-provoking and strategic questions of yourself and others on the team. You’ll cultivate a more integrated view of the organization: how core values, board recruitment, marketing, programming, fundraising, volunteers, and cultivating processes of creation are part of the same ecosystem. Growth-mode is supported by all of these functions. What’s changing in the economy that will impact your nonprofit and how can you prepare for it? Would someone include your nonprofit in their estate plan for instance, make a bequest, or name your nonprofit as a beneficiary of their retirement plan if they don’t sense a shared vision and the energy to drive it forward?  If you’re ready to ask questions like these, you’re in growth-mode.

You’ll produce results more consistently. You’ll think more strategically about donor relationships and the role and motivations of annual fund donors.  You’ll be more inquisitive about how your nonprofit fits into community wellness. Your marketing will reflect the energy of your stakeholders’ (board, staff, volunteers, and donors) dreams and inspirations, which is far more powerful than announcing an aggressive campaign dollar goal. You’ll be able to talk to people about both current and deferred gifts with confidence. Are you ready to have meaningful conversations with your loyal donors about various ways of making gifts? If you’re focused only on current cash needs as a priority, remember that an estate plan someone made 20 years ago could be your operating budget this year. Is this longer vision working for you? Are you ready to generate more momentum?

You can learn how to build networks of smart, creative, energetic, and resourceful people to advance your nonprofit cause, no matter what the economy. This is the smartest step you can take. Interactive networks fuel resiliency. My friends who regularly send money to an organization that invests in women’s businesses overseas have never met the staff or board at the organization, or the women on the receiving end, nor do they expect to – all they know is that their few dollars enabled a woman to launch a new business to support her family and community. The mission creates positive impact and they are strong, loyal givers. Thanks to the new web thinking of the world, a clear message can circle the globe over and over again, attracting information, ideas, and innovative solutions constantly. Are you utilizing all the resources at hand?

You will increase your professional value.  Nonprofit leaders who understand emerging issues and how they impact nonprofit growth and development are valuable to the community and better prepared for an era of rapid and constant change. A commitment to learning new skills means that development “generalists” who have not had the opportunity to learn essential planned giving skills are facing a philanthropic market that demands a knowledge base that gives donors more options. If you can give donors more options, you will add to your value as a professional. Basic planned giving skills will soon be considered part of the basic tool kit for a development office.  Have you talked with key donors about a bequest or retirement plan or some other type of gift, other than cash?  Why not? Invest in an expanded knowledge base and cultivate more skills so that you are comfortable and confident to talk about gifts other than cash.   

I value:

• Accessibility – I keep lines of communication open. I return emails and phone calls promptly.

• Learning, collaboration, interconnectedness, and compassion – These are universal principles for growth and prosperity that create a framework of resilience and adaptability for both organizations and individuals.

• Building ever-expansive networks of resources. This leads to long-term effectiveness. It is the most important concept to incorporate into your nonprofit leadership strategies.

• Mutual respect and trust, adaptability, creativity, and focus.