Fundraising

We provide comprehensive fundraising and resource development services designed to meet needs, achieve goals and advance the organization’s philanthropic vision and mission. Our focus is on your successful implementation of a flexible financing plan that will ensure that your organization reaches its goals.

Although private dollars may be one of the last areas you think about for additional funding, it can have the greatest impact for your organization.  We have found that there are four major opportunities for an organization conducting a major gifts campaign. They include: (1) friend raising, (2) fundraising, (3) winning the hearts and minds of the people with your message, and (4) strategically positioning your organization with your target markets and competition.  Are you reaching all of these? If not, then we recommend you consider contacting The Slater Group.

Many of the things required for a successful campaign are listed below. The Slater Group is experienced working with these and many other issues and has developed solutions that have been successfully implemented.  Most organizations do not have all of these at the time they decide to go into campaign. However, through our counsel, training and assistance in the development and implementation of successful solutions, an organization can move forward into a fundraising campaign.

  • A strategic vision and market positioning plan
  • Motivated and trained staff
  • Adequate resources
  • A plan of campaign
  • Trained and committed leaders and volunteers
  • Support from all key stakeholders (staff, board, city counsel, business, industry, chamber members and donors)
  • Campaign objectives based on vision, goals, budgets and critical needs
  • A clear, concise and compelling case for support
  • A plan for communicating the organization’s marketing position and campaign
  • A feasibility study to assess internal and external preparedness and support
  • Volunteer leadership trained, committed, and willing to solicit gifts
  • Major donors willing to make lead gifts and appropriate donor recognition
  • Appropriate donor recognition
  • Sound campaign management 
  • Experienced campaign counsel

We provide a comprehensive list of services related to fundraising and resource development that can be customized to meet your organization’s requirements.  The list below provides an overview of some of the different services we provide. If you are unsure about what approach or services would meet your needs, we provide project definition and evaluation services.

Leadership Development

  • Board Selection
  • Board Development
  • Board Retreats
  • Board Manuals, Policies and Guidelines
  • Staff Training

Planning and Assessment

  • Resource Development Audits
  • Organizational Readiness Assessments
  • Outcome Measures
  • Strategic Market Visioning, Positioning & Planning
  • Needs Assessments
  • Flexible Financing Plans
  • Funding Redirection Plans
  • Proposed Project Development
  • Compelling Case for Support
  • Feasibility Studies

Prospect-Donor-Applicant Management

  • Identification
  • Research
  • Records Management
  • Cultivation
  • Recognition

Fundraising and Development

  • Alumni Campaign
  • Annual Fund Campaigns
  • Communications & Marketing
  • Direct Mail Campaigns
  • Endowment Programs
  • Major Gifts Campaigns
  • Membership Programs
  • Planned Giving Programs
  • Special Events

After reading the above material, you may have questions such as the ones listed. Please contact us to discuss the answers to these and any other questions you might have.

  • How do I find people who will be willing to give to our organization?
  • How much time will be involved and what staff will be required?
  • How does the organization decide if a campaign is needed?
  • What is a feasibility study and why is it important?
  • How and when is the fund-raising goal established?
  • How long will a campaign take and cost?
  • Will the campaign interfere with other on-going solicitations?
  • What are board members and volunteers asked to do during the campaign?
  • How do endowments, planned gifts and in-kind gifts impact the campaign?
  • Should the consultant’s fees be based on a percentage of the funds raised?
  • Should a campaign goal also include money for campaign operating expenses?
  • Does the organization need campaign staff and consultants?
  • How are volunteer fund-raising efforts organized?
  • How is the work of the CEO and other staff affected by the campaign?
  • What is the compelling case statement for a campaign?
  • What if needs or costs increase during the campaign?
  • How are donors recognized for their contribution?
  • What happens if the campaign does not reach its fund-raising goal?
  • How does an organization end a campaign?