Throughout the year, Donor By Design Group publishes podcasts on a variety of fundraising and nonprofit management topics. Head over to the Podcast Library to learn more.

“Known by many yet understood by few. . .”

The incredible diversity of the programs and services provided by non-profit organizations is crucial to helping the organization’s mission come to life.  It’s that vast array of diverse programs and services that can be both a blessing and a curse.

To clarify your organization’s charitable purpose, it is critical to simplify the message.  It is time to stop talking about  programs so much and begin lifting up our purpose.  It is not about what we do, it’s about why we do it. Specifically, each not-for-profit must communicate how it is meeting the critical needs of the local community.

Each organization must build a BLUE FLAME CASE™.

Building and communicating your organization’s case for charitable support is so much more than sharing stories and statistics. A clear, concise and compelling case for support is one which draws people closer, ignites their passion and interests and inspires them to action. In today’s highly competitive philanthropic landscape, your case for support must burn clearer and brighter than those around you, your case must come to life with the glow of a perfect blue flame!

Half Day/ Full Day Workshops

These high energy and interactive workshops are designed to help staff and volunteers to identify the sweet spot where your mission meets the critical needs of your community.

Workshop participants will leave with:

• A list of “top needs” in the community for which your organization is best positioned to make a difference
• Proven evidence that the needs do in fact exist in the community
• A new lens with which to view the true purpose of programs and services
• A clear and simple outline to bring a mission story to life
• A simple formula to engage potential donors
• A deeper appreciation for the life changing work of your organization

For more information or to find out about hosting your own Blue Flame Case™ workshop, contact us.

Do you need to reset in 2010?

Remember what it felt like a year ago?  We were all concerned – perhaps even scared or paralyzed – regarding questions of the economy and philanthropy.   Now as we enter 2010 we have a new “normal” related to our worldview, the economy and even philanthropy.  What does this mean for your fundraising efforts in 2010?  Perhaps 2010 is the time to consider hitting the reset button as it relates to your fundraising strategies.

In 2009 some organizations’ fundraising efforts thrived while others withered. Why? A few observations as we move toward a new year of opportunity.

• Those organizations that thrived used the recession of 2009 as an opportunity to lift up their critical mission … while others used it as an excuse for inactivity.

• Those organizations that thrived challenged donors to upgrade their gifts to meet growing needs … while others settled for level or reduced support out of “respect” for the donor.

• Those organizations that thrived set a stretch goal in 2009 to meet growing needs … while others reduced their goal to reflect challenges in the economy.

• Those organizations that thrived recognized their donors AND showed what their support did for those they served … while others thanked their donors with the standard IRS letter.

• Those organizations that thrived chose to LEAD and INSPIRE their staff and donors … while others chose to plead and then perspire.

I would like to suggest a few resource development New Year’s Resolutions as we move into the first quarter of 2010:

DON’T SETTLE. Let’s agree not to settle as we set our goals, recruit volunteer leadership, hire staff and ask for contributed support this year.

SHARPEN YOUR CASE. Don’t settle with a luke-warm case for support.  Remember donors are attracted to big ideas and big dreams.  Show your donors how their support will make a difference, then show them again!

THANK. Consider setting a goal at being the best organization at saying thank you in your community. Lots of organizations say “please” with varying degrees of finesse.  Stand out and reach out!

LEAD & INSPIRE. Choose to lead and inspire your staff, volunteers and donors in 2010.  Don’t wait for someone else to lead, inspire, thank and encourage – no matter where you are in your organization, YOU can make a difference!

So, back to my original question: remember what if felt like a year ago?   Let’s learn from 2009 and move boldly into 2010!

Need help?  Is it time for your organization to hit the reset button?  Let’s continue this conversation together!

~ The Donor by Design Group Team