Our primary objective is to assist
our clients in defining and achieving their potential for philanthropic
support. In the midst of an increasingly competitive market,
it is vital for a non-profit institution to develop and articulate
a clear vision of its unique mission and case for support.
Our strength as a firm is in our ability
to thoroughly analyze the advancement program and to identify
capabilities of current systems and structures to determine
areas that allow for significant enhancement and future growth
as well as points of weakness that need course correction or
reinforcement.
We then offer thoughtful and creative
approaches tailored to the client's particular circumstances,
thus enabling the advancement program to move to new levels
of attainment. While we adhere to underlying principles of institutional
advancement, we do not impose pre designed models. Previous
experiences help shape our recommendations, but the unique characteristics
of the client and the environment in which it operates determine
the prescribed approach.
We are as concerned with implementation
as we are with conceptualization. We provide detailed guidance
in the functional areas of institutional advancement while keeping
larger issues and "the big picture" in the forefront of our
consultation.
We work to establish strong partnerships
at every level of the organization and to build relationships
between our clients and their donors and volunteers, both for
achievement of specific, short-term fundraising objectives,
and more importantly in the development of strategically designed
programs that can advance an institution's long term mission
and goals.
We provide periodic on-site counsel
based on a thoroughly prearranged agenda. On-site visitation
is typically on a monthly basis, especially early in the consulting
relationship. Continuing communication by phone, fax, email,
letter, and by regular exchange of pertinent materials is encouraged
and facilitated by counsel between visits. The amount of consulting
assistance needed may vary depending on the type of development
effort and where the institution is in that effort.
Time and money will be saved when
a carefully planned agenda and schedule are prepared with the
consultant in advance of a visit. A successful consulting relationship
requires careful thought, planning and effective communication
by both the consultant and the key people at the institution
served. The quality of advice will be improved and the relationship
more pleasant and productive by adherence to disciplined procedures
and established timetables.
Associates and consultants of the
firm complement the principal and provide clients access to
leading senior professionals with expertise in specific technical
and program areas of advancement. Associates and consultants
collaborate on internal assessments and feasibility studies
and are available for periodic counsel.
Following an in-depth discussion and
careful review of your needs, we will make recommendations for
a consulting relationship based on your institution's unique
characteristics and suggest specific ways in which our firm
can be of assistance. Fees, travel and other expenses will be
fully stated in writing.
We are, by design, a small firm with
an established track record of successful partnerships with
clients of all sizes. in many areas of the non-profit sector
and in every stage of the fundraising process. Our current and
previous clients can objectively assess our firm's performance
and value, and we encourage your conversation with them as an
important part of the counsel selection process.
