Fundraising
In my leadership roles I have always been responsible for the financial health of the organization. In my consulting roles I have often worked with boards and leadership to develop a comprehensive financial plan that moves beyond a list of donors or funding sources. It is important to avoid the inevitable challenge of chasing dollars or cutting programs, and instead, move toward sustainability as we build organizational capacity and financial reserves simultaneously.
I use a three pronged approach that starts with Mission capital (organizational values, unique positioning, visionary impact) which leads to Social capital (partnerships, service contracts, constituency, employees, people served) which then leads to Physical capital (money, donated goods and services, ongoing funding sources). When incorporated into the strategic plan, this perspective on fiscal/capital management will lead to capacity building and organizational sustainability.
I have facilitated several Boards through strategic discussions for viability using this framework for building capital and capacity.
Funds raised in my leadership roles
$6m - program revenues
$3.4m - federal, state and local grants
$580,000 - fee-for-service partnerships,
Funds raised for clients in my consulting roles
$4.2m - federal, state and local grants
$800,000 - individual and corporate donations
$1m - private placement offering for environmental technology startup
Step One for consulting clients is often to create the infrastructure necessary to qualify for grants and charitable dollars.
Results of charter school fundraising project
Consulting with a charter school whose existing annual giving and donor solicitations were ineffective, I recruited parent leaders in the school community and established an educational foundation board and developed a comprehensive, multi-year plan for sustainability. We identified 4 main program areas that would position the school to receive donations and develop partnerships. One program area, Media Literacy led to the development of a curriculum to teach teachers about the challenges of emerging technology for student learning. The project gained national attention through publications, conferences and online safety programs which led to a $250,000 MacArthur Foundation grant. Another program area, gardening and land stewardship, drew local native plant and permaculture enthusiasts to help with campus improvements, established partnerships with the Master Gardeners and Department of Fish and Game, which ultimately led to being recognized as an official “Green School” by the US Department of Interior and awarded a recognition grant.
Common Sense Solutions
I can help navigate your situation for the most effective solutions and process, from simply offering a fresh perspective or taking the reins through a transition.
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