From Assessment to Action
Whose development program couldn’t use a little boost? Or maybe a big one?
It is not uncommon for nonprofits to seek a consulting firm to bring expertise, strategy and guidance to strengthen a development program. The best outcome is an organization who takes the work of a consultant’s advice and puts that plan into action. This is what happened at Heart Havens, a mission-driven organization in Richmond, Virginia, working to “empower adults with developmental disabilities to live and thrive in their community.”
When they contacted CapDev last year, Heart Havens had just completed a new three-year strategic plan, and the Development Committee of the board wanted to create a comprehensive development plan. Astute CEO, Becky Huff, compiled a deck of information to share with potential consultants, and CapDev was selected to partner in conducting a Development Assessment and Plan.
What did we do?
We evaluated the fundraising infrastructure, leadership engagement, donor identification and awareness, development operations, and overall readiness for sustainable philanthropic growth.
What did we find?
The assessment identified a strong organization with committed leadership and significant potential for support, while also recognizing the opportunity to move from a largely emerging development program toward a more intentional, relational, and sustainable approach to philanthropy.
The assessment resulted in five key recommendations that Heart Havens is now enacting, summarized below:
- Establish an intentional, relational major gifts program
Heart Havens has moved toward a more strategic approach to major donor development with greater emphasis on identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding key donors. Rather than relying primarily on transactional fundraising opportunities, leadership is increasingly focused on building authentic relationships and understanding each donor’s interests, motivations, capacity, and connection to the Heart Havens mission. This work is creating the foundation for stronger major gift results today while building a pipeline for increased annual philanthropic support over time.
- Strengthen a donor-facing vision and case for support
Heart Havens has begun more intentionally articulating its vision, impact, and opportunities for growth in ways that resonate with external audiences including a newly developed case for support (included in CapDev’s Assessment & Plan) and supporting materials. The organization is increasingly able to connect its immediate needs with a larger vision for the future and demonstrate how philanthropic investment can expand Heart Havens’ impact. This includes monthly impact reports and personalized impact reports, which provide donors with a clearer understanding not only of what Heart Havens does, but also of what is possible because of their partnership and support.
- Increase board and volunteer engagement in fundraising
Heart Havens has embraced a broader concept of development leadership in which the board and key volunteers play an active role in developing donor relationships. The organization is creating greater alignment around identifying important relationships, opening doors, making introductions, participating in cultivation, supporting solicitations, and stewarding donors. This includes an expanded Development Committee and a Major Gifts Advisory Team. This marks an important cultural shift: development is becoming a shared organizational responsibility rather than solely a staff function.
- Strengthen development leadership and organizational capacity
Heart Havens has made meaningful progress in aligning its development responsibilities, leadership, and day-to-day execution. The CEO has taken a more active role in major donor relationships and development leadership with the recent addition of a COO, while development staff have been increasingly focused on the systems, coordination, donor management, annual giving, and operational support necessary to sustain the program. This more clear division of responsibilities is allowing Heart Havens to operate with greater focus and consistency while expanding its development capacity.
- Build a stronger foundation for annual giving
Heart Havens is also developing the infrastructure and strategy necessary to grow annual giving, with particular emphasis on creating a stronger identity and recognition structure for committed donors. The development of a 1999 Society for donors giving $1999 or more annually provides an opportunity to create a stronger sense of community among donors, recognize philanthropic leadership, and establish a pathway for donors to deepen their long-term engagement with the organization. A monthly giving society, Giving Hearts, has also been implemented.
What Has Been Accomplished?
Heart Havens responded exceptionally well to the work of their assessment and plan. Leadership has embraced the recommendations and translated them into meaningful action. As a result, Heart Havens is building a culture of philanthropy, increasing leadership engagement, and implementing the systems and processes necessary for sustained philanthropic growth.
Isn’t that the little boost every nonprofit wants for its development program? Or maybe it’s a big boost!