It is important to do a thorough analysis of the current fundraising initiatives to determine what is working and where there are the greatest opportunities for growth. Look at the current strategies in annual giving (including online), events, major and planned giving donors, foundation, corporate and public grants. Assess what the current mix is and in partnership with leadership look for priorities for expansion.

Development is all about building relationships. As a new director, you have the chance to reach out to their major donors to introduce herself and find out more about them and their interests in the organization.  Your first priority is to build relationships with those donors – Board members, major and planned giving donors and foundation representatives. The purpose is to move donors up the giving ladder by finding out how PhilReads can help them meet their personal, philanthropic and financial goals. (Month two priority)

For marketing, you must build a cogent, consistent voice and the story of the non-profit. This will include success stories, the impact of the program (short and long term results) for individuals and for the community at large. You will use a multi-channel approach to ensure consistency across platforms, customizing communications to meet individual donor priorities. (Month one priority)

By the end of 90 days, you will have gathered enough information to put together a detailed one-year plan for development. This plan will reflect the strategic plan for organization and be the foundation for folding a strategic development plan into it. (NOTE: First month – focus internally; second month – focus externally, third month – develop the plan.)

Assess the current resources, systems and policies to ensure all of the infrastructure is in place to be as effective and efficient as possible. The resources will include human – staff, leadership, board members and other vested interests, such as volunteers that can help in the development plan. I believe all people associated with an organization play a role in fund development, if only being positive ambassadors in the community for the mission. (Month one priority)