Development planning and efficiency in action

Quick questionnaires to help jumpstart development planning

> About Your Organization
> Essential profile information

> Goals and Challenges
> Where you are and where you want to be

Lessons learned from experience

A successful event has a clear and robust before, during and after.
Before: Choreograph a program of maximum interest to confirmed and potential guests; work the guest list to sway the undecided and reach out to champions of the organization.
During: Impact guests with the organizational mission and moving testimonials; dazzle with the art of mingling.
After: Target communication to turn guests into donors and retain by stewarding through the year.

The best development programs start with an action plan.
Assess emerging challenges, set measurable goals, outline a strategy for outreach and assign critical roles.

Engage people within the organization as program shapers and problem solvers.
Reach out to staff and volunteers at all levels for ideas and solutions to inject new thinking, inspire activity, garner goodwill and promote loyalty.

Network within the community to mobilize action around a cause.
Match your needs with community assets, listen to and connect with local citizens and demonstrate how your cause relates to their values.

Keep your story simple with well-chosen, powerful words.
Clarity is key in relating organizational history or making an ask — less can deliver more!