Services Provided

All nonprofits rely on solid fundraising programs to support their missions. Many people and organizations don’t realize that fundraising is more than simply asking for money. Drayer Scott Consulting can assist your organization with building and supporting a comprehensive program. Such a program is the strategic combination of art and science that fosters cultivation, relationship-building, and ultimately determines your stakeholders’ interests and passions so you can match those with your organization’s priorities. Good development programs are multi-pronged and DSC has extensive experience in the following areas:

Advancement Appraisals

To succeed, a team must be set up for success with the right people in the right roles. For small nonprofits, where the team might be just one person, prioritization is key to achieving goals. Drayer Scott Consulting can help evaluate your current team and program, identify strengths and weaknesses, and make recommendations to strengthen them. This might involve revising job descriptions or assessing the ROI of events and programs to determine their current value.

Annual Funds

An Annual Fund is the cornerstone of any fundraising program. While it is essential for funding an organization, it also serves a broader purpose. Annual Funds help identify major gift prospects and potential volunteer leaders and board members. A strong Annual Fund is crucial for any organization, providing the foundation needed to launch successful capital campaigns. Drayer Scott Consulting has experience in both building fundraising programs from the ground up and refining existing ones. Whether your organization is just starting out or looking to enhance its current efforts, DSC can provide the expertise and guidance needed to develop and improve your fundraising strategies.

Capital Campaigns

When an organization’s leadership identifies long-term needs for programs, real estate, or endowment, a capital campaign becomes essential. Whether the goal is $1 million or $100 million, securing multi-year pledges from prospects requires meticulous planning, thorough research, strategic thinking, and effective solicitation training. Drayer Scott Consulting can help prepare your organization to launch a successful campaign and provide support throughout the entire process.

Coaching and Mentoring

Are you a first-time Head of School or working with a brand-new board chair? Whether you have a quick question about donor strategy or need an in-depth conversation to troubleshoot a larger issue, Drayer Scott Consulting can help. We have worked with heads of schools, executive directors, and board members, providing support through weekly calls and scheduled strategy sessions, serving as a reliable sounding board for your leadership needs.

Additionally, DSC has a proven track record of supporting Directors of Development by mentoring their teams and keeping them on track. This enables the Director to be more strategic and proactive in working with the board, other leadership, and, most importantly, donors.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding through social media is a relatively new area of fundraising and has been proven to be an effective way to solicit a high number of small gifts. It is less expensive than direct mail, so a good option for organizations that hope to grow their donor base. At first glance, it might not make sense for a well-established program, but it is worth considering for almost every development program. DSC has successfully worked with a number of organizations that had success raising funds for a targeted program

Cultivation and Stewardship Programs

Building relationships is critical to a successful development program. When a constituent shows interest in an organization, it is an opportunity for cultivating that individual to deepen their relationship and commitment. Getting to know donors and formulating a plan to keep them involved is more strategic than it might sound.  It is where art and science meet to create an individualized plan for each constituent. Once a donor has made a commitment, it is essential to have a program in place that keeps them informed and engaged. Drayer Scott Consulting can help you build a stewardship plan to ensure you don’t miss opportunities to reconnect with all your important donors.

Data Management

In the long to-do list of fundraising, data management might seem like a low priority. However, having a clean, well-organized database with comprehensive information about donors and prospects, is the key to relationship-building and fundraising success. It is not just a place to store information about gifts made, but a place to keep notes and observations about stakeholders so you can customize their experience with your organization. Not only does good data help the current staff do their jobs effectively, but it ensures the organization will be well-positioned in times of staffing transitions.

Solicitation Training

For most people, asking for money is one of the last things they want to do. Even for many development professionals, asking is a learned skill. Drayer Scott Consulting has been involved with asking for small gifts for participation purposes, as well as eight-figure gifts. The firm will work with staff, trustees, or volunteers to build their confidence and make them more comfortable in the role of “the asker.”

Special Events

Special Events have many purposes and done well, an can raise an organization’s visibility and increase awareness about its mission. Whether it be for cultivating donors, raising funds, or recognizing the generosity of the community, events are important and effective. The key to a successful event, however, lies within the follow-up plan and DSC works with events specialists who can assist your organization with maximizing the impact at the event and in the following weeks.

Volunteer Management

Volunteers are the key to the fundraising success at many organizations. Working with them is a wonderful way to engage and cultivate your most committed parties to be the best spokespeople about your organization. Drayer Scott Consulting has worked closely with boards of trustees and volunteers serving on annual fund, capital campaign, and special event committees. The firm specializes in identifying and recruiting the best people to support and represent your organziation.