About MRF

Mark is dedicated to helping a variety of organizations answer the question, “How do we build a community of compassion ?”

The focus of his practice has come from a lifelong experience of working with volunteers, donors and staff. He began to realize that the similarities between each of the participants of an organization were more significant than the differences. “By building unity between volunteers, donors, staff and care receivers our ability to achieve full potential increases.”

His counsel has helped raised nearly $750,000,000 in private support and generated thousands of stories in the media. Mark earned his doctorate from the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit, Michigan with a dissertation entitled, “Compassion in Board Decision Making.” He has been a guest speaker and presenter at numerous conferences and has served on a variety of non-profit boards. He is the author of Mission Centered Board Leadership which can be purchased on this web-site.

To learn more about how Mark R. Fisher can assist your organization you can reach him at 1 (248) 207-1312 or at bellfisher@aol.com.

The Key to Growth

Our economy is going through a significant downturn that can shatter hopes, dreams and fundamental confidence in a variety of institutions. During this time of crisis it is reasonable to assume that the not for profit sector will experience problems in funding which could then have an impact on service delivery.

Organizations are looking for ways to cut costs and raise more funds at the same time. Yet during these times it is possible to become so preoccupied with issues of sustainability that we shift away from the importance of mission fulfillment. If this happens, it is called “Mission Drift.”

The best way out of an economic crisis is through the fulfillment of mission. The better equipped we are to share our vision for service the more likely people will support it. By talking from the center of our understanding about purpose, we speak from real strength. Now more than ever our communities must hear from us in a way that inspires action that can lead to growth. The bottom line is to resist the temptation to chase money and become re-committed to the fulfillment of mission.

There are three specific action areas that can help your organization strengthen its position in the community during an economic crisis;

• Have a clear strategic vision of where your organization is going and why.
• Establish a comprehensive fund-raising, volunteer and media relations effort that educates the public about the importance of your agency.
• Recruit, train and encourage a “mission centered” board of directors and staff that is dedicated to the fulfillment of mission.

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“ Mission Centered Board Leadership” This book focuses on strengthening the passion of current board members for the fulfillment of mission. It offers strategies on recruitment and “The Model for Board Leadership. It is recommended that organizations purchase enough copies for every board member as well as copies for prospective members during the recruiting phase. Cost: $20 per single copy. $15 per copy with orders greater than 10. $10 per copy with orders greater than 30 (Free shipping and handling). Call or email 1 (248) 207-1312 or bellfisher@aol.com for information.

Building blocks for future capital campaigns,
strategies to sustain and grow human service organizations.