Fund Raising - Non Profit Consulting Services

Mark R Fisher is prepared to provide your organization with “mission-centered” support in the following areas;

• Board Leadership Programs
• Fund-raising Audits
• Executive Counsel
• Strategic Visioning Workshops & Retreats

Board Leadership

During challenging economic times boards may become overly focused on issues related to economic sustainability. This shift can move attention away from mission fulfillment. When this occurs, it is frequently referred to as “mission drift.”

Organizations that drift from mission may reduce their effectiveness and the public senses a change. The result: less funding, and greater distance from the center of the organization’s original purpose.

To prevent “mission drift,” the organization must provide its board with support that assists members in strengthening their understanding about agency purpose. Additionally, it is important when recruiting new members that mission fulfillment is central to the discussion. My study and experience has shown that the more passionate a board member is about the mission the stronger he/she is in critical areas of leadership.

In order to facilitate board development, I have developed the following elements to assist organizations;

• The book, Mission Centered Board Leadership.This book focuses on strengthening the passion of current board members. It offers strategies on recruitment and “The Model for Board Leadership.”
• The “Board Leadership Workshop.” This four hour workshop focuses on a review of the organization’s mission statement as well as the implementation of the “Model for Board Leadership.” This model features strategies that focus on governance, giving, ambassadorship and consulting.
• Board Leadership Management Plans. I will work with the CEO to establish plans focused on recruitment strategies, management of “the model” and methods of creating a “Mission Centered” board meeting.

Fund Raising Audits

The development audit is an opportunity to evaluate current programs as well as establish a collaborative process leading to specific next steps that will strengthen the fund-raising efforts of your organization.

I see development as a framework for interaction that represents an opportunity to cultivate the heart of the donor. While there are many motivations for giving, there is little doubt that passionate giving will generate the greatest results possible. Within this framework each target area has the potential to generate dollars, awareness, volunteers and in-kind support.

What follows is a breakdown of each target this audit will study;

• Staff The staff is an over-looked target for support. However, a staff gives and opens doors is generally more engaged in the work than a staff that is not asked.
• Board The board represents a major building block for any development effort. With the Board fully engaged, along with strong staff support, the mission will build a greater foundation that involves more of the community in supporting the work of your organization.
• Media Most people receive information from internet, TV, radio and newspapers (more than ever online). By targeting the media your agency will strengthen all of its development efforts.
• Faith Communities Communities of faith represent a significant opportunity for the organization to stimulate individual, in-kind and volunteer support.
• Individuals Individuals represent our greatest potential for private support. It is important that a comprehensive approach for this sector is employed for maximum growth.
• Corporations Corporations and businesses are an excellent source of financial, in-kind and volunteer support that hold great promise for many not for profit organizations.
• Foundations A comprehensive foundation relations program gives the organization an opportunity to strengthen its written case statement for support that that can be used for other targets as well.

Within the audit process I will evaluate the organization’s level of activity in each target area and offer specific (practical) suggestions for program development. Once we have agreed on next steps, I will prepare a concept plan to help you move forward with each intitiative chosen.

Executive Counsel

Every CEO can gain valuable collaborative support from outside counsel. I have played this role with many organizations as they have prepared for various stages of growth. If you are a CEO that seeks this kind of relationship, please give me a call at (248) 207-1312 or email me with the note “Seeking Executive Counsel” and we can discuss the development of a specific program to meet your needs.

Strategic Visioning Workshops & Retreats

These workshops create the opportunity for the staff and board to reconfirm their understanding about organizational mission and vision as well as review the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for growth. The first 3-4 hour workshop would be held with selected members of staff. Once the workshop is completed a report will be developed for executive review to be used as a study document for the board workshop that follows.

The board workshop (4 hours) focuses on the establishment of a 3 year vision with an emphasis on implementation strategies over the next year. The report from the staff workshop will be used as a positioning document in preparation for this session. At the conclusion of this step you will have critical documentation in place to then move forward with the development of a preliminary case statement that would be positioned to the markets your agency must reach for support.