We use the Development Audit to assess a nonprofit organization's fundraising strengths and weaknesses, and show where fundraising capacity can be enlarged.

A Development Audit assesses your organization's current/past fund raising performance and the results you have obtained from that effort. It demonstrates points of weakness and the essential strengths of your nonprofit's fundraising effort.

The Development Audit provides a survey and analysis of present development and fund raising efforts within the organization that reveals the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities that will affect the organization’s ability to enhance fund raising efforts.  The Development Audit also shows any factors that may be blocks or barriers, and factors that may well facilitate and assist enhanced fund raising capacity.  Included are specific recommendations on ways that the agency can move to the next level of effectiveness in fund raising.  Specific objectives are outlined, with short-term and long-term goals specified for implementation by the agency.

An introductory and informational meeting is held first to establish the parameters of the study.  A series of interviews are conducted with staff, and key volunteers; approximately 5-6 persons are interviewed, depending on the situation.

A substantive and detailed report is compiled that contains the essential information gathered and  the recommendations that result from the findings of the reviews.

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"Perhaps the best thing about working with John Fike at Philanthropy Solutions is how quickly he picked up on the essentials concerning our organization—its mission, its methods, and its basic principles.  He understands what we do and can articulate the message clearly and concisely.  He also bends every effort toward providing us with a product to which we can point with pride.  It has been a very satisfactory relationship."

Earl Ryan, President
Citizens Research Council of Michigan
Livonia, MI

Here's a book we've found very helpful over the years and think it can make you more effective, too.
"Achieving Excellence in Fundraising " by Henry A. Rosso
A comprehensive, authoritative, detailed guide to successful fundraising, explaining the profession's major principles, concepts and techniques. Demonstrates why fundraising is a strategic management discipline.
From Jossey-Bass 1991 and later eds.

Here's a landmark piece of research on the "baby boomers" as donors. It's a "must have" for any board member or professional fundraiser.
"Donor Centered Fundraising " by Penelope Burk
Details the habits, preferences and giving patterns of the new generation of donors. Thorough and specific in demonstrating how the new donors differ from their parents.
From Cygnus Applied Research, Inc., Chicago, 2005

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