Fundraising Counsel Services
The knowledge, experience, expertise and resources of Swanson House can be engaged to help nonprofits implement and execute the steps needed to achieve fundraising success. Whether it’s capital campaigns, annual fund development, or any other professional assistance related to fundraising and nonprofit governance, Swanson House’s versatile services can meet your needs. Utilizing our successful “fundraising architecture,” Swanson House will work with you to establish a fundraising structure which identifies, cultivates, solicits and expresses appreciation to donors–a fundamental framework for success.
Comprehensive Campaign Counsel
The Comprehensive Campaign creates the most dynamic, powerful and productive fundraising environment for a nonprofit organization. We work with our clients to define and establish goals for capital, operating and endowment objectives so as to maximize the types of gifts and the types of donors your organization can secure in service to its mission and vision. Harnessing the unique and powerful dynamics that only a campaign can create, organizations raise more money, increase their profile and engage new and more people in the life of their nonprofit. Depending on the client’s ultimate goals, campaign counsel can focus on only one or two of the three initiatives. Within the fundraising architecture, using the four cornerstone framework, objectives are defined and proven strategies are created, structured and implemented to facilitate a successful fundraising effort.
Pre-Campaign Assessment Study
The Pre-Campaign Assessment Study provides insight and perspective for nonprofits before they launch a major fundraising campaign. Goals and objectives, and mission and vision, are tested through stakeholder, community, and donor prospect focused research. Current development operations are evaluated and analyzed. The study product is a written report detailing the findings of the assessment; an analysis of the research; and a corresponding series of recommendations to move your organization into action.
Annual Fund Counsel
Organizations that want to address annual operating fund needs can benefit from engaging Annual Fund Counsel. Our approach helps your nonprofit organization understand and position its operating needs with the creation and implementation of a written, comprehensive annual fund plan. Thoughtful and effective cultivation and solicitation vehicles are created and implemented to complement your organization’s annual operating needs.
Development Audit Program
Understanding the state of your current fundraising programs is the first step in creating a more effective and productive annual fundraising operation. The Development Audit Program evaluates 15 internal benchmarks directly affecting your fundraising efforts. Findings and recommendations are detailed in a written report. This service is often performed in conjunction with Annual Fund Counsel.
Endowment & Planned Giving
One of the most essential, but misunderstood, fundraising programs for your nonprofit organization is deferred or estate giving. Our Endowment & Planned Giving Counsel helps your organization design an endowment structure and implements the tools, processes and strategies to secure deferred or estate gifts for the long-term health of your nonprofit organization.
Governance & Board Development
Nonprofit Boards in many stages of development, from the emerging, to the mature, to the retracting, will benefit from Governance & Board Development Counsel. This service can address issues ranging from by-law and board restructuring to management and oversight to conflict resolution. An initial discovery and analysis period is followed by a formal report from Swanson House with strategies and recommendations for Board Development.