Chapter 11: Preparing the Organization for Fundraising

Active fundraising extends beyond making a simple request for a donation. A successful nonprofit organization understands that donors pay attention to how well key components within the organization operate. This chapter identifies those components which set effective fundraising in motion. These include strong human resource practices composed of capable boards, employees, and volunteers. Strategic and operations plans are needed and must address work throughout the organization and are tied to tactics and evaluation measures. Necessary time and resources are dedicated toward integrating their fundraising program, including people and systems, as a core function necessary for mission attainment. They proactively stay engaged with constituents and the external environment, ensuring that their services are relevant in the community. Two brief case studies illustrate the chapter’s central ideas and discussion questions and an application exercise allow readers to apply their learnings.