When is a Development Assessment Necessary?

What I have come to learn is that a Development Assessment can carry a bad reputation. When leaders hear the phrase, they often assume something is wrong. When in actuality, a Development Assessment is one of the most proactive and healthy steps a non-profit can take. 

You see, it isn’t about finding all the “faults”. It’s about confirming what’s working and identifying any opportunities that could take your fundraising even further. 

At its core, a Development Assessment can help answer one very important question: 

“What’s actually working in our fundraising, and what is quietly holding us back?”

Because to be honest, it’s never lack of passion or effort. 

And it certainly isn't a lack of mission. 

Sometimes it is simply unclear systems, or plateaued revenue despite so much hard work. 

Or it’s board members who care deeply about the organization, but just aren’t really sure how they can engage at a deeper level. 

In a lot of cases, it can be an overreliance on one funding stream, paired with donor fatigue. 

An assessment allows you to pause, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. 

What things do we look at through this Development Assessment lens? 

• What are your strategies and does your fundraising align with your mission and your long-term vision? Do you have goals? Are they clear and realistic? 

• Talk to me about your donor relationships and stewardship practices. What is your communication strategy and how are you personalizing them per donor segmentation? Is your fundraising program more transactional or relational? 

• How are your systems and infrastructure? First off, are they documented so if you win the Powerball (and of course make a major gift to your organization), that the team will continue to be able to move forward with the great work you all have built?  Is your CRM providing you the donor information you need in order to take your fundraising to the next level? How is the data integrity? 

• Let’s talk about your culture, in particular when it comes to philanthropy. What is your board involvement in philanthropy? Is there a willingness to be involved more? How is the internal understanding of the importance of philanthropy and how everyone in your organization can wear a development hat? 

• Is your revenue a diversified mix of streams? Not all grants; not all events; a sprinkle of individual donors and maybe some legacy gifts mixed in? What about non cash assets like stocks and beyond? 

You might be reading this and thinking, “Yes Pam, we have all of this covered.”

If so, that is wonderful! That tells me that you are leading with intention. Great job!!

And even then, there is always value in stepping back, to take a look and confirm that your foundation is solid - free of cracks - so you can continue to build with confidence. 

Or maybe you’re thinking…….. 

“It might actually be helpful to have someone from the outside take a look around.”  

At Rooted Giving, my goal is never to make anyone feel like they are doing something wrong. My goal is to enhance the great things you are already doing and help you raise additional, sustainable revenue. 

Non profits are doing extraordinary work - work our communities, families and neighbors rely on every single day. 

My role is to walk alongside you. 

To ensure your foundation is steady. 

To strengthen what is already good. 

To identify what could grow deeper. 

Because your mission matters too much. And as someone once told me, “Hope is not a strategy.” We must be intentional when it comes to fundraising. Especially if we want to create sustainable revenues, built off of trust and deep relationships with our donors. 

If you’re curious what this could look like for your organization, I’d love to start the conversation. We can jump on a call and talk it out any time! Click here to view my calendar and set something up. 

At the end of the day, please remember this one thing…….

A Development Assessment is not about pointing out flaws. It’s about strengthening the roots, so your impact can grow deeper, stronger and last even longer. We need you to be here — not just for today, but for years to come.

Your Board of Directors: An Extension of Your Fundraising Team

Boards of Directors carry many responsibilities in supporting a nonprofit organization. Over the next few weeks, I’d love to dig into some of those roles more deeply. 

No matter the size of your development team—whether you are a one-person shop or a department of ten or more—it’s essential to think about your Board of Directors as an extension of your fundraising team.

Let’s pause and reflect on what board members already bring to the table:

• They want your organization to succeed.

• They come with a sphere of influence.

• They bring genuine interest and passion for your mission.

When nonprofits approach board engagement with intention, these strengths become powerful assets.

Building a Board with Purpose

If your board is going to function as an extension of your fundraising efforts, a few key considerations matter:

Be strategic in recruitment.
Board members should align with the evolving needs of the organization. That alignment may include geography, professional skill sets, industry experience, or community connections. Being intentional about who you invite onto your board—and how they fill gaps collectively—is a critical step that many nonprofits overlook. (Don’t worry—we’ll dig deeper into this in a future post.)

Recognize different forms of philanthropic support.
Some board members are ready and able to support fundraising efforts directly. Others may contribute indirectly through their networks and influence. Often, board members don’t immediately recognize their own sphere of influence and need support in understanding how they can leverage it. Helping board members identify and grow into these roles is a responsibility nonprofits should embrace if they want boards set up for success.

Meet people where they are.
Let’s be honest—not everyone feels comfortable asking for money. That discomfort doesn’t mean they aren’t strong board members. Personally soliciting gifts is just one of many ways to support philanthropy. With thoughtful conversation and creativity, nonprofits can identify meaningful fundraising roles that align with board members’ comfort levels and availability.

It’s also important to remember that board members balance many responsibilities outside of their volunteer service—full-time jobs, families, and other community commitments. Sustainable engagement requires respecting those realities.

A strong board is built when nonprofits meet board members where they are, while clearly articulating what the organization needs to thrive.

A Resource for New Hampshire Nonprofits

If you’re based in New Hampshire, there’s an incredible opportunity worth sharing.

The New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits offers the Hoffman-Haas Fellowship, a program designed to prepare the next generation of nonprofit board leaders. This fellowship equips professionals with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to serve as effective board members and strengthen communities across the state.

You can learn more about the program here: https://www.nhnonprofits.org/events/hoffman-haas-fellowship

Let’s Build Philanthropic Boards—Together

Building a philanthropic board is one of the most important investments a nonprofit can make. It’s also something I’m deeply passionate about.

If you’d like to explore how we might partner—whether around board development, fundraising strategy, or long-term donor relationships—I’d love to connect. I offer a free Discovery Call to learn more about your organization and see how Rooted Giving can support your work.