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.