Top tips for a successful Development Program by Dana Casimaty

What makes a Development Program successful, and why do some initiatives have an impact while some may go flat? Development work is specific to each organisation and community. However, there are factors relevant for building a successful and sustainable program.

Do you know how to fulfil your annual goals and how to continue implementing medium and long-term goals? These tips might help you to reflect on your current practices.

Strategic Alignment

Fundraising goals need to be tangible, transparent, and aligned the overall strategic goals of your organisation. Buy-in and support from senior leaders is required for achieving these goals.

Compelling Case of Support

Fundraising goals need to be relevant and engaging for your community. Use positive language and visuals that will resonate with your community and demonstrate benefits of their support. Leveraging multiple communication channels will maximise reach.

Institutional Leadership

Senior leaders, development team and community ambassadors are dedicated to implement fundraising goals; communicating benefits and impact of philanthropic work whenever possible and are encouraging other members of your community to do so. Influential ambassadors are involved in the strategy work and in the campaign preparation.

Supportive Community

There is a positive attitude towards fundraising activities. Members of the community have multiple opportunities to participate and contribute during the year. To create a sense of urgency is important for building a momentum.

Donor Stewardship

Every contribution matters and is relevant for achieving the goals. All efforts are acknowledged and celebrated. Make your main donors feel special and show them the impact of their contribution. Involve senior leadership and build relationships with your donors, prospects and relevant stakeholders involved. You will be rewarded by longevity of their support.

Sufficient Resources and Investment

Ensure there is a sufficient team with relevant capabilities and infrastructure in place including prospect research, donor management system and communication and marketing expertise supportive of creating collateral and communication materials.

Executable Plan

Create a plan with key initiatives, discuss with all involved and assign responsibilities. Ensure collaboration of all involved and regular check-in on progress. Ensure roadblocks are resolved and interim successes celebrated.

If you wish to share your thoughts or just have a chat, please contact me anytime.

Dana Casimaty

Director of Development, Redlands and member of the NSW/ACT Chapter