Smart ideas delivered every other Tuesday from Hartsook Companies, Inc.

May 2, 2006

When working with nonprofit organizations, especially health and human service institutions, I ask them, "What would it take to put your organization out of business?" Typically they are a bit puzzled by the question. But consider this - March of Dimes was established to eradicate polio ... and they did. What a wonderful thing! But then what? The organization re-directed their mission to address birth defects in children.

Follow these three steps to give your development department an annual physical and ensure the longevity of your organization.

Step One: Ask yourself, "What would it take to put our organization out of business?" When you take the time to get down to the core mission of your organization the activities on which your nonprofit should focus become very clear.

Step Two: Be sure all events and communications are cohesive with the core mission of your organization. A consistent, driving message creates a clear picture in donors' minds of what your organization is trying to achieve.

Step Three: Analyze ALL aspects of your development department using step two as a filter. This may or may not include the following areas:

Stick to and clearly communicate your core mission. Be sure that all areas of your development department are reviewed annually.

- Emily Aldrich Barbour, Senior Vice President (Raleigh, N.C.) emily@hartsookcompanies.com

Another smart idea...From the Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"Our Executive Director meets with new Board members six months into their first term. They begin with a discussion of our mission and what has 'surprised' the individual about the organization. It evolves into a detailed discussion regarding the volunteer's experiences as well as suggestions for improvement. The meetings conclude with discussion of the 'best ways they feel they can serve the organization.' The six-month timeframe is a key component to the interviews' success. Board members have had an opportunity to 'get their feet wet' but also have the ability to be quite objective." - Maggie K. Schoepski, Ronald McDonald House (Rochester, Minn.)

If you are interested in Best Practices, check out these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

• "Reality Fundraising: Proven, Practical Ideas for the Enlightened Fundraiser" by Bob Hartsook (2005, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). The book features great ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide. To order the book, follow this link http://www.ASRpublishing.com

• "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM," a compilation of best practices from every state in the union

• "Another Two Dozen Best Practices^SM,"a special edition featuring suggestions from 24 Hartsook Companies consultants

• "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM," our original collection of 250 best practices and great ideas

For a free copy of any or all of the "Best Practices" collections, please email Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bestpractices2.shtml. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com

Interested in Speakers?

Hartsook consultants are available to speak to your organization on a variety of topics. To read more, visit http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/speak.shtml or email Tami Druzba at tami@hartsookcompanies.com to discuss the possibilities.

Visit the Hartsook Companies web site for:

• Educational opportunities
• Books/reference articles
• Conference/workshop speakers

Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with more than 1,500 fundraising professionals bi-weekly. We welcome your contributions or comments. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

Our web site is located at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com.