|
SBMC delivers practical and affordable solutions to the problems faced by non-profit organizations. Of course, raising funds is central to all non-profits, and to raise funds today, organizations must be compelling and competitive. They must demostrate that they are truly serving “their” market.
At SBMC, we work hard to make your organizaton attractive to funders, so your group receives its full share of contributed income. We also work with organizations who are losing grants or market share and don’t know why. And because all organizations need a plan to realize their goals - good ideas alone are not sufficient to attrract suppot - SBMC helps companies write simple and useful strategic plans.
SBMC typically begins by conducting a Development Audit. A Development Audit focuses on your development program and how you are going about raising money. At SBMC we evaluate your program in terms of its Strengths and Weaknesses, the Opportunities it offers and the Threats to its success.
This tough, but important, practice has helped many organizations identify a particular competitive advantage, which, in turn, has produced new revenue streams for them.
SBMC offers its clients services that speak to the full spectrum of running a successful non-profit business. We can:
- Produce a long-range strategic plan to help your organization grow
- Help your organization better position itself in the marketplace
- Write a proposal for a grant request that is coming due, when you don’t have someone to write it
- Draft an effective direct-mail letter to your members or constituents
- Work with your Board to help them become more comfortable asking for funds
- Reorganize the way you describe your many programs into an effective and cohesive presentation
- Strategize about launching a capital campaign to raise funds for a new or expanded facility, create an endowment or a cash-reserve fund
- Organize information on your donors, members and friends
- Analyze the pros and cons of holding a special event or dinner to raise new funds
Grant Writing
Effective fundraising often starts with a good, well-written proposal. Whether it is for a foundation appeal, a government RFP or a corporate sponsorship, we can do them with precision and flair.
Annual Campaigns
Raising funds for general operating expenses is essential, yet challenging. SBMC knows how to organize and implement an effective campaign.
Individual Donors
An organization’s friends often provides its lifeblood. Cultivating them and maintaining their interest takes finesse and carefully crafted appeals. We can help you find them and keep them on your team.
Organizational Development
Where is your organization going? Do you have a plan to get there? How can a plan help your group realize its mission? SBMC can work with you to craft a plan that is functional and passionate.
Board Training and Board Development
A Board that knows its purpose can be a real asset to any organization. Yet many groups have Boards who don’t understand their roles and responsibilities. At the same time, finding people who can advise and lead the organization can be equally challenging. SBMC has direct experience in both areas.
Prospect Research
What constitutes a really good lead or prospect? Often it’s not the same ones that a sister organization has obtained. Identifying a true prospect involves a careful process between the values and goals of the target with those of the non-profit. It takes poise and sensitivity to do it right; SBMC knows how.
Small Capital Campaigns
When a non-profit is contemplating its first capital campaign, it must proceed with extreme caution to ensure that ongoing operations are not jeopardized and it is capable of pulling it off. SBMC can help you ask the right questions before you start and set up the apparatus to enable you to reach your goal.
Program Development
More and more, funders are only willing to support specific projects and want the applicant to make their request for a particular program. At SBMC we can help you define your needs in a programmatic way that gets you the funds you are looking for.
Database Management
Keeping tract of your donors – individuals and institutions – is essential for every development operation. We can help you set up a system that is user friendly and cost effective.
Special Event Planning
Special events can be a very effective way to raise funds, but they are not for everyone. SBMC can help you evaluate whether a gala is right for your group and then help you create and implement a memorable event.
Development Audits
Unlike a feasibility study, which focuses on the potential in your donor base, a Development Audit focuses on your development program and how your are going about raising money. At SBMC, we will evaluate your program in terms of its Strengths and Weaknesses, the Opportunities it offers, and the Threats to its success.
|
