Long-range planning

Start-up Services

The company has extensive experience with "start-up" projects and has been involved in the creation of numerous non-profit foundations. Acting as an extension of management, the firm conducts a community survey to determine the organizational image, assess the level of potential funding support and identify key individuals who are willing to be involved. Using the survey results, a leadership group is organized, a staff member is trained in development techniques, a mission statement and fund raising policies are created, prospective donors are identified and several ongoing solicitation programs are implemented. The final step in this phase is the development of a long range plan that helps the program reach its potential.

Board Presentations and Retreats

Foundation board members, development directors and agency executives must understand the fundraising process and their role in that process. Based on your specific needs, we develop concise, dynamic presentations that educate, involve and motivate the participants. The firm is available to lead retreats, conduct seminars or provide one-on-one training.

Foundation Organizational Counseling

We guide you through the process of deciding whether your fundraising program needs to have a foundation. Can your existing board provide fundraising leadership? What are the pros and cons of a support foundation? What is involved in creating a foundation? We help you look at the options and choose the one best suited for your organization. 

Program Audits

Before planning can be done, your program must know where it is in the development process. We provide comprehensive auditing services including organizational bylaws, operating policies, board composition, mission statements, identification of prospective donors, solicitation activities and long-range planning. The completed audit will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of your program and identify the areas that must be addressed in the planning process.

Staff Mentoring

One of the obstacles for new programs is to find experienced development professionals. We solve that problem by providing on-the-job training. This allows you the luxury of using existing personnel who know your organization and your community. Through a combination of one-on-one mentoring, networking with development professionals, assigned reading material and membership in professional organizations, we can help your staff reach their potential.

Marketing Planned Giving

Most development programs appreciate the importance of planned gifts but very few are actively pursuing them. Lacking a plan, technical expertise and staff time, the decision to do nothing is inevitable. We provide the plan and consulting support to create an effective, ongoing program. Working with local financial advisors, we show your donors how they can add significance to their lives and enjoy the tax advantages of planned gifts.

Campaign Planning Studies

Before beginning any major capital campaign, it is essential to evaluate the community support for the organization, assess potential lead gifts and identify the campaign leadership. Watters and Associates in conjunction with The Calvert Group Fundraising Counsel answers these questions by conducting a series of confidential interviews with business and civic leaders, key members of the organizational family, foundation management and individual donors. A profile is developed from these interviews that helps determine the potential amount of financial support, the most favorable time for a campaign, identifies potential campaign leadership and addresses other critical campaign factors.

Campaign Consultation

In conjunction with The Calvert Group Fundraising Counsel, we plan your campaign, develop your case statement, help you identify and recruit the best local leadership and get the results you need. Our flexible approach allows you to determine the most effective and affordable level of service for your organization.

Grant Solicitation

Did you know that there are hundreds of private foundations in every state with specific areas of interest such as healthcare or children's services? These foundations not only want to help but are required by law to give away 5% of their assets each year. We help identify the foundations who share your interests and guide you through the grant application process.

Planning

Are you having trouble deciding where to start or is your program "stuck in neutral"? Beginning with a program audit and utilizing individual interviews with staff, board members and management, we help develop a realistic plan that gives your program focus and momentum.