Building Infrastructure for New Fundraising Endeavors are Puzzles

I love working with mission-focused individuals who aim to bring together as many resources as possible: like carefully assembling a puzzle. My job is helping them to discover the many ways in which new and current revenue streams can be developed and sustained.

It’s important to consider the appropriate sequencing of activities and actions, based on each organization's culture and readiness. Sometimes the process involves formal or informal research. In my experience, there is no single magic formula – it’s always a mix of science and art. My journey is in part an investment of the processes, policies, and promotion which are needed to complete the puzzle.

While some of the puzzle pieces we deploy are consistent across organizations, the end goal we are working toward is unique in every case.  Therefore, my approach will combine the general tenets of a successful fundraising program with elements that are tailored to a particular client.

Sometimes in the middle of completing the puzzle, reaching the destination seems incredibly far away. I remind myself that while the project will successfully conclude with the puzzle put together, there are always new shapes and new forms to be pursued. It’s what keeps this work so engaging.