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Development

nonprofit fundraising

What we do as nonprofit askers is referred to as a lot of things. Fundraising and advancement come to mind. The term I've always been drawn to is...development. With so many ways to describe and think about what we do, it can be easy to lose sight of what the work is all about.

According to the dictionary, development is the act, process, or result of developing. Development is the act of developing. Asking takes on a fresh feel when viewed through this lens. It implies care. It implies time. It implies attention. It implies focus. Development does not happen successfully with a scattershot, rushed approach.

But what exactly are we developing? Of course we're asking prospects to invest in our organization, but what else? It's about more than raising money. 

  • We develop mission.
  • We develop relationships.
  • We develop community
  • We develop trust.
  • We develop connection.

These are only a few of the amazing things we work hard to develop. Nonprofit development can be slow. Development that will last and grow with an organization and its mission is measured, careful, attentive work.

Stay focused. Do it properly, in a balanced fashion, at a pace that considers the needs of your prospect first, the requirements of your organization second, and the satisfaction of yourself third.

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