The Case for Development Assessments in Uncertain Times

Introduction: The Reluctance and the Reality

In our current climate, many nonprofits are navigating several uncertainties at once: increased operating costs caused by inflation, funding gaps due to federal budget changes, and rising demand for services. At the same time, donors face many of the same financial challenges and, as a result, are giving less.

As organizations contend with doing more with less, leadership may feel hesitant to invest in resources like development assessments. However, during times of uncertainty, creating a comprehensive roadmap to improve fundraising strategy may be key to navigating difficult times efficiently and effectively.

First Of All, What is a Development Assessment?

A development assessment is a thorough examination of your nonprofit's fundraising program. It reviews your current development plan, communications plan, development operations, fundraising and funding history, staffing structure, lay leadership structure, and your organization's mission and vision. The information gathered in a development assessment is used to create a personalized strategy to maximize fundraising results and set your organization on a path to long-term sustainability.

Debunking 3 Common Misconceptions About Development Assessments 

• Myth #1: “We already know what’s wrong.”  A development assessment is not just about what's wrong but also about pinpointing why it's happening and creating a plan to address those problems. Staff and lay leaders can often quickly identify the challenges their organization is facing, but the path to resolving those issues is usually less clear. By bringing in an outside fundraising expert, organizations can better identify blind spots and have a neutral party available for candid feedback, objective problem-solving, and sharing best practices.
  
  
• Myth #2: “We can’t afford it right now.” It can be hard to justify investing in a development assessment when your organization is facing financial challenges. However, the long-term cost of not deploying a proper development strategy is higher. A development assessment is an opportunity to streamline fundraising strategies and operations. By identifying operational inefficiencies and ineffective fundraising strategies and creating a plan for effectively and efficiently using your limited resources, you can help your organization save money in the long run.

• Myth #3: “It’s not a priority—we need to focus on bringing in money.” A development assessment is an opportunity to ensure your organization gets the best ROI on your fundraising program rather than relying on ineffective fundraising tactics. By investing in a development assessment your organization will learn more about opportunities for growth to help build a more sustainable fundraising program. 

Why Now is the Right Time for a Development Assessment 

Your organization needs a strategic and organized fundraising plan to navigate through economic uncertainty. As individual and institutional funders become more selective, competition for funding will rise, and organizations need to be able to stand out. Additionally, organizational leaders must ensure their fundraising team doesn't become burnt out as they work to close fundraising gaps in a challenging environment. 

Simply put, a development assessment is a critical asset that will help your organization reduce inefficiencies, make strategic decisions, and raise more money. It’s crucial to be proactive during times of uncertainty; don't wait until a funding crisis hits your organization to examine your fundraising program. Conduct your development assessment today to create a strong fundraising foundation that will position your organization to navigate and rebound faster after a crisis, and grow during times of stability.