Resource and Fundraising Development

Feasibility Studies

The feasibility study is an important precursor to any capital campaign. When thoughtfully designed and well executed, the study is key to positioning an organization for a broad-reaching and successful campaign. During the feasibility study process, The Dane Group serves as an advocate for the organization and its future vision.

We help you:

• Develop a compelling case for support that attracts donors to the cause
• Identify potential key constituents
• Assess critical information and feedback
• Identify potential campaign leaders and volunteers
• Identify and cultivate key donor prospects
• Develop next steps and timelines in the campaign process

Campaign Counsel and Management

The Dane Group provides guidance on all aspects of campaign management and monitors key campaign activities closely. Our ultimate goal is twofold‹to help organizations experience campaign success, and to help them attain new levels of institutional and development sophistication. We work with you to:

• Assess feasibility, readiness and positioning
• Develop a printed case statement and other campaign collateral
• Identify and recruit key leaders and volunteers
• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major donors
• Provide leadership training
• Create and refine donor tracking systems
• Enhance public relations and outreach
• Establish and supervise goals and timelines

The Dane Group is dedicated to helping organizations align missions with the best planning, goal-setting, and implementation strategies‹to enhance institutional growth and ensure campaign success.

Enhancement of Development Program

A knowledgeable and focused development team makes all the difference in the success of an organization. The Dane Group audits existing development offices to promote and implement change where needed. We also provide guidance and expertise for start-up development programs. Our work focuses on:

• Assessment of current operations
• Human resources and responsibilities
• Annual appeal program
• Major gift program
• Staff and volunteer leadership training
• Planned giving
• Special events planning
• Foundation and grant program

Public Relations and Outreach

Effective publicity and communication are more important today than ever before. Organizations must be innovative in engaging others in their cause. Our goal is to help you approach prospects in ways that help them feel enriched by your mission and programs‹the first step in gaining friends and major donors. We focus on:

• Powerful and persuasive public image
• Cohesive institutional identity
• High quality publications and written communications
• Comprehensive and focused strategies to reach broad audiences
• Calendar year plans of outreach, including events and media exposure
• Involvement of key players to serve as advocates for the organization

The Dane Group's comprehensive approach to public relations helps organizations create community connections that broaden the audience, engage new friends and secure major support and funding.

Organizational and Board Development

Strategic Planning

The best strategic plan positions your organization for institutional advancement and increased financial resources. The Dane Group helps organizations develop short and long-term plans. We work with you to strengthen your mission and take the necessary steps to realize your goals. We help you:

• Align the mission and vision with projected goals
• Promote focused growth of the organization
• Attract major donors to the cause
• Distinguish your organization from others
• Establish specific and measurable goals in regards to:
  Organizational development
  Financial stability
  Fund raising
  Program development
  Public relations and communications
  Staff and volunteer development

Realistic strategic plans inspired by grand visions are the most powerful combination for success.

Management and Leadership

The Dane Group listens carefully to your concerns and helps you design strategies and systems for success. Our focus is on the development of resources for growth of the institution. We meet with leaders and team players to identify gaps in productivity and provide guidance in the following areas:

Infrastructure development
Leadership roles and responsibilities
Policies, priorities and procedures
Assessment strategies

Board Governance and Development

The best board members are active ambassadors for the organization. They understand their roles in overseeing the health and growth of the organization, and they fully participate as effective leaders in organizational development and philanthropic giving. Our work focuses on:

• Membership resources
  Recruitment strategies
  Motivational leadership
• Roles and responsibilities
  Leadership and stewardship
  Governance and management
  Fund raising strategies
  Financial stability
• Training and retreats
  Board management and governance
  Brain storming and planning
  Fund raising capacity building
  Volunteer and staff leadership