Our ServicesTCG offers the following services to help nonprofits strengthen their organizations and build sustainable futures. If you don't see what you are looking for or you have questions, ask us. We'd be happy to talk with you about your specific needs and what we might be able to offer your organization. Comprehensive Campaign Counsel (Capital, Endowment, Annual, and Operating)Whether or not your organization is launching a first major campaign or has experienced campaign success in the past, The Collins Group will help you find the most direct, cost-effective path to success. To succeed, your campaign must move forward at an aggressive pace that executes a specific plan based on an overall campaign strategy that encompasses the broadest and deepest reach into current and potential constituencies. Even the most experienced organizations find that the involvement of professional campaign counsel dramatically increases the effectiveness of staff and volunteers toward reaching fundraising goals. Campaign Feasibility StudiesA campaign feasibility study tests the community’s willingness to support a major fundraising campaign. Key steps include developing a case prospectus and testing the case through confidential interviews and focus groups. Guided by a volunteer Study Advisory Committee, the feasibility study process results in a report with findings (community opinions), analysis (what those opinions mean for your campaign), and recommendations (how to move forward). A Collins Group study will prepare you to secure maximum funding for your project in a competitive marketplace where current and potential donors want to see solid planning and a return on their philanthropic investment. Campaign Readiness Campaign readiness is for organizations that have made a firm decision to launch a campaign, must act quickly because of time or site issues, and/or have the base and support to begin campaign planning without the benefit of a campaign feasibility study. The Collins Group will work with your organization to solidify the project scope and budget, identify potential campaign leaders, confirm the campaign goal, review and test your case for support, and introduce the project to targeted current and potential donors. Major Gifts AdvancementNonprofit organizations struggle continually for philanthropic dollars. In times of economic uncertainty, organizations increasingly look to their leadership for new ways to establish financial strength and operational stability. Developing a major gifts program or increasing the effectiveness of a current program can provide great benefit. By investing in efforts to secure major gifts (often including planned gifts), your organization deepens its relationship with donors and secures their ongoing commitment to your mission. The Collins Group can assist with strategy development, preparation and training for staff and volunteers, clarification and articulation of your vision and case for support, and implementation of a successful major gifts program. Development Advancement Studies and PlansThe long-term sustainability of your nonprofit organization depends on the involvement and investment of community members who care about your mission. The Collins Group can help your development team assess the effectiveness of your fundraising programs and their overall impact on your organization’s advancement objectives. For established fundraising programs, a development advancement study will help your organization assess the effectiveness of your current fundraising programs and their impact on your objectives. For nascent programs, TCG will help you create a three to five year plan when your organization is ready to seriously focus on capacity building for future annual and capital fundraising success. In both studies and plans, The Collins Group will make recommendations that build on your organization’s strengths within the context of both internal and marketplace challenges and opportunities. The result and application of our recommendations will be increased efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and increased gifts. Strategic PlanningIn the increasingly complex and competitive environment in which nonprofit organizations operate, undertaking a thorough strategic planning process will enable your organization to develop a compelling vision, discern critical issues, build alignment with key stakeholders, and more strongly position yourself for expanded resource development. The Collins Group will not just hand you a strategic plan and wish you the best of luck; we will give your organization the grounding, tools, and training needed to implement your strategic plan for the greater good of your organization and the community. Our strategic planning process encompasses four parts: an environmental assessment, a high-level strategic plan, an implementation plan, and key communications messages. Business Plan Development We often conduct business planning as part of the strategic planning process. The Collins Group can work with your staff and leadership to create a business plan that will detail expected revenues and expenses and help you clarify your positioning, marketing strategies, staffing plans, and fundraising approaches. Our business plans can provide the critical, preliminary roadmap for start-up organizations and for nonprofits planning major expansions and/or new facilities. Fundraising Coaching for Executive and Development DirectorsThe Collins Group can provide your executive and development leadership with personal, one-on-one coaching to help with a number of interpersonal and professional goals including: personal effectiveness in your role as fundraiser, effective implementation of a development plan, creating a culture of philanthropy, and managing your fundraising staff. Board Trainings, Presentations, and Retreat FacilitationThe Collins Group is available to provide guidance and facilitation for board retreats as well as training and presentations on a variety of topics including:
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The Collins Group - The Northwest's Choice for Fundraising Counsel
