The Timothy Group

Development (Advancement) Assessment

The American Medical Association recommends that people get annual physicals. Many ministries have not looked at how well prepared they are to meet the financial development or total advancement (e.g. public relations, church relations, customer relations, marketing) challenges they face. Having a strategic direction, knowing board, donor and constituent perceptions, examining organizational strengths and weaknesses, and measuring past development performance results are just some of the things we do in an Assessment. We will help you discover where you need help and then help you address those specific needs with training, strategy and a funding plan that is affordable and effective.

We believe the following outline is a great model of a Development Assessment:

RX: Clear and honest diagnosis of your organization.  A thorough physical is the first step.  Careful analysis of where you have been and where you want to go is the diagnosis we present before we recommend the "PRESCRIPTION."

DR: A part of that diagnosis is "DONOR RESEARCH."  Who is already giving to your organization and who needs to be giving?  We use a variety of wealth screening and donor assessment tools.  Donors vote with their checkbooks.  You must have a strategy for building and enhancing those relationships.  Top to bottom, you need to know who is on your donor file and who needs to be.

GP: You will need a "GOOD PLAN," not a boiler plate, but one that fits your specific needs.  A time tested plan that has worked for over 1,500 ministries is another critical success factor.  Select a ministry partner to help you set a course for success in your annual, capital and endowment funding programs.

CV: Every stewardship project provides an opportunity to invite "COMMITTED VOLUNTEERS" into your organization.  "Many hands make light work," says the proverb.  We have comducted campaigns that have utilized 300 volunteers.  Can you imagine your development/advancement effort with 10 or 20 or 50 or even 300 volunteers helping you open new doors of opportunity?

HW: Raising money is "HARD WORK."  No project gets funded just because it exists.  Your CEO, trustees, administration, employees and volunteers need to have an expectation.  What do you want and need them to do?  How many hours a week or month will you need them to assist you?  It is hard work but work that will produce gift income and lasting donor relationships.

PG: Psalm 127:1 says "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain."  We want to see God's hand of blessing upon your ministry and upon your project.  It is God's work and not ours (or yours).  The "POWER OF GOD" is what you want and need to experience in your Timothy Group led campaign or project.

Maximize your future with the guidance of our Development (Advancement) Assessment.