Which stage are you in?
Stage 1: Over Our Heads and Can’t Swim
Characterized by: Nonprofit income is a mystery. How can we get a famous donor to fund us? Funded by beginner’s luck or the founder.
Vulnerable to: Quick fix promises.
Stage 2: Any Money, Any Time
Characterized by: Frenetic and unconnected income development plus smoldering hope for a miracle.
Vulnerable to: Being pulled off track by fake green grass in neighbor’s yard.
Stage 3: Know the Plan
Characterized by: A logical long-term plan, and resignation to do disciplined hard work, plus fear and impatience. Will this really work for us? How soon?
Vulnerable to: Time management challenges and, welcome, but distracting windfalls.
Stage 4: Viable
Characterized by: Increasing sense of solid income and desire to improve, i.e., how can we grow more major gifts?
Vulnerable to: Acceptance of mediocrity, believing the journey is done.
Note: Boards often lag behind staff.
Karen Eber Davis Consulting guides executive directors and CEOs to generate the resources, boards, and support they need to make remarkable progress on their missions. As the award-winning thought-leader, advisor, and founding principal of Karen Eber Davis Consulting, Karen helps nonprofit leaders get answers, generate revenue, and grow their mission. Davis is known for her innovation and practicality based on her work with or visits to over 1,000 nonprofit organizations and her experience leading board and team events. She is the author of 7 Nonprofit Income Streams and Let's Raise Nonprofit Millions Together.