Fundraising Effectiveness Assessment & Recommended Next Steps

Let's unlock sustainable fundraising success for your organization

Some of the amazing organizations I’ve had the privilege of training

Achieving sustainable fundraising success is like building a sturdy bridge – it requires a solid foundation, the right tools, and a clear roadmap. Our Fundraising Effectiveness Assessment & Recommended Next Steps is your ticket to unlocking that success. Here's the thing: We're here to help you identify what your organization is nailing and where there's room for growth. Picture it as a treasure map leading you to fundraising success.

Work with me

This isn't just an assessment – it's an investment in your organization's future

After nearly three decades in the nonprofit trenches, I've seen it all when it comes to fundraising. From major gift strategies that soar to those that stumble, I've been there, done that, and learned the lessons so you don't have to. My Fundraising Effectiveness Assessment isn't just another consulting service – it's a transformative experience tailored specifically for passionate fundraisers like you.

What Sets Our Assessment Apart? Real-World Wisdom at Your Fingertips

This isn't about textbook theories or cookie-cutter solutions. My assessment draws on the hard-won insights from countless campaigns, donor relationships, and yes, even the occasional misstep. I've walked in your shoes, faced the same sleepless nights worrying about hitting targets, and celebrated those breakthrough moments when a major gift comes through.

Practical, Actionable Insights: Every recommendation I provide is grounded in what actually works in the field. No fluff, no jargon – just clear, implementable strategies that will elevate your fundraising game.

Empathy Meets Expertise: I understand the unique pressures you face as a fundraising professional. My approach combines a deep empathy for your challenges with the strategic expertise to overcome them.

A Deep Dive into Your Fundraising DNA

Together, we'll peel back the layers of your fundraising operation:

  • Fundraising Infrastructure: We'll examine the backbone of your efforts, ensuring your systems and practices are primed for success.

  • Donor Behavior Analysis: Unlock the secrets of what truly motivates your donors to give – and give again.

  • Stewardship Strategies: Learn how to nurture relationships that transform one-time donors into lifelong supporters.

Beyond the Numbers: The Human Touch

My assessment goes beyond spreadsheets and metrics. I'll conduct confidential conversations with your key stakeholders – from staff and board members to your most valued donors. These insights provide a 360-degree view of your fundraising landscape, revealing opportunities you might never have discovered on your own.

Your Roadmap to Fundraising Excellence

At the end of our journey together, you'll receive:

  • A comprehensive report that distills complex data into clear, actionable themes

  • A customized menu of strategies designed to supercharge your specific fundraising efforts

  • Tailored dashboard measurements to keep you on track and celebrating your wins

Why Trust Me with Your Fundraising Future?

In my nearly 30 years as a major gift expert, I've seen the nonprofit landscape evolve dramatically. But one thing remains constant: the power of authentic relationships in driving fundraising success. My assessment isn't just about numbers – it's about helping you build and nurture those critical connections that lead to transformational giving.

I've helped organizations of all sizes break through fundraising plateaus, revitalize stagnant donor bases, and achieve record-breaking campaigns. Now, I'm ready to share those decades of experience with you, providing a level of insight and guidance that only comes from years in the field.

Ready to Transform Your Fundraising?

This isn't just an assessment – it's an investment in your organization's future and your professional growth. Let's harness my years of experience to create a fundraising strategy that doesn't just meet your goals, but exceeds them. Together, we'll unlock the full potential of your fundraising efforts, empowering you to make an even greater impact in the world.

“We brought Tammy in for her 2-Day Intentional Fundraising Plan Intensive. I was overwhelmed and overjoyed with the results. Tammy delivered!”

— Marie Joseph, Executive Director, Legacy of Life Foundation, Pennsylvania

Your life before conducting a fundraising effectiveness assessment

  1. Stagnant Fundraising Results: You often find yourself stuck with stagnant or declining fundraising results. You may be struggling to attract new donors or retain existing ones.

  2. Lack of Clear Fundraising Strategy: Without a well-defined fundraising strategy, you feel like you're navigating a maze blindfolded. You may lack a roadmap for achieving your fundraising goals.

  3. Inefficient Fundraising Infrastructure: An outdated or inefficient fundraising infrastructure can hamper efforts. You may be struggling with outdated technology, inadequate data management, or ineffective donor communication systems.

  4. Donor Engagement Challenges: Maintaining meaningful relationships with donors is crucial, but you may be facing challenges in engaging donors effectively or in providing adequate stewardship.

  5. Limited Event Impact: Fundraising events might not be delivering the desired results. You may be having trouble maximizing the potential of your events and aligning them with best practices. You may also be challenged by hosting too many events with low return on investment.

  6. Board and Staff Alignment: Misalignment between your board members and staff regarding fundraising goals and strategies can create obstacles. This misalignment may hinder your organization's ability to fundraise effectively. Likwise, lack of board engagement in donor development and overall fundraising may be hampering your success.

  7. Insufficient Resources: You may be struggling with limited financial and human resources. You may lack the capacity to dedicate enough time and effort to key fundraising activities.

Conducting a Fundraising Effectiveness Assessment, will equip you to address these challenges and lay the vital groundwork for achieving fundraising success. Our assessment will provide you with insights and recommendations to overcome these issues and optimize your fundraising results.

Your life after conducting a fundraising effectiveness assessment

  1. Clear Fundraising Roadmap: Our Fundraising Effectiveness Assessment will provide you with a clear roadmap for success. It outlines specific strategies and recommendations to enhance fundraising efforts, ensuring a more organized and focused approach.

  2. Improved Fundraising Results: By identifying areas for improvement and implementing recommended strategies, you can experience a significant boost in fundraising results. This might include increased donations, higher donor retention rates, and enhanced donor engagement.

  3. Optimized Fundraising Events: You can maximize the impact of your fundraising events by aligning them with national best practices and addressing any issues identified during the assessment. Data insights will equip you to retire or reimagine low-performing fundraising events. Together we can develop a more successful and profitable events strategy.

  4. Enhanced Donor Relationships: The assessment often includes recommendations for improving donor stewardship and engagement. As a result, you can build stronger and more meaningful relationships with your supporters, leading to increased trust, loyalty and giving.

  5. Increased Efficiency: You can streamline your fundraising infrastructure and processes based on assessment findings. This can result in improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, and more effective resource allocation.

  6. Board and Staff Alignment: The assessment can help align board members and staff around common fundraising goals and strategies. This alignment fosters better teamwork and collaboration, ultimately benefiting fundraising efforts.

  7. Data-Driven Decision Making: You'll gain access to valuable data and insights through the assessment. This data can inform future fundraising decisions, allowing organizations to make informed choices and adapt to changing donor behaviors and preferences.

In essence, our Fundraising Effectiveness Assessment will equip and empower you to not only address existing challenges but also unlock your full fundraising potential, leading to increased impact and sustainability in your mission-driven work.

How we do it

Deep Dive Assessment: We kick things off with an in-depth series or self-assessment surveys, examining your fundraising infrastructure, donor behavior, and stewardship practices. It's like peeking under the hood to fine-tune your engine.

Confidential Insights: We have intimate, confidential chats with key players—staff, past and present board members, top donors, volunteers, families, and affiliate partners. Their insights are invaluable puzzle pieces. We'll report these insights to you in recurring themes, unattributed to any specific person.

Clear Roadmap: You'll receive a comprehensive findings report that deciphers feedback and identifies consistent themes, providing you with a crystal-clear roadmap to fundraising victory.

Elevate Your Fundraising Channels: We'll analyze your fundraising events, direct response campaigns, monthly– middle- major- and legacy giving programs against national averages and best practices and offer recommendations for enhancement.

Customized Strategies: You'll get a tailor-made action plan to supercharge your fundraising efforts, along with dashboard measurements for easy tracking.

Ready to unlock your full fundraising potential?

Our Fundraising Effectiveness Assessment & Recommended Next Steps is your compass, treasure map, and secret sauce for fundraising excellence. Ready to unlock your organization's full fundraising potential? Let's get started!

Hey, there! I’m Tammy Zonker.

I'm the Founder and President of Fundraising Transformed – an international fundraising training and consulting firm – and host of The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast.

I’ve been a major gift and fundraising expert for nearly 30 years. I’m also an AFP Certified Facilitator and international speaker.

I’ve led and trained thousands of fundraisers and nonprofit leaders serving social service organizations, private schools, colleges and universities, and healthcare organizations to collectively raise well over a half-billion dollars — and counting — including a single gift of $27.1M.

I currently serve as Dean at the Institute for Charitable Giving, a member of the AFP International Conference Education Committee, a member of the Nonprofit Quarterly’s Editorial Advisory Board, a contributing writer to NonProfit PRO, and an advisor at Capital Campaign Pro.

I have served as adjunct faculty at Indiana University and technical editor for Wiley Publishing’s Fundraising for Dummies third edition.

I would love to learn more about the amazing work you do and work together to help you take your fundraising to the next, next level.