By Bernard Dumond, President & CEO of Catholic Vitality 360

“God provides the wind, man must raise the sail.”

 - St. Augustine 

The Value of Analysis

As we approach the conclusion of another school year or fiscal year (June 30th), it becomes important to take stock of your Development and Fundraising efforts in order to properly measure performance capabilities and identify areas of growth and improvement. This internal assessment, involving parish/school leadership, department staff and the Development/Advancement Committee seeks to understand the current state of affairs relative to operating systems, personnel, staff performance, protocols, policies and strategy. 

A key evaluative component in Catholic Vitality 360’s Leadership Coaching process, we see the benefits of the Development and Fundraising Assessment to be:

• Benefit #1: Mission and Vision: The assessment allows leaders to measure the effectiveness of the development and fundraising efforts in light of the parish/school mission and vision.

• Benefit #2: Staff Performance: The assessment allows leaders to determine the level of staff performance based of department goals, strategy and outcomes.

• Benefit #3: Protocols and Standards: The assessment allows leaders to evaluate the role of department and industry protocols, standards and best practices regarding donor engagement, recognition, events, fundraising, moves management and stewardship.

• Benefit #4: Efficiency and Effectiveness: The assessment allows leaders to recognize the more efficient use of human and financial resources in order to produce better results.

• Benefit #5: Growth and Improvement: The assessment allows leaders to identify areas of growth and improvement that impact decision-making, foster trust and enhance accountability.

The Components of the Development and Fundraising Assessment

In conducting the assessment, it becomes critical to gather all quantitative data, including the parish/school strategic vision, the Advancement vision, department goals, strategies and staff performance data. Conduct interviews and offer written surveys with parish/school administration, staff, volunteers, vendors and donors to determine results. The next set of information to review is quantitative data from fundraising revenue, new donors, lapsed donors, grants, major gifts, annual giving, website traffic, social media analytics, enrollment and marketing reports, event activity, etc. Here are the ten (10) components of the Development and Fundraising Assessment:

Response: Yes or No:

• Assessment Area #1: Development Vision: 

_____ Did we accomplish our stated Development vision and goals? 

_____ Did we contribute to the overall mission of the parish/school?

_____ Did we elevate the vitality of the parish/school?

• Assessment Area #2: Operations & Finance:

_____ Is the day-to-day operation effective and efficient?

_____ Do we have a working budget with monthly reporting?

_____ Do we produce an annual report with donor recognition?

• Assessment Area #3: Staffing:

_____ Do we have adequate staff based on our vision and goals?

_____ Does each staff have a Personal Performance Plan (PPP) and review?

_____ Do we work together as a team and support the overall mission?

• Assessment Area #4: Donor Database:

_____ Do we maintain an accurate and responsive donor database?

_____ Does the database contribute to proper donor engagement?

_____ Are utilizing the database to build donor relationships?

• Assessment Area #5: Annual Appeal:

_____ Is the Annual Appeal meeting/exceeding the goal each year?

_____ Do we have 100% participation by faculty, staff and volunteers?

_____ Are we increasing our solicitation and gift rate each year?

• Assessment Area #6: Fundraising and Events:

_____ Are we meeting our fundraising goals each year?

_____ Have we conducted a fundraising audit in the last three years?

_____ Are our fundraising volunteers effective and recognized?

• Assessment Area #7: Communication:

_____ Is our weekly/monthly Communication Plan working well?

_____ Are we looking at web and digital analytics to determine strategy?

_____ Do we understand our image and reputation in the community?

• Assessment Area #8: Enrollment:

_____ Are we meeting our enrollment goals?

_____ How are we executing the Admission and Enrollment Contact Map?

_____ Are we utilizing a Strategic Enrollment Growth Plan? 

• Assessment Area #9: Marketing:

_____ Are we are implementing a comprehensive Marketing Plan?

_____ Do we fully utilize digital and social media marketing strategy?

_____ Is the Raving Fan Marketing Group fully functional?

• Assessment Area #10: Donor Solicitation and Stewardship:

_____ Do we maintain proper donor protocols and recognition standards?

_____ Are we increasing our personal solicitations, sponsorships and major gifts?

_____ Do we follow a moves management stewardship process for all donors?

Based on the responses to the above questions, upon review and discussion, you can determine areas of growth, create strategy and set a course for success. Be sure to share this vision with your stakeholders and community.

We Can Help

Here at Catholic Vitality 360, it is our ministry to serve your needs. Our mission is your vitality. All of the processes we share in our writings, videos and Zoomcast, THE CIRCLE are available to you. Check out our website and YouTube Channel for great content or call me with questions and insights that you may have.

You are not alone in this work and we are happy to help. We consider you and your parish/school a vitality partner with us as we navigate building the Kingdom of God. Our proven approach will provide clarity, a working plan and a proven system that produces impressive results and engages more people in the life of the parish/school.

Engage others, share this dynamic vision, create a collaborative team and build ongoing vitality. This will take time, patience, persistence, perseverance and PRAYER.

Do not fear, we walk in Faith and this is God’s work. 

Be Good and Do Good.