Jaques & Company

Fund-Raising Counsel

As counsel for fund-raising, Jaques & Company’s consultants bring more than 80 years of institutional and consulting experience to the table. We have held responsibility as fund director, division head/manager, campaign director, director of development, and executive director/CEO in colleges and universities, independent schools, museums, and other organizations. Since 1987, we have consulted to more than 100 non-profits for specific fund-raising campaigns or programs.

Usually, we are contracted to assist with pre-campaign/capital program preparation and to provide ongoing counsel throughout the program. The heart of our work often involves the following:

• Assisting in translating the priority needs into an effective and compelling case and suggesting ways for key volunteers and prospects to acquire ownership of same

• Advising in the design, creation, and support of an appropriate fund-raising volunteer organization, with focus on the identification and successful recruitment of key leaders

• Developing an overall plan for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, with emphasis on the top of the gift pyramid

• Helping to decide if feasibility/market testing of the campaign/program is necessary and, if so, how it should be undertaken

• Guiding the creation of an overall campaign/program plan, including strategy, tactics, timetable, budget, and staffing plan

• Offering counsel in all aspects of campaign/program promotion

In conjunction with capital campaign/program work, we are often asked to provide simultaneous counsel on other fund-raising (annual fund, etc.) and/or constituency relations, communications, etc. activities.

Generally, the earlier our involvement, the more impact we can have in helping to get a program off to the best possible start.

 

Feasibility Testing

All institutions want to know the answer to the following question: “If we set the fund-raising goal at $X, can we raise that amount?” The answer must take into account not only the ability of the constituency to give, but also its willingness to give. And, we believe, a whole lot more. Appropriately pursued, feasibility testing involves:

• Educating and getting perspective on the market’s understanding of institutional mission, current strategy, and current needs, and assessing the reactions of potential top donors and others accordingly

• Identifying problem areas or potential deficiencies in the plan

• Estimating total gift potential for the project

• Determining the availability of volunteer leaders and workers who would be necessary to conduct the campaign/program

• Assessing the institution’s internal capacity (development office resources, staff configuration, etc.) and readiness to undertake a campaign

• Projecting the appropriate "next steps" necessary to launch the program successfully

With these goals in mind, Jaques & Company will work with you to design study scope, content, and processes that are appropriate for your institution. We know that your situation is unique, that your history and culture need to be reflected in study methodology and style.

Typically, our studies include a review of mission, the strategic plan, programs, financial condition, development history and capability, communications, administration and governance functions, proposed capital improvement plans, readiness for fund-raising, and timing. The central component is usually a series of personal, confidential interviews with trustees and other potential key prospects - the audience who will be asked to provide, in most instances, the vital volunteer leadership and top-level gift support. Often we suggest expanding the scope of the study to include additional stakeholders in other kinds of forums. The results of all of these activities are combined to produce a comprehensive written report of findings and a clear set of recommendations for future action.

If you are considering a campaign/capital program, we welcome the opportunity to discuss with you the advisability and benefits of a feasibility study. Please contact us, 978-777-2289, or info@jaquesco.com.

Team Members:

• Bill Jaques
• President & Principal
• bill@jaquesco.com
• 978-777-2289

• Andrea C. Stewart
• Consultant
• andrea@jaquesco.com
• 978-777-2289

• Tracey A. Merrill
• Consultant
• tracey@jaquesco.com
• 978-777-2289

• Sandy Warner
• Operations Manager
• sandy@jaquesco.com
• 978-777-2289

• Beverly J. Jaques
• Director of Marketing and Company Resources
• bev@jaquesco.com
• 978-777-2289

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