Once an organization has developed its plans and built its capacity, the exciting work of fundraising can take off. PJL has decades of experience in helping organizations raise funds, whether it is through major gifts, capital campaigns, annual funds, events or grant writing.
Major Gifts
Making and receiving a major gift can be a transformative experience for both the donor and the organization. There is an art and a science to major gifts, and PJL Associates works closely with organizations to create a structure that ensures a successful major gift program.
Keys to success of a major gift program include an analysis of current operations, training in cultivation, moves management and “the ask”, and direct support in implementing the organization’s major gift program.
Steps involved in a major gifts
initiative may include the following:
- Meeting with organizational leadership to analyze donors, prospects and planned giving data,
- Reviewing current case statements for major gifts and approaches to “asking”, and creating new case statements as necessary,
- Executing training sessions for organizational leadership on the science and art of cultivating and asking donors for their support,
- Working with leadership to identify new donors and cultivate new and existing donors, leading to formal requests for support.
Capital Campaigns
PJL Associates has conducted numerous successful campaigns and has found that campaigns succeed when there is a solid foundation underneath them. We therefore start with a capital campaign plan and then move forward with a gift table, naming opportunities, prospect lists, prospect research, individual cultivation and solicitation plans, sponsorship research, and training of the capital campaign committee and appropriate staff. Customized collateral material is crucial to a compelling campaign and we will recommend and work with designers to accomplish this. We are happy to assist with donor and sponsor visits as needed. We will also plan and supervise campaign grant applications and proposals.
Annual Fund
PJL Associates has extensive experience in planning and implementing Annual Fund, or operating fund, campaigns of all types. As with other fundraising efforts, Annual Funds begin with a plan and a goal. Depending on the institution, plans may include single or multiple solicitations over the course of the year. They may rely heavily on direct mail or on digital communications, or both. We may recommend use of a committee, include in-person or virtual events, viral fundraising or other techniques that suit your specific needs and capabilities. By tailoring our approach to their unique organizations, PJL Associates has helped recent clients grow their Annual Fund revenues from 30% to over 300%!
Event Management
PJL Associates has in-depth experience in managing special events of all sizes, whether it is a black-tie gala, an intimate dinner for donors, or a community-based block party. Starting with an event management plan that utilizes data from past events (if available) to see what has and has not worked, we then customize an event that will work for your organization. For larger events, we are strong believers in pre-event marketing, encouraging kick-off events and VIP pre-event receptions. We will work with you to identify and recruit an event committee, event chair and honorary chairs to ensure successful reach. With your leadership we can handle all other aspects of your event, from managing the prospect list, mailing lists and RSVP lists, to designing the Save the Date and invitation, to executing the event itself.
Grant Research and Writing
Finding the right foundation, governmental, and corporate grants for your organization can yield transforming results, but significant research and attention to detail is needed in order to rise above the stiff competition that exists in this arena. Our staff has written many successful grant applications, including many for 6-figures. We would be pleased to provide these services to you. We offer assistance in researching grant opportunities, writing grant proposals, and helping clients build long-term relationships with foundations following a successful proposal.