Fundraising

Helping funders and arts organizations realize their vision since 1996.

Your firm is a great resource on funding and kept us up to date on the thinking in the foundation world. You grasped the essence of what we wanted to do and communicated it effectively.

— Vicki Kimble
Former Director of Development
Washington Performing Arts Society

SERVICES

Could you list your top three funding prospects? How do you make those determinations?

All arts organizations need funding. But what difference would funding make if you had it?
What are the most effective ways to convey your organization’s needs to potential supporters?

What circumstances in the current funding environment affect your chances of getting funding?
Where do you stand relative to the competition?

Knowing the answers to these questions influences your success in fundraising. As competition for the charitable dollar intensifies, having a thorough understanding of where you stand before deciding to apply is key to increasing your chances of receiving support.

Guides

Our tips on fundraising and grantwriting — from writing effective proposals to individual giving, to direct mail — can help those new to fundraising and seasoned professionals. Read some of them along with our other guides.

Our Approach

Planning and strategy development provides you with a definitive and compelling case for support.
Prospect research ensures that the best match is made between your program and the funder.
With over 30 years as a national funder, we can provide you with insight about how funding decisions are made, and how to strengthen your proposals.
Our credentials as Certified Fundraising Executives (CFRE) give you diversified skills in key areas such as grant writing, direct mail, campaign management, and board development.

Together, these factors keep our track record high.

Our Results

Develops strategies and proposals for programs and initiatives for various nonprofits at the national and local level.
Developed proposals for a multi-disciplinary presenter resulting in a 98% success rate over a five-year period with national and local, private and government sources. National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funding increased from $10,000 to $70,000 in a single cycle. Based in part on our plans, the same presenter received the largest six-figure multi-year grant from a national funding program that year, and a grant of over $1,000,000 from another national foundation. In addition, our proposals for a regional theater company generated new support, including initial funds from the NEA.
Co-directed a strategic planning process, including fundraising strategies, for the National Performance Network that resulted in substantial six-figure multi-year support from a major foundation, which was renewed.
Developed, managed, and documented the National College Choreography Initiative. Intended to be a one-time program, based on its impact and evaluation, the NEA renewed funding for three additional rounds, for a total of $1.86 million.
Provided technical assistance in fundraising for small organizations with limited development staff, such as the Romare Bearden Foundation.
Taught fundraising workshops or grant writing for organizations such as the Smithsonian Institution and the Cultural Alliance of Greater DC.

Success: