The 4 Stages of Nonprofit Income Development
Which stage are you in?
Stage 1: Over Our Heads and Can’t Swim
Characterized by: Nonprofit income is a mystery. How can we get a famous donor to fund us? Funded by beginner’s luck or the founder.
Vulnerable to: Quick fix promises.
Stage 2: Any Money, Any Time
Characterized by: Frenetic and unconnected income development plus smoldering hope for a miracle.
Vulnerable to: Being pulled off track by fake green grass in neighbor’s yard.
Stage 3: Know the Plan
Characterized by: A logical long-term plan, and resignation to do disciplined hard work, plus fear and impatience. Will this really work for us? How soon?
Vulnerable to: Time management challenges and, welcome, but distracting windfalls.
Stage 4: Viable
Characterized by: Increasing sense of solid income and desire to improve, i.e., how can we grow more major gifts?
Vulnerable to: Acceptance of mediocrity, believing the journey is done.
Note: Boards often lag behind staff.
