Philosophy and Values

The mission of the J. F. Smith Group is to enable our clients to fulfill their dreams through a unique, educational, professionally-directed development partnership.

The philosophy of the J.F. Smith Group is to provide quality service, do more than we are paid to do, and build long lasting relationships with the clients we serve.

The J.F. Smith Group is a project management firm in fund-raising. We emphasize the term "project management" because we become a member of your team. Our associates are extremely hands-on and help manage every phase of a feasibility study and/or capital campaign. Instead of cheering you on from the sidelines, we are in the game with you, assisting you every step of the way.

The J.F. Smith Group believes in a staff-driven approach to fund-raising. While volunteers do play a vital role in any fund-raising effort, JFSG puts the leadership and responsibility in the hands of our associates and the key players from your organization. Unlike some consulting firms, our senior staff is directly involved in every campaign we conduct. As part of this staff-driven approach, JFSG conducts in-depth solicitation training to members of your organization using a proven 5-step approach. One of our main goals is to leave you better equipped in the areas of development after our time together has come to an end.

We are so confident in our ability to provide able counsel to your school, that we offer you a guarantee: The J.F. Smith Group will work diligently to assist the client in reaching the recommended campaign goal determined by the feasibility study.  If the goal is not met during the campaign contract period, a J.F. Smith Group project manager will come back for no additional fee, just expense reimbursement, for a period of six (6) months or until the goal is met, whichever comes first. 

We encourage you to contact any of our current or former clients. We are confident that each and every one will share positive remarks in reference to our time working together. We have a consistent, proven plan that works, and we look forward to the opportunity of sharing that plan with your organization.