Advancement Assessments

The J. F. Smith Group is well experienced in conducting advancement assessments.

For a fund-raising program to be successful, it must be well organized and well managed, both internally and externally. Too often institutions devote most of their time and attention to external preparedness while doing little or nothing to address internal conditions. An assessment conducted by the J.F. Smith Group gathers both objective and subjective data by observing, interviewing and reviewing institutional reports. This information is then analyzed to produce an assessment of the institution's fund-raising program.

The J.F. Smith Group's purpose in conducting an advancement assessment is to determine the ease with which your organization might improve its overall efforts. This assessment will thoughtfully evaluate the organization's past practices, its present opportunities and its future fund-raising goals.

Specifically, the assessment will seek findings in seven areas:

1. Development Roles and Responsibilities

2. Available Tangible Resources

3. Overall Development Program

4. Prospect / Donor Management

5. Annual and Planned Giving

6. Corporate and Alumni Relations

7. Gift Policies and Procedures