July 20, 2024
What is Nonprofit Development? is a peek into the mind of Jimmy LaRose’s friend, mentor, dad and fundraising veteran Mr. Hall Powell. Let’s hear what Hall has to share as he demystifies the word “development.” Little Girl: “Daddy, what do you do?” Father: “I am a Chief Development Officer” Little Girl: “What does that mean?” Father: “Well, honey, I help people’s dreams and desires come true.” Little Girl: “Mommy said you are a fundraiser. What’s a fundraiser?” Father: “Well, your mother is somewhat right….” Little Girl: “What do you mean?” Father: “As a development officer I do fundraising…but it is so much more than that” Little Girl: “Like what…?” Father: “Well, uh… Sweetheart, is dinner ready yet!” Wife: ”It’s only 3 o’clock!” Oh my! Dad is in trouble! The little dialogue is meant to be humorous, but it does bespeak of the need to differentiate between development, marketing, and fundraising. While most people use the terms interchangeably, they are three very distinct disciplines, but all three are critical, essential for institutional development. Let’s take a look: