Speaker Blog: An Introduction to Fundraising Performance Improvement (FPI)
Steve Reed lead the session R-04: Hope is Not a Strategy: New Approaches to Fundraising Based on Performance Improvement Principles at AFP Toronto’s Fundraising Day on June 8. He unpacked FPI based on blend of learnings from five organizations, including two in Canada, with fundraising staffs ranging from one FTE to nearly 50. Follow Steve Reed on LinkedIn.
The art of fundraising embodies authentic, purposeful human interactions that build relationships and engender philanthropy. The science of fundraising uses knowledge acquired through disciplined empirical investigations in other settings and codified in systems such as Toyota’s Lean Manufacturing System and GE’s Six Sigma to create more productive processes.
Process engineering for work flow redesign, application of technology-supported measures, cycle-time metrics, and continuous improvement, are as relevant to raising money as to improving overall organizational performance.
Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach to eliminate defects in any process.
A Lean organization strives to cut waste and increase value for customers by creating an efficient flow and reduced cycle times.
When combined, Lean Six Sigma reduces waste and makes the best use of staff and volunteer resources through a powerful data-driven system.
The beauty of performance improvement is that, done right, it focuses simultaneously on top-line performance and bottom-line efficiency. A well-planned performance improvement initiative will address opportunities in all aspects of the fundraising operation.
Applied together, the art and science of fundraising will help you forge stronger donor relationships. FPI ultimately is all about relationships.
Next: Six imperatives in applying Lean Six Sigma principles to create more effective fundraising processes.Check out the AFP Toronto Blog next Wednesday for Part 2 of Steve Reed’s series.
About Steve Reed
Steve Reed offers 30 years of experience in business development, executive search, fundraising, marketing, performance improvement and strategic planning. His work creating innovation and ideation processes, coupled with 20 years of experience as a fundraising consultant, led to a pioneering application of six sigma and lean principles in fundraising. Reed has planned and directed well over $100 million in campaigns. He has completed executive search assignments, moderated hundreds of consumer focus groups and facilitated numerous board and staff retreats and workshops. His professional memberships reflect a diversity of interests. He holds accreditation from the Public Relations Society of America, is a member of the Counselors Academy, the Healthcare Financial Management Association, the Association of Fundraising Professionals and its Chicago Chapter, the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development, and the American Marketing Association.