Hockey great Wayne Gretzky attributes his success on the ice to skating to where the puck is going to be, not where it is now.

Too many development shops are focused on where the economy is now. Last fall Bentz Whaley Flessner looked at where the economy was going to be and advised clients that budgets and gift levels would be difficult in the quarters ahead. We shared our insight in client advisories, spoke at conferences around the continent, and developed new campaign and annual giving strategies to help clients handle the toughest economy in a generation.

Looking Ahead

Now is the time to begin your plans for the year ahead.

Starting this past July, we offerea new special series of webinars on Preparing for 2010. We will be looking at how to prepare development programs for the upcoming economic recovery and help you anticipate the right moves at the right time.

The Outlook for Philanthropy - July 22, 2009
Listen to the Webinar recording
Print the handouts

Campaign Planning in this Economic Environment - August 19, 2009
Listen to the Webinar recording

Annual Giving in Tough Times - September 23, 2009
Listen to the Webinar recording
Print the handouts

Gifts in 2010 - October 21, 2009
Listen to the Webinar recording
Print the handouts

Colleges, universities, medical centers and other important not for profit organizations across the continent are facing tough budget times, and development offices are scrambling. However, we believe 2010 will be a stronger year for philanthropy, and this fall is the time to renew efforts to reach out to key donors.

Now is the time to make your case to budget officers that any cuts need to be reviewed every quarter so you do not fall behind.

Now is the time to work with your foundation boards and other volunteers to get them ready for action in 2010. Since cultivation of major gifts often take many visits over 12 to 24 months, you cannot afford to wait to gear up.

More Resources

• Campaign Now
• Looking Ahead: Why it Makes Sense to Invest Now in Advancement
• Fundraising Strategies for an Uncertain Economy
• Succeeding Through Analytics
• Development and Constitutent Training
• Fund Raising in Tough Times - Chronicle of Higher Education Audio

Looking Back: Our advice in 2008/2009

• Raising Money in Hard Times
• Fundraisers Keep a Close Eye on Financial Market Movement
• Priorities for a New President
• Fund-Raising Worries? These Two Consultants Provide a Roadmap for Bumpy Times
• How Bad Is It?
• Feeling the Squeeze 

Client Advisories and Special Webinars in 2008

• Giving During Tough Economic Times
• Longer Career Trend for Baby Boomers
• What does the current economic climate mean to your development program?
• IRA Charitable Rollovers: They’re Back!
• Helping in Hard Times: Leveraging Advancement Services to Increase Productivity
• The Bear Market: Using Your Prospect Portfolio to Change Your Game Plan
• Finding Our Way Through the Financial Services Crisis
• Turbulent Times: Drawing On Annual Giving to Enhance Returns
• Foundation Giving
• Gift Planning: Strategies in the Bear Market
• Developing A New Prospecting Strategy Plan for the Bear Market