Summer is one of my most favorite times in the development calendar. While it is usually much quieter in terms of donor visits and activity, it presents the opportunity to take care of so many of the projects that we often don’t get to during the year but are crucial to success. I also enjoy the slower pace that allows me to reflect on the past 6 months. I appreciate the opportunity to think back to individual donor meetings as well as programs, campaigns, and projects to evaluate their impact. I find that this exercise recharges me and creates a sense of calm, preparation, and readiness once September arrives.
I view summer planning differently from year end planning. Summer planning is a time for bigger, longer-term projects that require a sustained focus. Examples include:
Evaluating programs and activity for impact:
Assess programs for impact. Identify the key factors utilized for evaluation and measuring success. Make sure those are still relevant and update as needed. Then, spend time to formally document this refreshed set of impact statements. That content can be used in solicitations and donor engagement pieces.
Conduct a stewardship audit:
Formally review all existing stewardship activity. Create a matrix that looks at which group (examples: volunteers, annual donors, major donors) receives which stewardship (examples: thank you notes, event invitations, calls with leadership) and make sure there is alignment. Adjust as needed.
Revise or create an operating plan for the rest of the year:
An operating plan creates a roadmap through which you can achieve goals. It is tactical in nature. Clearly identify your goals and the strategies and tactics you need to employ to reach them. At the very least, given the pandemic, you will need to revise an existing operating plan.
I hope these tips and framing for the remaining summer days can provide structure and guidance during an unsteady time. Don’t forget to get some rest, too, and take advantage of slower travel times and quieter calendars.