MPP Philosophy
A strong case for support, strategic communications, organizational transparency and solid stewardship are necessary in unison to gain and maintain donor confidence. In short, both the front and back ends of the house need to be in order before you can proceed with success. MPP will help you identify organizational assets and opportunities to bring your strongest case forward to prospective donors. We also strive to bring a sense of humility and humor to the table, because nonprofit work can be both inspiring and incredibly difficult.
Why a consultant:
"You can't read the label from inside the jar." - Blair Enns
In the world of nonprofit work, compelling missions necessitate multiple priorities for staff. Engaged board members and volunteers often have new ideas and want to be heard. Without an objective plan and voice in place to help move targeted fundraising initiatives forward, direction can be unclear, momentum can be lost and donor confidence can wane. A good consultant serves to cut through the day-to-day clutter while moving projects to completion and stewarding change so that staff feel empowered and board member/volunteer engagement is maximized.
Why MPP:
It’s crucial that all stakeholders (staff, board, donors) feel valued, engaged and successful – it’s the right thing to do but it’s also how real synergy in fundraising takes place. Principal Lindsay Myers has served in nearly every nonprofit role imaginable over 30 years from small grass roots start-up programs to successful seven figure gift solicitation (see about). As a result, MPP can provide insight with clarity and empathy for the work at all levels. Using experience gained in team building and change management, MPP also strives to create an inclusive culture of philanthropy so that everyone shares in the work and success of initiatives.
Why a Strengths-Based approach:
The main benefit of a strengths-based planning (Appreciative Inquiry and SOAR) is that team members feel more confident, motivated, and engaged. People are happier when doing things they're good at, and working in a way that plays to their strengths can help them work more naturally. Particularly when funds are scarce and initiatives are under-funded, a deficit approach can encourage fear and reactive decision making. There is also a lot of research to support this belief. On the contrary, SWOT planning tends to be a management-led approach that’s less inclined to elicit engagement from ALL stakeholders. While SWOT analyses tend to be based on competition, iteration, and gaps, the SOAR model is based on possibility, innovation, and results.
