Making the Most of Your FSP Investment
Regardless of what we were promised 30 years ago, we are far from a paperless society. We still get massive proposals from FSPs and equally massive contracts, often in a font size that we all know would be death to a direct-mail appeal. Understanding what you are paying and the products and services that will be delivered for your investment demands an investment of time — something fundraisers have far too little of. But truly understanding how an FSP is being compensated matters. Don’t be wowed by flashy presentations and overpriced meals; you owe it to your donors to invest their dollars in FSPs who will help you return more dollars to your nonprofit for accomplishing the mission. And that requires comprehending the profit model of your FSPs.
Pamela Barden is president at PJ Barden Inc. and author of the Old Dog Fundraising blog. She is also a member of the FundRaising Success Editorial Advisory Board. Reach her at pamela@pjbardeninc.com
Pamela consults with nonprofits, helping them develop their fundraising strategy and writing copy to achieve their goals. Additionally, she teaches fundraising at two universities, hoping to inspire the next generation of fundraisers to be passionate about the profession. Previously, Pamela led the fundraising programs for nonprofit organizations. Pamela is a member of the Advisory Panel for Rogare, the fundraising think tank at Plymouth University’s Hartsook Centre for Sustainable Philanthropy, a CFRE, a graduate of Wheaton College (IL) and Dominican University, and holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from California Southern University. Contact Pamela at pamela@pjbardeninc.com or follow her on Twitter at @pjbarden.
