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