Many institutions, including those with well-established development programs, hire or promote personnel who fit the institutional culture of the organization but have limited experience in the planning and implementation of a fundraising program. This decision may be in the long-term best interest of the institution, given the talents of the individual. However, professionals with experience in related fields often need direction and guidance in order to actually increase dollars raised, and to successfully implement new programs.

H. Freeman Associates provides a "mentor" relationship to advise and counsel staff in ways that enable them to achieve goals. Much of our work, in fact, revolves around an on-going dialogue with staff about all phases of the institutions development program. For institutions with limited or newly established programs, the work usually centers around such issues as: the impact of a mailing schedule on dollars raised; how to implement a phonathon; a draft letter being developed for a fall or spring mailing; long range planning from a development perspective; segmentations of the donor pool; prospect identification, cultivation and solicitation; and "next steps" with a specific major donor prospect.

Because many organizations lack adequate software, tracking systems, and office procedures, an initial period of time is often also focused on questions regarding the tracking of prospects, the identification and purchase of appropriate software, development of gift report procedures which best serve the needs of the organization, and similar concerns.

Services are tailored to the needs of the client and take into account the need for both regular on-site time face-to-face with staff and frequent telephone follow-up.