Resources

Resource development is a critical element of nonprofit organization operations. As someone who is passionate about the relationship between stewardship and program sustainability, I knew that my graduate studies would allow me to expand that interest and broaden my view of what resource development looks like in practice. I now have a greater appreciation and understanding that partnership and collaboration with donors increases longevity, allowing organizations to better fulfill their missions and serve their communities.

The artifact I chose is an annual development plan for A21, an international anti-trafficking organization. This plan reflects the cultivation of skills such as strategic planning and proper stewardship of resources. The plan is comprised of goals, subsequent objectives, and associated tasks for the next fiscal year, all designed to optimize donor engagement and retention. This assignment allowed me to reframe the manner in which I think about fundraising. Rather than simply viewing donors as a means to an end, I can better understand that donors are participants in a nonprofits' mission, and their impact can be seen in every organizational activity.