About Us
Our Approach
"Philanthropic fundraising provides the backbone and is the foundation of every single interaction that we have with our clients. It is incredibly important. I hope you can also experience the gentleness and depth of this profound practice".
– Sarah Barrer
The TFA Way
Applied Philanthropy™ is the term we use for the practice of embedding philanthropy within an organisation, using fundraising mechanisms applied strategically over an extended period. The approach is modular. Its components can be sequenced, reordered, and scaled to the organisation, which makes it applicable to a not-for-profit of any size. The work is undertaken concurrently with the fundraising itself rather than as a preliminary exercise, so the structure is built through practice.
In a nutshell, this is philanthropy embedded inside the organisation, not bolted on.
Applied Philanthropy™ is built while the NfP is still fundraising and can fit around existing elements. It runs in three modules and we go gently, but at pace.
Donors want to give big to your long-term strategy and to see it funded and governed properly. That's what charities want too. Applied Philanthropy™ is what will enable that.
What working with us looks like
The Board sees live actions, not static recommendations
We build what is missing as we go, and report it to the Board as actions it can take, or that have already been taken. Governance develops through all three modules rather than being left to the end, because that structure has to exist before the money arrives.
The best fundraising is based on relationships, and that is how we like to work – in partnership. We will champion and advocate for you but, most importantly, we will help you maximise the good you create by making fundraising easier.
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We will learn about you: how you currently work, what systems and processes you have in place, what resources you will need.
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We’ll take a systems view: what is necessary across your organisation to create the essential foundations for effective fundraising e.g. policies regarding donations; impact measurement and reporting.
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We use real-world information: we bring our own experience, New Zealand related insights and client-informed data to create practical and informed plans that answer your needs, and those of your donors.
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We build momentum through iteration: we test, refine and reiterate ideas to ensure they are practical and appropriate for you.
Module One: Vision and Fundraising Priorities
🔸Timeframe: Two months
🔸Format: A facilitated session with the Board, followed by a report.
🔸What we create: We take the priorities out of any existing organisational strategy and translate them into donor-centric language. The output is a small number of clearly named priorities a donor can respond to and give to. Alongside that, we look at governance: donation policies, donor intent, the terms on which gifts are accepted, independence and disclosure, and the Board's role in fundraising. This module also helps ensure the Board makes the decisions it needs to make before the money conversation starts, and that everyone in the organisation sees the same thing and shares a common language.
Module Two: Fundraising Strategy
🔸Timeframe: Three months
🔸 What we create: A Three-year fundraising strategy, developed with you. The strategy document opens with an executive summary: an overview for the Board of targets and timeframes, the adoption process, and the recommended actions for the first 90 days. It then sets out tailored recommendations for each revenue stream, followed by organisational recommendations covering implementation, reporting, communications, brand and marketing, database, human resources, and policies.
🔸 Approach: We begin with a workshop for Board members and those responsible for fundraising, marketing, and communications. Together we examine the revenue streams best suited to your organisation, fundraising targets and timeframes, prospective donors, resourcing, data and prospect management, risks, policy development, supporting tools, and stakeholder engagement.
Module Three: Programme Development
🔸 Timeframe: Nine months - This is where the strategy comes to life!
🔸 What we create:
• Programme structure and integration into the current environment.
• Identification and research of potential donors.
• Programme naming and language.
• Taskforce management including agendas, facilitation and follow-up of actions.
• Recognition and acknowledgements.
• Key Message development and testing.
• Supported asks with real donors - trained Taskforce members.
• Cultivation and Stewardship plans for prospects.
• Case for support and all required collateral.
• Communications plan.
• Donor Testing and refinement through Focus Groups.
We knew about The Fundraising Agency and had worked with them early on in our campaign journey… if we were going to go anywhere, it was always going to be Sarah.
LEE ROBINSON, CANTERBURY CRICKET TRUST
