FOCUS Distinctives

Emphasizing the basics of development

FOCUS works with clients to articulate the case for giving, develop leadership, clarify and grow a prospect list, develop strategies, and build a plan. FOCUS sticks with the fundamentals that are grounded in principles and experience learned through advising many clients in many varied situations.

Streamlining the strategy for success

The FOCUS Group stresses the importance of long-term major donor development. FOCUS equips clients to build and maintain lifetime relationships with their major donors. Twenty percent of the donors give eighty percent of the money, and The FOCUS Group shows clients how to cultivate special relationships with the top twenty percent of their prospects. Rather than scattering effort in many directions, this approach gets the results clients need, using a manageable process. Rather than creating work for clients, FOCUS helps clients eliminate ineffective activities.

Defining the challenge with clarity

The FOCUS Group promises integrity. Frequently, consultants must ask hard questions or give counsel that is not particularly welcomed. Clients do not engage The FOCUS Group to tell them what they want to hear. They expect FOCUS to give accurate analyses and recommend effective strategies.

Sticking to the job with enthusiasm

Stories abound of consultants who are very present during the cultivation of clients and early in campaigns when the big gifts usually come in. Then they appear less frequently when the work gets difficult and campaigns hit the flat places. The clients of The FOCUS Group expect professional attention and timely communication. FOCUS offers both and continually initiates with clients throughout all aspects of campaigns and projects.

Employing the best of cutting-edge technology

Efficient development departments are key in the nonprofit arena. Donors are concerned about high administrative costs. The FOCUS Group invests its resources annually to ensure availability of the best technology. Unlike most firms that outsource services and are not directly involved in applying technology, FOCUS knows the latest applications and works with clients in using these tools. In fact, FOCUS has developed its own software, Windshield2000®, a specially designed and patented system for managing campaigns.

Keeping the horizon in view

The FOCUS Group has had the privilege of long-term working relationships with clients. FOCUS takes its clients seriously, keeps its promises, and finishes projects on time. Clients come back for more because FOCUS has earned their trust. Clients are encouraged to take donors seriously, and FOCUS shows them how to accomplish just that. FOCUS enjoys a long and diverse list of repeat clients, some who have been calling on FOCUS since the firm was founded in 1982.