Too often, nonprofit teams spread themselves thin, chasing every opportunity without pausing to ask: Is this working? Is this sustainable? Growth in the nonprofit sector isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things with focus and intention.
Are You Focused on What Matters Most?
Nonprofits rarely suffer from a lack of opportunities—they struggle with knowing which ones truly matter. By taking a step back and looking at how different funding streams perform, leaders can identify what drives the greatest impact and where their energy should be focused.
This kind of clarity often reveals practical steps forward: aligning staff time with strategic priorities, engaging board members more effectively, or ensuring the right systems are in place to support growth. Fundraising is a marathon, not a sprint—and pacing yourself with the right focus is what makes long-term success possible.
Are You Building Relationships That Last?
One of the most powerful drivers of long-term revenue is stewardship. Too often, organizations focus on the ask while underestimating the importance of what happens afterward. Stewardship is not an afterthought—it is a primary engine for awareness, trust, and retention.
Sharing stories of impact are a powerful stewardship tool. The most effective stories are authentic, personal, and mission-centered. They connect donors, funders, community members, and even the press to the heart of your work. Whether through newsletters, social media posts, reports, or personal notes, each communication can serve two purposes: raising awareness and deepening relationships.
When stewardship becomes part of an organization’s culture—not just a tactic—it creates lasting connections that inspire ongoing generosity and advocacy.
Is Your Leadership Truly Engaged?
No revenue strategy succeeds without engaged leadership. Development Committees and Boards play a vital role not only in governance but also in championing philanthropy. Their work should go beyond attending meetings. Truly engaged leaders review prospect lists, make introductions to their networks, and demonstrate their own commitment through giving.
When volunteer leaders embrace these responsibilities, they help build a culture of philanthropy that strengthens the entire organization. Fundraising becomes a shared priority, not just the responsibility of the development team.
How Do You Move from Insight to Action?
The challenge for most organizations isn’t knowing what needs to be done—it’s deciding where to start. Real growth happens when nonprofits move from reflection to action: rebalancing revenue streams, refining donor portfolios, reenergizing events, or expanding stewardship practices.
The key is to focus on one or two meaningful changes rather than trying to transform everything at once. Even small shifts—like engaging in conversation with mid-level donors, reallocating staff time to cultivate mid-level donors, or refreshing a stewardship approach—can create momentum that builds toward larger transformations.
Growing revenue with intention means asking the right questions, making deliberate choices, and aligning leadership and staff around common goals. The opportunity for nonprofits is clear: start small, focus where the greatest impact is possible, and build from there. Even one intentional step forward can create lasting change—for your organization and for the communities you serve.
Want to explore how your organization can grow revenue with intention? Click here to schedule a free consultation!
To learn more about how we can help, contact Renee Archawski or visit https://schultzwilliams.com/development-consulting/.
