Marcia Craner

Hello 2023

Winter, 2023

In 2021 and 2022, I had the honor to continue my consulting work with several wonderful clients. Reflecting on the past few years, where everything seems to have changed, a lot has remained the same. People still care, very deeply, about the world around them and continue to seek to make a difference through volunteer and philanthropic roles.

Every day nonprofits need to do the work of advancement which focuses on building their reputation, enhancing relationships and resource building. The organizations that take stock, “plans the work and works the plan”, and stays on course with their goals. Some key advancement programs support:

What sets me apart: I have done the work of and lived the experiences (all of it!) my clients are facing such as challenging Board members, budget constraints, where to invest dollars, time and energy for the greatest ROI, managing and leading volunteers, finding “your voice” to ask for major gifts, and how to energize Boards and committees, who are well intended but may be “stuck”. I have sat on both sides of the table, as a former Vice President of Advancement, an Executive Director of an institutionally related foundation, a major gifts and campaign professional, and as an Instructor teaching organizational advancement and leadership at the graduate college level. Just as importantly, I have, and continue to be, a volunteer, a Board member and a donor. I know what I need from nonprofits to keep me engaged and committed.

The power of the right people, combined with the correct strategies, delivers transformational changes for nonprofits. Cameron & Associates is a true partner for each step in the journey to accomplish significant results. As an experienced professional and consultant, I can support you and your nonprofit to achieve success.

If you need a one-time consult or a longer term consulting relationship, I look forward to working with you in the future.

All my best,
Marcia


Summer, 2018

Summer is here and as nonprofits wrap up another year, the planning for the next fundraising cycle begins. Embedded in that planning should be a clear understanding of what your donors want and need.

A group of donors joined my course, Organizational Advancement and Fundraising, to talk about how their needs have, and have not, been met by a wide range of nonprofits. As thoughtful donors each individual has made several major gifts and are all active nonprofit leaders. They provided important reminders about engaging and retaining donors in the life of your nonprofit.

What do donors need?

What do donors want?

Contact me at cranermarcia@gmail.com

All my best,
Marcia


Fall, 2017

Last month I spoke at the Nonprofit Learning Lab in Philadelphia, PA. Over 75 nonprofits, large and small, all doing good work, attended.

I lead a workshop on The Case for Support: Compelling, Engaging and Critical for Fundraising. Understanding your case, and having a case for support, seems like Fundraising 101. But the workshop was a “big seller”. Why? Because I maintain with all that we have to juggle in the nonprofit fundraising field, we forget the basics – telling our story, how to stay on message through integrated marketing and knowing our brand. Like anything in life, if the basics are not on target, the rest of what you do just does not get off the ground. So what are some of the key takeaways?

Key Characteristics of an Effective Case for Support:

Homework:

Invest in the future of your nonprofit by contacting us today.

All my best,
Marcia


Spring, 2016

Two years ago I launched Cameron & Associates to help nonprofits and individuals overcome unique philanthropic challenges. As we celebrate our second anniversary, I have taken time to reflect.

Every nonprofit has a unique story to tell and a strong desire to do the “right” thing to advance their mission. After listening to and working with many diverse clients, I have learned that the greatest obstacle standing in the way of greater fundraising success is a lack of storytelling. A compelling story will help enhance the case for support, but nonprofits still have to be very clear, comfortable and understanding in explaining why they are asking donors to invest in the organization’s mission.

Rule number one: Because we need money and do great work isn’t a case for support.

Mission and case must be closely aligned. A mission statement drives an organization’s purpose and objectives – and is usually an internally focused statement. A case for support needs to be externally focused and is a philanthropic investment prospectus. A compelling case is a critical step to building and enhancing an integrated fundraising plan.

Potential donors need to know about your case, have the inclination and financial capacity to invest in your case and must be asked to make a gift.

After a very successful 35-year fundraising career, teaching graduate students a curriculum I developed, Organizational Advancement and Fundraising, working with clients and being a donor myself, Cameron & Associates offers clients customized strategies and services that will benefit any nonprofit. No cookie cutter approach or one size fits everyone’s needs strategy.

Cameron & Associates is passionate about supporting those who do good work. And we bring a personalized and holistic approach to you – your team and board – when you need it most.


Fall, 2014

In the past year, I left a 35-year career in higher education advancement and fundraising. I designed a curriculum, and started to teach graduate students in the College of Community and Public Affairs at Binghamton University about something which I’m deeply passionate about: philanthropy.

With the launch of my firm, Cameron & Associates (named after my late mother), I use my knowledge and expertise to help nonprofits and individuals overcome their unique philanthropic challenges.

Whether your nonprofit needs to begin a fundraising program, refine an existing program, or you need help defining your personal giving plans, we have the experience, skills and values to help you succeed.

We’re passionate about supporting those who do good work, and we’ll bring a holistic approach to you —and your team— when you need it most.

All the best,
Marcia