Three months is a minimum time frame for implementing change in a fundraising program. Immediately, determine the condition of the program and why the change is necessary. Sometimes we make changes too fast without truly discovering the components of a program, which still work. The working parts are key to success during transition. It doesn’t mean they will remain forever.

Discover:

1. What is working well in fundraising for the organization?
2. Where are the immediate challenges?
3. Who will approve the changes when they are requested?
4. What is the timeline for the completed project and what is the “goal” for the first three months?
5. What resources already exist and what will be needed?

Prioritize:

1. Organize steps for making change
2. Partner with others
3. Create a logical sequence of events and determine the best way to keep the people involved informed

Implement:

1. Bring resources (tools and people) into decision making discussions
2. Set, review, and address expectations to keep everyone on the same page
3. Course-correct when necessary

Note: The Leader of the organization must be comfortable with sharing responsibility.

Complete at least one phase of the project within three months and release people from their commitments as soon as possible. They can always say they want to remain involved and then, there’s a discussion to decide what participation looks like. It’s actually the first step in developing an advocate if this person is a good choice: Leader meets with an individual to learn more about them, listens to their ideas, and determines where the organization and individual overlap. In addition, they also share information about the networks where they each belong. This is considered a one to one (“1:1”) networking meeting.