Imagine having all the funding you need to focus on mission –

instead of chasing dollars

Give me 10 minutes and I’ll reveal my…

Secret to developing long-term funding even in today’s economy, now and forever . . .

Are you working in a one-person development department?  Do you need a solid fundraising plan?  This was written just for you.

Dear Nonprofit Professional:

I’ve been where you’re at right now.

You’re the (as one of my subscribers wrote): “ED, Major Gift Officer, Grant Writer, Patient Relations Representative, Prospect Researcher and Chief Cook and Bottle Washer

… not to mention PR and marketing director, event planner, individual giving manager, director of stewardship and, yes, even graphic designer!

It’s been a very eye-opening experience to realize that being a good “business woman” is far removed from being a good “fundraiser” or Development Director.  You make the steps that need to be taken seem so simple; by emphasizing the importance of our regular (12 times a year!) communications with our donors, and holding those connections precious above all else, and by daring to pursue relationships more often and more openly, we are seeing lovely results.  We find that our donors do indeed want to hear from us more often, even if it is only to say ” We appreciate you and here’s what we’ve been accomplishing with your help!”

In other words,  you gave me a beautiful gift, and thank you. Know that all I’ve learned from you has made us a better, more “donor centered” organization, and me, a better “friend and communicator” to our valued supporters.

Dawne Camera

The Dreaming Zebra Foundation

Where do you find the time to:

• Write funded grant proposals and follow-up reports?
• Grow your individual giving, including phoning donors and launching your organization’s monthly giving program?
• Make sure your nonprofit gets media coverage in traditional and new media?
• Develop a website that draws visitors and donors?
• Cultivate major donors?

I’ve been where you’re at right now

• Wondering how you’ll cover payroll next month
• Trying to figure out how you can increase your services to meet your community’s overwhelming need
• Knowing that you need help with fundraising but you just don’t have the time or money to attend workshops or seminars.  And hiring a consultant?  Forget about it.

Simple Development Systems is the answer you’ve been looking for

“I am just finishing the first year with my organization as the new Executive Director. I had no idea that during the year my role would soon expand to include donor developer, record keeper, fundraiser, webmaster, social media monitor, planned giving coordinator, event planner, etc.. pretty much the description of a one-person shop!   I was intrigued with the title of Pam’s new book on Simple Development Systems, Successful Fundraising for the One-Person Shop.   I knew she had written it just for me!  This book is a simple, easy to read, essential resource that I wish I had on day one of my job. While reading through each chapter, I was able to click on links to great references by experienced authors, many whom I’ve already been introduced to through Pam’s weekly blog.

I know that I will be referring back to this book, printing off pages for my “swipe” file, and using her tips over and over. Every chapter is on a topic that is so relevant to someone like me who finds themselves wearing different hats. I’m looking forward to really using the toolkit she has provided that will help get my plans and goals down on paper in an organized way. Absolutely recommend this book to anyone who is doing it all!  I didn’t know there was so much that I didn’t know.   Now that I know better what questions to ask, I can finally get a plan in place to work on the answers.  Thank you.”

Cheryl Melendez

Executive Director

Gospel Literature International

In the midst of a global recession, can you really afford to continue what you’re doing?

• Expenses are rising
• Foundation dollars are (so *they* say) declining
• Donations are down
• You need ten more people to help you, even one would be nice, but there’s no money in the budget!

Building multiple streams of income is your answer and Simple Development Systems will show you step-by-step how to

• Grow your donor database and build an email supporter list
• Create a monthly giving program to create sustaining monthly income – and build stronger donor loyalty
• Target small to mid-size foundations for general operating support grants
• AND MORE!

Simple Development Systems is absolutely easy to use, easy to understand and covers all of the topics I’ve had to self-teach myself in an organization with no dedicated development staff.  Your idea around creating a culture of philanthropy really resonated with me because I absolutely agree that everyone plays a role in fundraising – it’s about connecting the dots.  I also listened to the teleseminar on monthly giving, and you’re right, it’s a no brainer.  I’m going to get this started!

Thanks Pam – this is a great reference guide with practical tips that I can put to use right away.

Caroline Tillier


Program Advocate


Seattle, WA

But how do you know this will work for you, in your small fundraising office? Why should you believe me?

Here’s my story:

Back in 2001, I quit my job with one of the Philadelphia region’s largest grantmaking foundations to take on a development position with a small community health agency .  My task?  To create a development department from the ground up.

I don’t need to tell you that it was challenging!

Thanks to a successful local businessman, this particular organization had run a hugely successful capital campaign just five years prior, raising over $5 million for a new facility.

And what had they done since?

Nothing. Nada.  Not a thing.

• Major donors were ignored.
• Not a single foundation grant proposal had been written in five years.
• The organization had memberships with a number of key community organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, yet hadn’t had any contact with any of them in years.
• The businessman who had spearheaded the capital campaign was deceased and none of the data from that campaign was available to me.
• The organization had no website.
• The organization’s annual membership campaign had been outsourced to a succession of different mail-houses.  The resulting product was a mess (and donors noticed).  Members of the community were angry and the campaign had steadily lost donors and dollars for the past five years.

And the more I dug, the worse things looked.

The closest I’d come to fundraising experience was reviewing grant proposals at my old job.

Frankly, I thought that I’d taken on more – much more – than I could handle.

I can still recall today how, two weeks after starting and close to tears, I called my best friend and mentor to share with him all the negatives I was uncovering on a daily basis.  I had no idea where to start.  Talk about a pity party.

His response?

“How many people get to create their own job????”

That was a light bulb moment for me!  I began to get excited.

The very next day I sat down at my desk and mapped out my very first fundraising plan.  I made:

• A plan for grants,
• A plan for public relations
• A plan for a website (the organization didn’t have one), and
• A plan for growing individual donors.

And then I did one of the smartest things I’ve ever done – something that I continue to do ten years later.

It’s not something that you’ll ever find in a typical “development” course or workshop.

But it will make a major difference in your fundraising as you use it in the next year.  It’s just one of many ideas you’ll be shaking your head, wondering why you hadn’t learned this years ago.

Pamela’s book focuses on donor-centric fundraising. She covers what to do in your first 100 days as a development director, donor profiles, newsletters, direct mail, how to thank donors, monthly giving programs, grant seeking, building a website, choosing a donor database, and social media.

The result is a road map to success that can take the scary out and bring in a sense of comfort, self-confidence, and focus about what can and should be done.

Joanne Fritz

About.com Nonprofit

So what happened after I used this formula?  Fast forward a short 12 months and we had:

• Raised nearly $150,000 in foundation support, the majority of it general operating support (who’s got time for all those grant reports?),
• increased our individual giving by a full 25% – and reduced costs by 31%,
• begun successful outreach to local businesses, bringing on corporate sponsors like Whole Foods,
• implemented a number of successful community health initiatives,
• established a weekly column in our local newspaper,
• launched our first website fully equipped for online giving AND
• begun a major gifts program!

All in a mere 15-20 hours a week!  And since then I’ve learned so much more.  I’ve raised over $15 million in funding and replicated that early success with dozens of small nonprofit organizations, just like yours.  And I’m about to share my secret formula for fundraising success with you.

Are you new to nonprofit fundraising and a little overwhelmed at the scope of your job?  Or perhaps you’re a seasoned pro who’s smart enough to know the best never stop learning?

Either way, Pamela Grow’s Simple Development Systems eBook is a fantastic resource.

No time to read? What if someone put together, in one easy to read book, advice and tips from some of the smartest, most creative people in the field? And packaged it with links and worksheets to make sure you get the most from the experience?

Pamela shares her know-how in all areas of fundraising, and then brings in other experts to write about their particular areas of expertise. She pulls it together in a bright, conversational style – like a note from a good friend – if that friend happened to know an awful lot about fundraising!

You have time for this. In fact, you don’t have time to NOT read it. You’ll know more, work smarter and most importantly, get better results.

Mary Cahalane


Development Manager, Individual Giving

Riverfront Recapture, Inc.

Are you feeling overwhelmed in your job right now?  Let’s be honest.  Spearheading a one-person development department can feel like you’re spinning 10 glass plates in the air.  You’re the grant proposal writer, database administrator, director of individual gifts, webmaster, event planner, social media director and more!  And every day it seems as if “they” – the trendsetters – are dangling more bright shiny objects in front of your face.  Honestly, in a small fundraising shop, I don’t look at “trendsetters” I have a hard enough time keeping my head above water as it is.

“…if you’re working in a one-person development shop (either as the one staff member responsible for development, or as an Executive Director who is responsible for fundraising too…) then I want to highly recommend my friend Pamela Grow’s new book and toolkit Simple Development Systems: Successful Fundraising for the One-Person Shop.”

Joe Garecht

The Fundraising Authority

Simple Development Systems will cut to the chase, leaving you with the framework to develop a successful donor-centric fundraising plan for your organization.  Why donor-centric?  You’re looking to build lifetime donors and raise the money your organization needs now – and in the years to come – aren’t you?

Here’s just some of what you’ll be learning:

• How shifting your focus from money to building relationships will take the stress out of fundraising (and raise more money!)
  
  
• How to tell an emotional story that engages your supporters at their deepest core
  
  
• Who your best donor is – and why knowing matters
• What donor-centricity really means (you only think you know)
• How to create a marketing mix so you’re always in your supporters’ hearts
• How to create a donor newsletter that brings in money all year long
• How to create your organization’s monthly giving program – and how to grow it!
• How to write direct mail appeals that touch the heart – and reel in the dollars!
• How to use email to build relationships
• How to streamline your grants program with general operating support
• How to select the database that’s right for your organization – now and five years from now
• How to create a manageable strategy for social media
• How to create a bequest program

Pam,

I wanted to let you know that we recently received a very large grant that was 4x the amount that the charity awarded us last year… When writing the proposal this year I included personal stories wherever possible. Since our programs have not changed from last year, I’m thinking that the personal stories are what made us stand out this year!

Thanks again for being such an awesome example of how to approaching fundraising.

I’ve learned so much from you in 12+ months!

Tyler Wilson

Power of P.L.A.Y. Foundation


Member of Simple Development Systems pilot coaching program

Regular readers of The Grow Report, my weekly ezine, know that I’m a huge believer in sharing the best resources out there.  That’s why you’ll benefit not only from my expertise but from the guidance of a host of seasoned experts who have contributed to Simple Development Systems Fundraising.  People like

• Ken Burnett, Author of such classics as Relationship Fundraising, Tiny Essentials of an Effective Volunteer Board and The Zen of Fundraising, and founder of SOFII.
• John Haydon, Author of Facebook for Dummies and nonprofit marketer extraordinaire,
• Nancy Schwartz, Nonprofit marketer, creator of “The Nonprofit Tagline Report” and writer at the Getting Attention blog,
• Jules Brown, direct mail copywriter for some of the biggest charities in New Zealand and Australia,
• Lucy Gower, Fundraising Innovator and UK fundraising expert,
• Gail Perry, Author of Fired Up Fundraising, Turning Board Passion into Action,
• Robert Weiner, host of TechSoup’s Technology for Fundraising online,
• And many others who have come together to offer their expertise to you in Simple Development Systems!

“Simple Development Systems is fantastic. I’m about to be a new ED and I am excited to lead the organization into a new era of donor centric activities.”

Michael Faith, MSW, Executive Director, Living Yoga

This book has eight chapters, ranging from how to effectively tell your story, to grants, to stewardship, to events, and everything in between.  Many chapters feature short Tales from the Trenches.  Additionally I’ve included a number of must-read articles from my websites and scads of bonuses.  Fundraising worksheets, samples and templates are included in the accompanying toolkit.

“Pamela Grow’s new book, “Simple Development Solutions, Successful fundraising for the one-person shop” is exactly as promised – a simple, thorough framework for donor-centric development. As a very busy one-person department, I found it straightforward and well worth my time – even in early November.  It’s packed with easy, high-impact action steps from Pam, and an amazing amount of valuable content and links from experts like Tom Ahern, Ken Burnett and Jules Brown.

My first pass resulted in sticky notes for immediate reference on: a terrific grants chapter, a link to Harvey McKinnon’s teleseminar on establishing a monthly giving program, “20 Phrases that will make your donor feel like a hero” (from DearJoan.net), and the bonus “10 Steps to Getting Your Nonprofit More [event] Sponsorships Fast.”

Having all these resources together in one place is a huge value. The language is clear and the recommended actions are tried and true and realistic for a single person shop. Thank you Pam!”

Ann Schutt, Fund Development Coordinator for a non-profit health agency

In the Resources section of this book, you’ll find my favorite selected online resources.  Because this is an interactive ebook in pdf format, you’ll be able to click directly on links as you read and instantly go to the accompanying resource.

As a bonus for ordering Simple Development Systems, you will have full access to the 90 minute webinar Profitable Donor Newsletters from Tom Ahern

as well as recorded teleseminars from leading experts such as Lisa Sargent, Mal Warwick, and more

to watch or listen to at your convenience. These alone are valued at over $500.00

At a mere 120 pages, Simple Development Systems is a short read.  Don’t mistake short for lacking in substance – or results.  This book is packed chock-full of information for the small shop, cutting out all of the fluff and leaving you with a plan for donor-focused fundraising now and into the future.

“I just received my copy of Simple Development Systems: Successful fundraising for the One Person Shop. I felt like it was written just for me! What a gift! As I begin my new position as Director of Development at Saint Rose of Lima School, Simple Development Systems will be my Bible!

The book is invaluable to me, with tools and resources I would never have access to without Pam! Thank you.”

Jane Mensack


Development Director

St. Rose of Lima School

Another bonus?  Simple Development Systems will be revised and updated on a regular basis, and you’ll always have access to the latest version.

You can raise exponentially more money for your nonprofit. And Simple Development Systems can help you get it done, by giving you the steps to raise money now and well into the future. And it’s right here, right at your fingertips, waiting for you to take that next step.

I just purchased your Simple Development Systems last week–I wish I would have found it 5 years ago when I took this job.  It’s wonderful!  One of the most challenging aspects of working in a very small development department is focusing your efforts in the places that will have the largest impact.  There can be a lot of distractions and “fires” that gobble up your day.  This easy-to-read and implement guide has helped me to fine tune my plan for next year.  The chapter on Grants and the information on writing effective newsletters were my favorite sections, but it’s all worthwhile.  I’m confident that this is a resource that I will grab again and again in the future.

Heidi Mayer, Lutheran Home Foundation

Think of it:

You’ll be sitting at your desk in the morning as usual, cup of coffee in hand, when your office manager drops by with the mail. And instead of one check, or two, there will be ten remit envelopes, then the next day twenty, then a big grant check!

Imagine telling your coworker the good news, their program got funded for another year! And doing a little dance together!

Imagine typing in those new numbers on your board report, how happy you’ll feel shaking hands at the board meeting, and listening to admiring compliments on your new success!

Whether you’re new to nonprofit development  or a seasoned pro, you can map out a solid strategy for donor-centric fundraising, and succeed!

“Even though Pamela Grow is well-known for her grantwriting advice, I want to let you in on a little secret: She’s a fantastic nonprofit marketer too! Her new book is so easy to read, that it’s like sitting down for a cup of tea with your development mentor, who helps you get your feet under you and get those early wins in a new development job. From helping you choose your donor database to best practices to getting your email newsletter opened and having people click on the donate button, Simple Development Systems has it all. I learned a lot by reading Pamela Grow’s Simple Development Systems, and I think you will learn a lot too.”

-Mazarine Treyz, Author, The Wild Woman’s Guide to Fundraising

It’s time for you to decide.

My consulting rate averages out to $175 an hour, making my services prohibitive for many small nonprofit organizations.  But now, for a limited time, the Simple Development Systems eBook and accompanying toolkit of templates and worksheets is being offered at the low price of $49.99.  After June 22, 2019, the price goes up to $79.99.

I was so impressed by Simple Development Systems that I purchased it for home first and then for work where we have had a recent addition to the fundraising team.  The first 100 days instrument is vital for those joining a new organisation, I wish I had seen it 10 years ago.

I have worked in the industry for over 20 years and find it very useful, especially reminding me of the basics. Most of my last 10 years have been as a sole fundraiser.

Derek Dean


Fundraising Coordinator


Home and Family Society


Christchurch, New Zealand

It’s easy to get started right away. Click the order link below to be taken to a secure order page provided by my authorized reseller, Clickbank. After you’ve submitted your credit card information and other details you’ll be taken to the private webpage where you can download all the files.  If you would like to pay by check, simply write a check for $49.99 to Pamela Grow and mail it to P.O. Box 274, Haverford, PA 19041.

Please note:  Simple Development Systems is an earth-friendly, digital product, and not a physical book.  After your purchase is complete, you will download the book (from which you’ll be able to access the recorded webinar and teleseminars) which you can then read on your computer or print out.

100% Risk-Free Guarantee:

Your success in using Simple Development Systems is completely guaranteed.

If, after reading the ebook and completing the assignments,  you truly believe I haven’t delivered on the promise to show your organization the keys to sustainable funding then let me know within the first 30 days of purchase and I’ll issue you a prompt and courteous refund. Is that fair or what?  How many workshops or training courses have you attended that offered a guarantee?

Look at it this way — $79.99 special introductory price of $49.99 is a small price to pay compared to the money you’re going to raise for your organization this year.

I wish I’d had your book the day I started.  I am 10 months in and feeling overwhelmed and under equipped.  I hit the ground running and in retrospect feel I have been both reacting and drifting ever since.   Wish I could have the first 100 days back!  Second and third 100 too.  Your book and toolkit provides some structure and immediate takeaways for me.  Thank you!

Dorothy

Development Officer

Midwestern Arts Organization

Quit floundering and learn the secrets to creating a focused, donor-centered fundraising plan – once and for al!

PS:  Still not sure?  Download the Table of Contents before you decide.

PPS:  Questions?  I’d be happy to chat.  Email me at pamelagrow@simpledevelopmentsystems.com or call me at (484) 297-2186.

“…Pamela Grow’s focus on stories as a way for non-profits to touch the hearts and minds of supporters reels me in. In her e-book, Simple Development Systems, Pam has an entire chapter on story telling, full of rich examples to spark your imagination.

Not just an e-reader, Simple Development Systems is fully interactive. It pulls you in and sends you out and pulls you in again. With specific assignments like Schedule lunch with one of your board members or a supporter, it pulls you in. And with clickable links to relevant material by other experts in the field, it sends you out to explore. With one click, you’ll find yourself transported to Tom Ahern’s transformational 90 minute webinar on Profitable Donor Newsletters.

This e-book is lively and engaging and informative. It’s generous and personal. And it’s got a toolkit chock full of practical worksheets, forms, and examples you can use whether you are new in the business or an old timer looking for a fresh take.”

Andrea Kihlstedt

Asking Matters