Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Strong nonprofit sector on islands—conservation, arts, community services
• •Wealthy seasonal residents are major donor prospects for local causes
• •Small staffs mean organizations need outside fundraising expertise
• •Tight-knit community makes relationship-based fundraising effective
• •Foundation grants often prioritize rural and island communities

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Learn fundraising fundamentals, ethics, and best practices

   • •Fundraising has professional standards and ethical guidelines
   • •Understanding donor psychology helps craft effective appeals
   • •Knowing what works prevents wasting nonprofit resources
2. 2
   Volunteer with nonprofits to understand their operations and needs

   • •Real experience reveals challenges textbooks don't cover
   • •Volunteer work builds case studies for your consulting practice
   • •Relationships developed as a volunteer become client opportunities
3. 3
   Develop expertise in specific fundraising methods

   • •Specialization (grants, events, major gifts) creates expertise clients pay for
   • •Different methods suit different nonprofits—know which fits where
   • •Deep skills in one area beat shallow skills across many
4. 4
   Build a portfolio of results and testimonials

   • •Nonprofits need to justify spending on consultants to their boards
   • •Documented results prove your value and justify your fees
   • •Testimonials from respected organizations open doors

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Start with volunteer consulting before charging—build portfolio and references
• •Use free or nonprofit-discounted software (many platforms offer nonprofit pricing)
• •Access grant databases through library memberships rather than personal subscriptions
• •Join AFP chapter for networking and professional development at group rates
• •Take on part-time contracts before investing in full-time infrastructure

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Retainer arrangements provide predictable monthly income
• •Project-based work (events, campaigns) has defined timelines and payments
• •Grant writing fees can be success-based or flat-fee—know industry norms
• •Nonprofits often have fiscal year constraints affecting payment timing

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Start with organizations you know and trust—your reputation is tied to theirs
• •Define scope clearly—mission creep is common with passionate nonprofit staff
• •Set realistic expectations—fundraising isn't magic, and some campaigns fail
• •Maintain professional boundaries—you're a consultant, not an employee
• •Document everything—verbal agreements lead to disputes
• •Know when to walk away from organizations that aren't ready for your help

Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Strong nonprofit sector on islands—conservation, arts, community services
• •Wealthy seasonal residents are major donor prospects for local causes
• •Small staffs mean organizations need outside fundraising expertise
• •Tight-knit community makes relationship-based fundraising effective
• •Foundation grants often prioritize rural and island communities

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Learn fundraising fundamentals, ethics, and best practices

   • •Fundraising has professional standards and ethical guidelines
   • •Understanding donor psychology helps craft effective appeals
   • •Knowing what works prevents wasting nonprofit resources
2. 2
   Volunteer with nonprofits to understand their operations and needs

   • •Real experience reveals challenges textbooks don't cover
   • •Volunteer work builds case studies for your consulting practice
   • •Relationships developed as a volunteer become client opportunities
3. 3
   Develop expertise in specific fundraising methods

   • •Specialization (grants, events, major gifts) creates expertise clients pay for
   • •Different methods suit different nonprofits—know which fits where
   • •Deep skills in one area beat shallow skills across many
4. 4
   Build a portfolio of results and testimonials

   • •Nonprofits need to justify spending on consultants to their boards
   • •Documented results prove your value and justify your fees
   • •Testimonials from respected organizations open doors

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Start with volunteer consulting before charging—build portfolio and references
• •Use free or nonprofit-discounted software (many platforms offer nonprofit pricing)
• •Access grant databases through library memberships rather than personal subscriptions
• •Join AFP chapter for networking and professional development at group rates
• •Take on part-time contracts before investing in full-time infrastructure

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Retainer arrangements provide predictable monthly income
• •Project-based work (events, campaigns) has defined timelines and payments
• •Grant writing fees can be success-based or flat-fee—know industry norms
• •Nonprofits often have fiscal year constraints affecting payment timing

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Start with organizations you know and trust—your reputation is tied to theirs
• •Define scope clearly—mission creep is common with passionate nonprofit staff
• •Set realistic expectations—fundraising isn't magic, and some campaigns fail
• •Maintain professional boundaries—you're a consultant, not an employee
• •Document everything—verbal agreements lead to disputes
• •Know when to walk away from organizations that aren't ready for your help