A year and a half after launching a new nonprofit website, I’m excited to start working on the assessment phase. Especially excited about running a focus group asking questions about our overall communications and fundraising strategy.
When we held focus groups in early 2009 for YNPN Chicago, I learned a lot that I will apply to the focus groups I will run for 2010. For example:
- Divide groups up according to affiliation with the organization! I know this seems like so obvious, but it’s an important planning step that I missed in my first attempt.
- Gather questions from various departments. Maximize your investment of time and energy by getting the most benefit for your organization. Pay special attention to new cross-department initiatives.
- Have a few major goals in mind. If you’re like most nonprofits, fundraising will be one of those goals.
- Keep the conversation between an hour and an hour and a half.
- Thank your focus group participants with a small token. Even a $10 Starbucks gift card will do. We’re nonprofits, but we really value the feedback of our supporters.