Campaign Readiness:
The Culture of Philanthropy in Healthcare Organizations
Susan S. Holt
Seasoned healthcare development officers are keenly aware of the many inter- related elements that contribute to campaign readiness including:
- Vision and brand
- Leadership and giving commitment of the Trustees
- Consistent attention of and partnership with the CEO
- Resonance, urgency and passionate articulation of the case
- Well-honed strategic plan
- Clear philanthropic agenda
- Physician engagement
- Major donor pipeline, depth and readiness
- Development staff competencies and discipline in best practices
- Development program infrastructure
- External economic and healthcare environment
culture: the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution or organization.
Healthcare institutions are by their very nature complex organizations with multiple priorities vying for attention and resources. Today’s healthcare and fluctuating economic landscape further compound the expectations placed on development. Challenging times require laser focus when preparing for a campaign. As Brakeley Briscoe assesses campaign preparedness, the culture of philanthropy has readily risen as one of the single most important determinants of success.
philanthropy: an act or gift done or made for humanitarian purposes.
More elusive than the traditional gift pyramid, the Trustee, CEO and physicians’ commitment to consistently articulating the development function’s value proposition as the good to great, or great to pre-imminent revenue stream makes a critical difference. Institutions that form a triumvirate of the Board Chair, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Development Officer who partner to infuse the value of philanthropic investments throughout all facets of the institution’s volunteer board, physician-staff and donor constituencies are better positioned for success. The Board leadership that sets the pace of the institution’s philanthropic culture, versus a staff-driven culture, ultimately defines not only campaign success but also a sustained program.
culture of philanthropy: the shared set of attitudes, values, and goals practiced by leaders, volunteers and staff that characterizes the institution’s environment as one worthy to stimulate and receive gifts that advance humanity.
To receive a copy of your “Healthcare Philanthropic Check Up” to test your institution’s culture of philanthropy, please write to info@brakeleybriscoe.com.