Danosky & Associates

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Danosky & Associates Affiliates with National Campaign Consulting Firm

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Dear Friends,

I am pleased to announce that Danosky & Associates has formally affiliated with The Nonprofit Group out of Dallas, Texas, a firm nationally recognized for its leading-edge fundraising services. This move will allow me to return to my first love – raising major gifts – while stepping back from other work pursuits. Allow me to share how I have gotten here…

Over the past 40+ years, my work in the nonprofit sector has evolved continuously. I began my career with a part time job helping Special Olympics put on its very first Sports Celebrity Carnival, having no idea there was such a profession as raising funds. I landed my first “real” job in fundraising for a hospital and I couldn’t believe I was getting paid to do something I loved so much. Over the next couple of decades I worked for three hospitals and then went on to work for a human service organization, learning as I went and gaining more experience in the areas of Marketing, Strategic Planning, and Governance. I built upon that experience and after working as a senior executive for 26 years, I started my own consulting firm. Danosky & Associates has been around now for close to 20 years and I have cherished every minute of it…and over the course of my career, I am proud to say that I have raised over $800 million!

Today I find myself at another crossroads – at a stage of my life when I wish to spend time with family, friends, and pursuing interests I have had little time to carry out. However, I still want to continue with my first labor of love – raising funds – though in a limited capacity. I now have the opportunity to do it all – and thus decided to make one more change.

I’m truly excited to affiliate with The NonProfit Group. This affiliation will allow me to go back to my roots, pursue the work I have always loved and allow time for the other things in my life. It is the right opportunity at the right time.

This affiliation came about because of the long-standing professional relationship with the Principal of the firm – Paul A. Dunne, CFRE. His career, similar to mine, has spanned 40 years, raising significant funds as the Chief Development Officer for several organizations and then helping drive sustainable growth and impact for many organizations as a consultant. Paul has built a strong team at The Nonprofit Group that enhances the capacity of development offices through a specialized and supportive collaboration (he, too, has also raised close to $1 billion over the course of his career). I am confident that the work I have done with the nonprofit sector in this region will continue through this affiliation.

“I had the knowledge of who Sharon was and her amazing work before I finally got the opportunity to meet her. What jumped out to me was her integrity. She deeply cares for her clients – and even more importantly – their donors. She is so respectful of that relationship and has the uncanny ability to meet each donor where they are in the journey. We are so excited to start this partnership and affiliation with her and Danosky & Associates.”

-Paul A. Dunne

All our careers take many twists and turns. I am fortunate that I have always had a true north that has inspired and motivated me. I look forward to what the future holds and being able to continue – though in a different and narrower capacity, the work I have always loved.

With Gratitude,

Sharon

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The NonProfit Group aims to empower and strengthen nonprofit organizations to create lasting positive impacts on the communities they serve. We are there to assist and guide nonprofit organizations to thrive. With passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication, we aspire to be the catalysts where every nonprofit’s mission becomes a powerful force for good. We deeply understand and care about the challenges faced by nonprofit organizations and approach our work with compassion and understanding

Danosky & Associates, LLC is an action-oriented, results-driven consulting firm that builds nonprofit capacity, applied through an equity lens with innovative strategies for an ever-emerging future. Our vision is that every nonprofit will have the capacity to fulfill their missions and make the world a better place. Since 2008 we have been providing nonprofits the guidance, support and tools necessary to build a better world.

You will still be able to find us at www.danosky.com. If you would like to discuss how we can help your organization achieve your goals, please call or e-mail info@danosky.com.

How to Work with a Consultant

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I have been a consultant for over 15 years.  Prior to that, I was someone who would hire and work with consultants from time to time.  When I made the transition from in-house “expert” to one who provided expertise from the outside – I considered long and hard what kind of consultant I wanted to be – and what consultants I most preferred to work with.

I have found that the best consulting outcomes are with people who you come to trust – whether you approach it as an “insider” or “outsider”.  You hire a consultant for their expertise and knowledge – and once you hire them, you build a trust that gives you confidence in the advice and guidance they are giving you.  Trust and chemistry are very important. Therefore, getting to know each other is important — and so is the consultant getting to know your organization.

The process of hiring a consultant can be challenging.  Often there is an initial conversation. You might prepare an RFP – or you might request a proposal from the consultant.  That written proposal provides you the opportunity to explore the consultant’s knowledge of the subject matter and insight into how they will approach your project.  Then there is the interview – frequently including members of your board and reference checks.  This is where you glimpse a little bit more about the consultant and how well you might work with her/him/them.  Frequently, you may seek a consultant you have heard about and you might even have had occasion to meet in other settings, which gives you a bit more of an understanding of how the relationship may work.  The process may not be ideal – what is?  But it is a process through which you ultimately decide. 

I have found the best consulting experience is when mutual expectations are discussed and the process for meeting those expectations are well understood.  Depending on the project – we usually like to have regular meetings where we check in.  Those are particularly useful in fundraising consultations.  Strategic plans or governance work often requires quite a bit of information and data gathering – so the initial work is in reviewing and analyzing the data – though “check-ins” to validate findings or discuss differences is usually helpful.

It is essential that the consultant is told all the information surrounding the work they are doing.  At Danosky & Associates our practice is to state the confidential nature of the relationship right in our proposal.  We do that so that you have full assurance that any and all proprietary information will remain that way. Sometimes we’ve had clients who have not shared relevant information or we inadvertently learn of something after the fact.  Share information confidently, knowing that your consultant is a trusted advisor and a valuable partner – a partner who is on your side.

I do think if you hire and trust your consultant – it’s also wise to take their consultation.  Occasionally, we run into an instance where someone argues against what we are recommending or expects a different process.  Questions, discussions and open dialogue are absolutely part of the process.  It’s important to remember, though, that you chose to hire this consultant not for their personality, but because of their knowledge and expertise.  Most consultants have amassed significant knowledge and also have years of experience on the specific subject matter you are addressing.  What they are advising is not based on their personal preference – but what the evidence, best practices and professional experience has shown.   

Bottom line – the consulting relationship is a partnership.  When it works well – it works really well and can be so energizing and rewarding for everyone.     

Connecticut Town Equity Reports Available through DataHaven

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This series of reports is designed to inform local-level efforts to improve community well-being and racial equity. These reports disaggregate data from the 2020 Census, American Community Survey microdata files, DataHaven Community Wellbeing Survey record-level files, and other federal and state sources to create relevant town-level information that is not typically available from standard public databases.

DataHaven has published a town equity report for all 169 towns in Connecticut. These reports are extremely useful when you are doing strategic planning, preparing grant requests or looking to create more diversity when recruiting new board members.  I know I join with so many in the nonprofit sector in extending our appreciation to Data Haven.

Click here to access the reports for your catchment area.

The Ruling: Removing Affirmative Action from Education Institutions

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We are Danosky & Associates are proud to share with you a recent blog posted by our dear friend and collaborator, Jenora Ledbetter of The Self-Care Network…

Dear Readers,

In today’s newsletter, we bring you a significant development that has sparked debates and discussions across the educational landscape. The ruling on the removal of affirmative action from education institutions has recently taken place, and it’s implications are being analyzed and examined by educators, policymakers, and the public alike.

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of removing affirmative action policies from education institutions. This ruling has generated a wave of discussions regarding equal opportunities, diversity, and the future of education.

Affirmative action refers to policies that aim to address historical discrimination and promote equal opportunities for marginalized groups, particularly in education and employment. These policies often involve the consideration of race, gender, ethnicity, or other factors to ensure a more diverse and inclusive environment.

Those in favor of removing affirmative action argue that it perpetuates discrimination by treating individuals differently based on their race or ethnicity. They believe that admissions decisions should be based solely on merit and individual qualifications, rather than considering an applicant’s background.

Supporters of the ruling also argue that affirmative action can create an atmosphere of unfairness. They say that some individuals may feel disadvantaged due to their race or ethnicity, even if they are highly qualified. They believe that removing such policies will lead to a more equitable society by treating everyone on an equal basis.

On the other hand, opponents of the ruling express concerns about the potential consequences of removing affirmative action. They argue that without these policies, it will become more challenging to achieve diversity and equal representation in educational institutions. They believe that diversity brings valuable perspectives, enriches the educational experience, and prepares students for a diverse workforce.

Critics also contend that removing affirmative action may disproportionately affect underrepresented groups, widening existing disparities and perpetuating systemic inequalities. They emphasize the importance of addressing historical disadvantages and providing opportunities for those who have been historically marginalized.

Many organizations are asking if the new ruling will put a target on corporate diversity programs. They are also wondering how they can protect workplace diversity initiatives?  

First, it is important that employers understand that educational institutions are governed under Title VI, whereas organizations are governed under Title VII. These are two separate titles. The legal framework is not identical, and there are different legal standards that come into play.

Organizations should not be reactive or alarmist in their responses and they should not jump to conclusions and make any changes to their current or future DEI initiatives. Making any type of changes, can be counterproductive, and it can undermine and damage employees trust in the organization and make it harder for organizations to recruit a diverse team. It is crucial to acknowledge that promoting diversity and creating an inclusive work environment remains essential for a thriving and successful business.

The Self Care Network LLC is working with organizations to update their communication and strategic plans, as well as providing Title VII compliance program trainings which includes a holistic strategy to help organizations continue their diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts.  

This is an exciting time for organizations to conduct a thorough review of their current diversity initiatives to ensure they align with legal guidelines and promote fairness. Employers can continue to protect workplace diversity initiatives by embracing inclusive practices.

Remember, diversity is not just a compliance requirement, but a powerful driver of success in today’s global and interconnected world.

You can reach the CEO/Founder of The Self Care Network LLC with the contact information listed below

Jenora Ledbetter

203-441-5994

jenora@theselfcarenetwork.org

Our Mission

We provide nonprofits the guidance, support and tools necessary to build a better world.

Our Vision

Every nonprofit will have the capacity to fulfill their missions and make the world a better place. 

Who We Are

Danosky & Associates is an action-oriented, results driven consulting firm that builds nonprofit capacity, applied through an equity lens with innovative strategies for an ever-emerging future. 

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