It’s the development officer’s job to build strong relationships. We spend much of our time focused on bonding with donors, funders, and others. But that’s only half of the challenge. Rapport with colleagues can be just as important—and just as rewarding. The points in this article can help you stay successful, even under difficult conditions.

To honor donors’ generosity and sustain the giving tradition, organizations have a duty to demonstrate gratitude. But it’s not as simple as sending a note or printing names in a newsletter. There are pitfalls and opportunities. Here are a few of the principles we’ve learned.

Looking for just the right words for a thank you note? Need concise information about your organization for a grant proposal? Want the message to position your group in new fundraising materials? Your case for support is the place to look. It is one of your most important – and useful – tools.

With springtime here, there’s freshness in the air. It’s time to seed and plot gardens. For many non-profits, it’s time to develop next year’s budget. The CEO is asking for a plan that demonstrates how the development office will meet the growing demand for programs and services. A development assessment and a data-driven plan provide the roadmap to meet the organization’s financial goals.