We believe

We believe that a clear mission, vision, and plan is the engine that drives organizational impact, efficiencies, participation, and support.

In addition to determining strategic direction, the a strategic plan that is owned by the organization’s key stakeholders, aligns priorities, and creates a path forward is essential to a robust advancement program. Our work with clients often begins here; without it advancement programs are unlikely to achieve their fullest potential.

We believe that incremental, sustainable—even transformational—growth is possible in advancement offices.

Regardless of the maturity and sophistication of a advancement operation, there is always potential for growth. No advancement office has tried everything to achieve growth….and many have tried too many things. Focusing effort and energy on high impact/high return activities and letting go of others is integral to tapping into that potential.

We believe that every organization has donors with substantial capacity to give beyond what they are giving today.

All non-profits are in need of additional funding to grow the mission. Organizations too often leap to the conclusion that growth must come from additional donors. The reality is that the greatest growth potential for all non-profits – no exceptions – is in their existing donor base. Few donors give to their capacity and few non-profits have challenged donors to give significantly. Consider all of the effort and energy necessary to add 100 new donors to the donor base this year, each giving $100. That would generate an additional $10,000 of revenue in support of the mission. On the other hand, perhaps a cup of coffee with one existing donor could yield the same net increase.

We believe that people give to support the missions and visions of organizations that, in turn, recognize and strive to serve the passions and interests of the donor.

This is reflected in the scientific principle: every action has an equal and opposite reaction. In philanthropy, this principle has as much meaning and relevance in describing the actions of donors as science does in describing the physical world around us. Donors give in proportion to the extent to which their passions and interests have been addressed.

We are strategic, principal, and major gifts specialists…

who bring a unique and refreshing approach to building and maintaining donor relationships. We set ourselves apart from our competitors by designing a service around your unique circumstances and support structure, rather than fitting you into a pre-existing model. You will discover the Mission Advancement team to be responsive to the current trends in philanthropy today and how they apply to your organization. Our experience and knowledge of the terrain enables us to help navigate your most effective path.

The Mission Advancement team:

1. Works side-by-side with you and your staff to develop solutions to your funding alleges
2. Invests the time to listen to your needs and understand where you are today
3. Creates solutions and strategies in response to your specific circumstances

Testimonials

“When I arrived at Murray State as a new president, and Alan had already been engaged by our Foundation Board to lay the groundwork for what would ultimately be the largest campaign in the University’s history. He’s been with us all the way through! In working with me—beyond breaking down into manageable, workable steps what seemed at the outset to be a Herculean task—Alan became a key mentor in my presidential role and a valued professional colleague. Half of our fundraising in the recent campaign is supporting student scholarships, so Alan’s dedication and leadership to MSU is truly leaving a legacy for our institution.”

Dr. Randy Dunn
President, Murray State University

“AZA develops the donor leadership that is most critical to meeting campaign goals while also making sure systems are in place for effective, long-term fundraising success. He’s a true professional!”

Fred A. Bleeke
Senior Vice President for Seminary Advancement (Interim), Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

I have had the opportunity to work with many fundraising consultants during my career; many look at their clients as simply another job, Alan looks at how he can make you and your organization successful – to him it is personal. I greatly appreciated his wise counsel, experience, and steady hand throughout our record-setting campaign.

Dr. Robert (Bob)Jackson
Associate Vice President – Institutional Advancement & Campaign Director, Murray State University

“As a school for young Christians, we want all of our leaders, teachers, administrators and staff to not only understand our mission, but to ­live it. We work with Alan Zacharias Associates because they model that attitude as they work with us to help fund this dynamic vision.”

Bob Kasten
Executive Director, Living Word Lutheran High School

” I appreciate how Alan Zacharias Associates uses small steps to greatly expand the achievement of great goals. During Alan’s tenure our institution received the “Most Improved Advancement Program” Award by the Council for the Advancement and Support (CASE). We also completed the largest campaign in our history based on funds raised and stakeholders engaged. We consider AZA a valued member of our team.”

Dr. Dale Meyer
President, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri

“Alan is simply the best when it comes to crafting effective strategies and plans for fund raising success. He is strategic minded, superb with boards and donors, and always finds a way to produce top results no matter the challenges!”

Thomas Bakewell
Bakewell & Associates

“Alan Zacharias isn’t a typical consultant. He has worked in the trenches. He has walked the walk. That makes him that much more credible to your staff, management, and board when he talks the talk, and transforms your advancement efforts in the process.”

John Burgess
President (ret.), Family & Children’s Center, La Crosse, WI

“Alan provides a very collegial atmosphere while constantly pushing us to push ourselves. He is an important partner in ministry”

Dr. Marshall R. Gillam
Executive Director, Lutheran Bible Translators

“Concordia College Alabama, like many 501 (C) 3 organizations is cautious when engaging a consultant. Consultants are expensive and sometimes do not perform as anticipated. Fortunately we have been blessed through our engagement of Alan Zacharias of AZA Consulting. He not only brought tremendous help to our ministry in terms of Mission, Vision, Strategic Initiatives and Comprehensive Campaign – but – he helped bring organization to the development shop, helped us identify professional leadership for the Advancement Office and implanted a system that has helped us identify new prospects and add many new major gift donors.”“Concordia College Alabama has been blessed through its engagement of Alan Zacharias Associates because of his knowledge, work ethic, abilities, and passion. What he has brought to our ministry in the past two years has more than paid for the cost of his services.”

Lloyd Probasco
Chairman, Board of Regents, Concordia College Alabama

“Alan Zacharias Associates LLC is the secret behind Concordia Alabama’s Financial Success. Alan Zacharias and his team developed strategy and programs to reconnect to our donors, identify qualified prospects, and develop new, generous avenues of support. Alan Zacharias Associates’ business ethos is about more than securing funds…it is about ensuring a bright, sustainable future.”

Dr. Tilahun Mekonnen Mendedo