ML Innovations, Inc.

Here's the typical consultant's answer:  It depends.  Actually, in this case, it really does.  Because we do not offer cookie-cutter solutions and instead design services to meet your unique needs, our fees will depend on the services you want us to provide.  We can tell you now that our fees are competitive and in full compliance with the AFP Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice.  We work to help you minimize your costs in all areas of development, even with us.  Please contact us so we can explore your needs and identify your priorities.

Terrific!  We're delighted you're doing well.  Nothing breeds success like success.  We can show you how we can build on the successes you have already experienced to take your efforts to even greater levels.  As W. Edwards Deming, the father of Total Quality Management, observed, organizations can and should always work to improve.  We can help you identify where the greatest opportunities are and help you set enhancement priorities.  Then, we can work with you to achieve those new goals.

An "audit," despite its harsh name, is actually a constructive tool that achieves many things. The audit process will allow all stakeholders to better understand the advancement process.  It reveals program strengths that can be built upon, and identifies weaknesses that should be addressed.  The audit process also allows stakeholders to reassess organizational objectives and priorities.  The audit may also reveal activities that are no longer worthwhile and justify the need for new actions.  To get to where you want to go, it is often helpful to know where you have been.

MLI is deeply and passionately committed to the development profession and the nonprofit sector.  We maintain memberships in the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning.  The MLI President serves as President of the Planned Giving Council of Greater Philadelphia and has served as a board member of the AFP Foundation, as board Vice President of the AFP Greater Philadelphia Chapter, and as board Chair of the AFP Political Action Committee.  MLI endorses the AFP and PPP codes of ethics.  In addition, MLI staff have served as fundraising executives, and practice what they preach.  They are active as philanthropists, volunteers, and board members for various nonprofit organizations.

It is not unusual for our prospective clients to invite an involved board member to attend our initial (complimentary) meeting at which we assess your needs and discuss MLI's recommendations about the role we may play for you.  If the program is large enough to warrant their involvement in the decision making and buy-in, we will be glad to present our proposal to your full board.  It is advisable, however, to have a member of the Executive Committee, or Chair of your Development Committee introduce the proposal to the Board, with you and MLI staff on hand as a resource to answer any questions.  We have great success in getting all levels of staff and board members to embrace and support our work to aide nonprofits in strengthening their foundation and reaching greater levels of fundraising success.

Michael's bestselling book, Donor-Centered Planned Gift Marketing, is available at most online booksellers including Amazon. You can also visit The Nonprofit Bookstore, hosted by ML Innovations and powered by Amazon. At the Bookstore, we focus on nonprofit organizations with a particular interest in fundraising, management, marketing, philanthropy, planned giving, and volunteerism.

We love the Phillies ... anyway. It's been a tough several years. But, they brought home the World Series Trophy in 2008. And, besides, we're from Philadelphia. We never give up hope!