A Picture Is Still Worth 1,000 Words

One NE Iowa Fire Department has a story consistent across rural areas of Iowa - the need for a new fire station. This department currently operates out of the community's original one room school house that was moved to its current location when the highway came to town. An addition was added in 1980 and overall the experience is much like the picture above - inches to spare on space.

Various avenues of philanthropic research has shown that images still matter to donors and prospective donors. Pictures are still worth 1,000 words in the realism they create in a community's collective mindset. Pretty pictures help people get their minds around need and potential. An example of need is illustrated above. An example of potential can be found in the YouTube 3D tour created from the construction spec sheet for this department's proposed new station.

This 3D tour was created using the free version of Google Sketchup, a comprehensive architectural software that utilizes Google Earth details and renders images based on two dimensional construction parameters. Although it takes some time to learn the details, this software is an excellent tool for your communications arsenal if your department's strategic plan includes a new or remodeled station. Students taking architecture courses at your local high school or college may be available to assist you with this important planning step.

Of course, pictures and 3D renderings are only the start of an effective case for your department's need. All efforts taken to carefully craft your needs in terms of benefits to your community and those who need your services will pay exponential dividends.  


What communication tools are working well for your department? What would you like input on from others? Share your ideas through the comments section below.


FlashPoint offers hourly fee, not-to-exceed based communications services to help strengthen your communications case. The first planning meeting to discuss your needs is always free. Contact Dawn Svenson Holland to schedule your meeting today. 

Do You Have a Map Book for Your Department's Funding Needs?

Your page comes in. Your blue light goes on. You arrive at the Station. Your map book comes out. You follow the directions they contain so your call response can be faster and more accurate. You update your map book when you can, perhaps even with handwritten notes to address construction issues or other traffic challenges. Your map book helps you get to know the nooks and crannies of your community as you use it for more and more calls.

Your Department's funding needs deserve their own map book. When you plan for your funding needs, you plan for your Department to move forward. Dedicating time and energy towards this effort can help you develop a document that includes:

1. Your Department's priorities for equipment and training for the next three to five years

2. Anticipated funding gaps for the same time period

3. An action plan with time frame to ensure your highest priorities are funded

4. Ongoing cultivation activities that ensure your supporters remain positively engaged with your Department

5. A process for effectively driving around your own funding "traffic challenges" and still arriving at your destination

This Development Map Book for your Department can be most effectively developed through working with an independent facilitator. This facilitator can help you find your funding compass through a meeting or meetings with your officers and/or membership, as well as assembly of your book.

In short, a Development Map Book for your Department keeps the focus on your priorities and arrive at your progress destination faster and more accurately.

To discuss what kind of Development Map Book planning works best for your Department, contact FlashPoint Fundraising President Dawn Svenson Holland today.