As Birth Center Week rolls around, it’s time to celebrate the incredible work being done to support birthing communities across the nation. This week shines a spotlight on the dedicated professionals and organizations that ensure safe, empowering birth experiences for all. At Wright Collective, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with several birth centers on their journey to make this vision a reality.
Through our work, we’ve learned a few things - some the hard way! In the spirit of collaboration and growth, we’re sharing key lessons from our experiences. Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the trenches, these insights could help you navigate the complex world of fundraising, strategic planning, and community building in the birth community.
1. Your First Funders Are Your MVPs Alyssa Wright, Founder and CEO The early believers in your vision? They’re gold. These venture funders can end up covering a significant portion of your goal—sometimes up to 50%. That’s why it’s crucial to nurture those relationships like your organization depends on it (because it does).
Keep them in the loop, show them progress, and remind them why they took a chance on you in the first place. These relationships aren’t just transactional; they’re the backbone of your long-term success.
Practical Tip:
Develop strategies for maintaining strong relationships with your funders. Schedule regular check-ins, share milestones, and express genuine gratitude.
2. Tap Into Your Network Kim Fall, Project Manager
Your current funders aren’t just financial supporters—they’re also your best connectors. By leaning into those relationships, you can expand your network and tap into new funders who might not have been on your radar.
It’s all about making the ask: who else should be part of this mission? Who can help elevate your cause to the next level? When funders believe in your potential enough to invest in you, they’re invested in your success. So, if they have the opportunity to introduce you to someone who can help, they’re likely to do so. Don’t hesitate to leverage the connections you already have—they’re invaluable for building something bigger.
Practical Tip:
Approach your existing funders for introductions and referrals. A warm introduction from a trusted source can open doors to new opportunities and broaden your reach in ways you might not expect.
3. Communication is Key – No, Seriously
Alyssa Wright, Founder and CEO
Let’s get real—communication and strategic planning aren’t optional; they’re essential. If you’re not promptly answering donor questions or if your strategic plan is sitting on a shelf collecting dust, you’re setting yourself up for unnecessary obstacles. We’ve seen too many projects hit roadblocks because there wasn’t a clear roadmap or consistent communication.
Why does this matter? Because spending money on programs without defined outcomes is like throwing cash into the wind. Without clear communication and a well-thought-out strategic plan, it’s nearly impossible to align your efforts with funding opportunities.
Practical Tip:
Set up a system that ensures regular communication within your team and with your funders. Make sure your strategic plan isn’t just a document—it should be a living, breathing guide that evolves with your organization’s goals. Align this plan with your business development strategy to work smarter, not harder.
4. Don’t Skip the Feasibility Study
Mary Demery, Senior Consultant
Here’s the truth: jumping into a major campaign without a solid foundation is a recipe for disaster. We’ve seen clients dive headfirst into multi-million-dollar projects, only to find themselves overwhelmed because they skipped the critical step of conducting a feasibility study.
Before you commit to a big project, invest in a real estate feasibility study. It might seem like an extra cost upfront, but it’s a small price to pay to avoid bigger issues down the road. Plus, if you’ve built strong relationships with your funders, many foundations are willing to cover the cost.
Practical Tip:
Don’t shy away from asking your existing funders to cover the cost of a feasibility study. Present it as a vital investment in the long-term success of your project, not just another expense. Make it clear that this step lays the groundwork for the entire campaign and ensures that the project is built on a strong foundation. When you can show how a feasibility study mitigates risks and paves the way for effective execution, funders are more likely to see its value and fund it.
5. Get Your House in Order
Kim Fall, Project Manager
Getting organized isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s non-negotiable. Whether it’s managing your grant calendar, keeping your donor data in check, or staying on top of reporting deadlines, being organized means you’re always ahead of the game.
Tools like CRM systems aren’t just for show—they’re critical for managing relationships, meeting deadlines, and avoiding the kind of chaos that can derail even the best campaigns. When your house is in order, funders take notice, and that can make all the difference.
Practical Tip:
Invest in reliable tools and systems to keep everything running smoothly. A well-organized operation not only impresses funders but also ensures you’re maximizing your resources and staying on track.
6. Patience is More Than a Virtue—It’s a Necessity
Alison Yoder, Fundraising Consultant
Launching something new is more like running a marathon than a sprint. We’ve been through the highs and lows—months of waiting followed by a rush of wins, only to return to the grind. It’s easy to get discouraged, but here’s the reality: persistence pays off.
Building something from the ground up, especially in a community that hasn’t seen it before, takes time. It requires educating and convincing people, and that doesn’t happen overnight. But if you stay the course, keep pushing forward, and trust the process, every small victory brings you closer to the finish line.
Practical Tip:
Manage the emotional rollercoaster by focusing on the long-term vision. Encourage your team to celebrate small wins and remind them that patience and persistence are key in navigating uncharted territories.
Working with birth centers has been a wild ride, full of lessons we didn’t see coming. But each challenge has made us stronger, smarter, and more committed to helping these incredible institutions succeed. Remember, the path isn’t always easy, but with the right strategies and a little bit of grit, the impact you can make is limitless.
If your birth center needs a partner who gets it, we’re here for you. Wright Collective is all about helping you navigate the challenges of fundraising, strategic planning, and beyond. Let’s connect and see how we can make big things happen together.