About

Patrick Belcher is the principal strategist for PB&J marComm. In his work with non-profit organizations, he has arrived at 3 truths:

1. One donor can make a difference
2. It’s all about relationships
3. Fundraising IS sales with a purpose

Patrick looks forward to helping your non-profit to become successful and sustainable. Through his work with many NPO’s in Virginia, Patrick has identified these truths and other insights in fundraising. Together, you can explore these truths and see how they may be relevant to your organization.

One donor can make a difference

When you receive a first donation you do not know the future of that donor, so take a moment to learn. For larger organizations, it may be impossible, but definitely take the time with the donor that reaches out to you. The one that comes in to make the donation in person, or emails you about their donation, or the one that let’s you know about an address change.

That donor could be dedicated and give you thousands in their lifetime. That $10 donation could turn into a $10,000 donor. That donor could have connections to a six-figure grant.

The point is to take advantage of any opportunity to interact with a donor. I have learned the value of educating a donor and turning them into amazing advocates.

It’ all about relationships

Patrick’s father taught him many things. A few key ones are: 1 – the night guard is every bit as important as the CEO; and 2 – value every relationship. You have no idea how someone will value their relationship with you, you do have control how you value a relationship.

To value a relationship is not about stuff or invites, it is about saying Happy Birthday!, Congratulations, and ‘I am willing to listen’. When you have real relationships, the stuff and the invites have even more value.

Fundraising IS ‘Sales with a purpose’

Fundraising is like sales in that it is about understanding people, asking the right questions, having a strategy, and not forgetting to ASK. In this case, it is for the contribution rather than the sale.

Thanks to the opportunity to work for the American Red Cross, where Patrick significantly increased local donations, he did recognize the parallels between fundraising and sales.

After nearly 20 years as a leader in sales, despite his success, Patrick felt unfulfilled in the private sector. This got him to return to his roots of marketing that eventually connected him with the Red Cross. For a little over two years, Patrick got to take advantage of his sales training as an Executive Director and share some of that training with his colleagues. In addition to the great friendships he formed at the Red Cross, Patrick gained the confidence to share his knowledge and his ability to build a successful fundraising strategy with others.

Through PB&J marComm, Patrick works with non-profits to develop infrastructure, fundraising strategy, and to make their organization successful and sustainable. This is done by first listening to leadership and learning about the organization, then working with leadership to create strategic solutions that deliver real results.

Contact Patrick for a complimentary initial consult.