Welcome to Bristol Strategy Group 

The experts in sustainable nonprofit fund development.   

Ellen BristolWelcome to Bristol Strategy Group! I'm Ellen Bristol, and I can help you get better fundraising results. I've worked with nonprofits for seventeen years, helping them get more income with less effort.   Whether your nonprofit is a small, local social services agency, a regional performing arts organization, or a national charity, we have the resources to help you exceed your goals

For the past 20 years or so, we've helped hundreds of nonprofits reach fundraising success and maintain their edge.  Fundraising the SMART Way, our flagship methodology for sustainable fund development, is the science that makes the art of fundraising possible.  De-Mystifying Fundraising: Seven Steps to Fundraising Success introduces your development team and governing board to the concept of sustainable fund development.   These solutions address some of the most persistent challenges faced by the development organization:

  • Which donors, grantors, and corporate partners are right for us - and how do we know?
  • Do our development efforts produce consistent, predictable income?
  • How well engaged is our governing board in the fundraising process?
    What does it take to manage and motivate our development staff and contractors?
  • How can we make sure they bring in optimum levels of gifts and grants?

Solutions for Sustainable Fund Development

Strategic Planning and Board Development Services

  • The One-Page Strategic Plan
  • Managing on the Top Page
  • Board's Role in Fundraising

Solutions for Commercial Businesses

BSG also provides solutions for commercial businesses, including Selling the SMART Way®, our methodology for driving sales-force productivity on the continuous improvement model. 

Check out our Leaky Bucket Assessment for Sales to see how your sales team stacks up against the competition!

BSG News and Events

Now Approved CFRE Continuing Education Provider!  Our two major training programs are now approved for CFRE continuing-ed credits.  De-Mystifying Fundraising is worth 3 hours.  Fundraising the SMART Way is worth 10 hours.

CFRE Continuing Ed ProviderThe Board's Role in Fundraising:  Our NEW Best Practices Report.  Help your board members understand the five ways they can contribute to effective fundraising - without ever having to make the ask.

Newest E-Book: De-Mystifying Fundraising: Seven Steps to Fundraising Success!  OK, you've launched your nonprofit, you've got a great mission, clients love you and everything seems rosy.  But it isn't.  Because now you've got to raise money.  Does this sound like you? Buy our newest e-book in the electronic format that's best for you!

  Buy The E-Book!

New Article! Fundraising Success:  Seven Deadly Sins that Slow It Down! Is your nonprofit in Fundraising Heaven - or in Fundraising Hell?  If income is unpredictable, inconsistent, and too low to meet your growth objectives, you're probably somewhere in the fiery flames.  Read our newest article for the nonprofit sector!

Download Your Copy Now!

BSG Assessment Tools

Productivity 'leaks' out of fundraising organizations in ways we don't often recognize - until the "pipes" break and there's a crisis. Find out where your fundraising springs a leak with the Leaky Bucket Assessment for Effective Fundraising.

How much is your fundraising time worth?  Most people think it's only worth their hourly pay - or they say "it's priceless."  Both answers are wrong!  Time devoted to fundraising is both scarce and precious. Use the  Opportunity Risk Calculator for Nonprofits to determine yours. Headache remedies provided upon request!

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