The R.O.O.T. Model

Rooted Outcomes & Operational Tools

At Rooted Giving, we believe that strong fundraising doesn’t happen by chance — it grows from intentional, well-managed systems. That’s why we use our proprietary R.O.O.T. Model to help small nonprofits evaluate, strengthen, and sustain their development operations.

The R.O.O.T. Model is a clear, structured framework designed to meet organizations where they are and guide them toward high-performing, mission-aligned fundraising.

R – Review

We begin with a comprehensive assessment of your current development function. This includes a deep dive into your data, systems, staffing structure, and revenue streams — along with stakeholder interviews and process mapping to understand your organization’s fundraising ecosystem.

O – Optimize

Next, we identify the gaps, opportunities, and inefficiencies. We benchmark against industry best practices, flag areas where capacity may be strained, and uncover strengths that can be better leveraged.

O – Operationalize

Together, we turn recommendations into reality. This means crafting clear priorities, building practical tools and templates, and supporting your team with the resources they need to implement improvements confidently and sustainably.

T – Track

We help you define what success looks like — and how to measure it. This final phase supports the creation of performance dashboards, regular check-ins, and a culture of learning and adaptation to keep momentum going long after our engagement ends.

Why It Works
The R.O.O.T. Model is more than a diagnostic — it’s a growth mindset. It empowers small nonprofits to invest wisely, build internal capacity, and align development efforts with long-term impact.