In this interview, The Chronicle of Higher Education questions Ted Grossnickle on his outlook on the current economic crisis and its impact on fundraising, as well as his recommended direction for non-profit firms.

Most significantly, Ted recommends that firms “Do [their] homework and make sure [they] have a really sound multi-year fiscal model. Go back to basics. It’s going to challenge [them] to contemplate what [they] might not do in the future.” According to the fund raising veteran of nearly three decades, “[Johnson Grossnickle and Associates has] heard about nonprofits that say, ‘It’s not a good time, we’re not going to bother our donors.’ We think that’s going to be a catastrophic decision. If the economy improves in 2010 or 2011, the institutions that have taken special care of their donors and friends, the ones who visit them even more, keep them posted on what’s going on and maybe do a little less asking, are going to be in a better position.”

Ted’s mantra of “Measure Twice, Cut Once” resonates throughout the interview: though the current economic waters are murky, the best choice for non-profits is not to steer clear of fundraising but to take a more intelligent strategic approach.

To the read the article, click here (subscription required.)