Background
Challenge
Solution
By The Hand engaged Mission Advancement in 2010 to grow funding for its expanding mission. One of the first objectives was to establish a major gifts program to reduce dependence on its one special event. This not only required a culture shift within the development team, but throughout the organization. Board members were engaged so they felt ownership and a commitment to this new strategy. The Executive Director’s job duties were adjusted to allow her to dedicate 50% of her time to fundraising with a portfolio of donors. To ensure strategic alignment, the head of development also became a direct report of the Executive Director.
Results
Over the past decade, Mission Advancement has provided counsel for three separate capital campaigns raising more than $27 million, while concurrently growing operational funding. Since 2010, By The Hand’s budget has grown to over $10.2 million, almost all of which can be attributed to the major gifts strategy. Today, nearly $8 million is held in 5 portfolios managed by major gift officers who see themselves as ambassadors of the mission.
Since 2007, Mission Advancement has helped nonprofits create people-centered fundraising strategies to significantly grow their missions and impact more lives.
