BRAINYFROG Marketing & Consulting, LLC

Development of Clear Objectives, Improved Process, and Execution Leadership for Non-Profit

PROBLEM

An elementary school located in an urban, large school district was facing budget cuts, increasing class sizes and fewer programs. The student population was a mix of relatively high income (approx. 25%) and relatively lower income (approx. 50%). 42% of children qualified for the free lunch program. There was a need to raise an increasing amount of funds to cover the students’ needs – teacher salaries, field trips, supplies, etc. The major annual fundraiser had been following the same format and delivering a capped amount of funding each year, which was not enough. Further, the amount of energy expended by volunteers was tremendous and volunteer burnout was occurring.

THE SOLUTION

As the leader of the key fundraising initiative, quickly assessed the situation and identified opportunities
Goal Identification: Developed and documented overall financial goals for event
Process Improvement: Identified and purchased online software to track the fundraiser portion of the event, including donor solicitation, donations received, revenue, and correspondence.
Appointed a leadership team with clear responsibilities, goals and deliverables. Managed team of 20+ solicitation members including an incentive program designed to drive strategic and higher value donations. Developed first ever budget to manage expenses and trained key team members to utilize budget process.
Expansion of Programs: Designed Corporate Sponsorship program and secured 8 corporate sponsors. Introduced a “sponsor now” program at the event.
Event Focus: Designed a strategy to ensure increased funds at the event; secured high worth, interested attendees (non-school families) by building a “strong school, strong community” feel to event. Increased event advertising to the community to raise awareness/interest. Increased financial rigor and financial controls around event costs.

RESULTS

Exceeded stated goal by 17%
Beat previously held record by 40%
Clear roles and processes in place for future fundraising efforts
Increased the awareness, interest and importance of the Fundraising Event both within the student body and in the community
Celebrated success and re-energized volunteer pool