“Nell’s analysis and recommendations turned on the light bulb for me. We’re confidently using our resources more wisely for a better ROI when it comes to fundraising tools and media strategies. We have used Nell’s assessment very well to move us along. Nell’s recommendations have been so effective in putting us into high gear.”
—Connie Mitchell, Executive Director of Institute for Human Services, Hawaii
The Problem
The Institute for Human Services (IHS), a large social service agency for homeless men, women and children in Honolulu, enjoyed success in government grant funding, but had been unable to diversify their funding as much as they would like in individual and corporate areas. At the same time, their small fundraising staff was over capacity and struggled to keep up with the volume of work. The board of directors was eager to help fundraise but didn’t know the best way to get involved. The organization knew they had the opportunity to raise more money, but didn’t know how to prioritize their resources to do so.
The Solution
IHS hired Nell to conduct a revenue assessment to analyze all aspects of the organization, and in particular their fundraising activities, in order to find opportunities for funding growth. Nell interviewed board, staff and external funders to get their insights about fundraising at IHS. Then Nell reviewed organization financials, materials, technology, staffing, planning, and other processes. From this work, Nell developed a 30+ page analysis with specific recommendations for improving each revenue area.
What Social Velocity Delivered
30+ page assessment and analysis and specific recommendations for improvement in each revenue area
The Results
With Nell’s revenue assessment, IHS hit the ground running making improvements to their fundraising function. They hired a new Development Director who has shouldered more of the responsibility for fundraising which freed the Executive Director to participate in more donor relations activities. The staff and board were energized by the specific fundraising role and responsibilities Nell outlined for them. IHS has implemented more digital strategies for attracting donors, including using social media more effectively and moving their newsletter to email. They are also now managing their events electronically and using their donor database much more effectively. Thus, they have improved donor retention. They are doing more donor cultivation and targeting their asks more effectively. As a result they have been growing their programs and are expanding to a third service site. Finally, the board adopted a strategy screen that is helpful for evaluating new opportunities that come IHS’s way.