FUNDRAISING COUNSEL
Camp For All Chappell Hill Blazing New Trails Capital Campaign
Mission.
Camp For All transforms the world for children and adults with challenging illnesses or special needs. Intentionally delivering unique, truly barrier-free experiences throughout the year, Camp For All collaborates with more than 65 not-for-profit organizations to enable thousands of campers and their families to discover life. Camp For All is barrier-free in design, in programming, even meals are created to level the playing field for each camper, so no one feels different because of a dietary need. In addition, because Camp For All covers more than half the cost for each camper to attend, this removes an additional barrier to participation, the financial one. Most campers attend free of charge.
Presenting Case.
In 2022, Camp For All was gifted with a stunning piece of property in Chappell Hill, Texas – 379 acres - that possesses the same magic and the same possibility found at their original Camp in Burton, Texas that was established in 1991. With this property, they will build a second location with an equestrian feel and meet their goal of serving double the number of mission campers each year. That means twice the number of campers can find the love, laughter, hope, and healing that more than 175,000 people have already found at Camp For All. Faced with this urgent need, the leadership launched a phased campaign, with Phase I building the core of the camp through a $51 million capital campaign. Camp For All leadership was seeking campaign and fundraising consultation and retained the services of ECC.
Impact.
Camp For All has begun the campaign and is currently in the quiet phase of approaching leadership and conducting major gift fundraising. ECC provides comprehensive consultative services on fundraising, marketing, donor research and prospecting, campaign leadership development and overall support to the staff and campaign committee.
Covenant House Texas Building For Life, Homelessness to Hope Campaign
Mission.
Covenant House Texas (CHT) is a faith-based nonprofit organization serving homeless youth, ages 18 to 24, in Greater Houston with the following mission: To give homeless youth a safe haven, absolute respect, unconditional love, and a path to lasting independence. In partnership with the community, we are the voice for homeless youth.
Presenting Case.
Covenant House is the only organization in Houston that exclusively provides emergency services, health care and counseling for homeless youth, ages 18 to 24. The impact of their services is greatly limited by the condition of their current facilities. Due to the dilapidated nature of the campus from years of use, the facilities need a complete demolition and redevelopment so that they can better serve this population and transform their lives to become independently successful young adults. A campaign is well underway to raise $51.5 million. The Building for Life Campaign supports the redevelopment of the campus to create master-planned facilities to meet the needs of the young people who face a myriad of challenges every day. Fifty percent more homeless youth will be served in these new facilities.
In line with the strategic plan and formulating a facility plan, the Board and Executive Director engaged ECC to perform an immediate site assessment. In the spring of 2018, ECC was referred to CHT by a Houston philanthropist, and was initially engaged to conduct an extensive independent site assessment to determine key next steps for the organization, whether the program should remain at its current location in Montrose, and to explore interest in a capital campaign.
Impact.
Over 60 constituents were interviewed with over 95% strongly expressing that the program should remain in its current location. The results prompted the CHT Board of Directors to initiate a plan for a capital campaign for master planned facilities designed to meet the current and future needs of homeless youth.
Immediately following this decision, the property owner adjacent to the CHT campus informed CHT that they would be relocating and selling their office building.
ECC worked closely with the board, Executive Director, and Chief Development Officer to create a plan to raise $5 million quickly to purchase this property. The funding was raised in nine months to complete this phase and begin Phase II, the main component of the capital campaign. The fundraising continues.
ECC continues to provide capital campaign consultant and executive coaching duties to CHT leadership on all phases and elements of this comprehensive capital campaign. This includes strategic advice on fundraising and leadership, participation in donor calls, government relations, and motivating and managing the campaign committee of leadership volunteers.
Construction is underway and will be completed in late 2024.
Crime Stoppers: "We Are All Crime Stoppers" Building Campaign
Mission.
Crime Stoppers of Houston works diligently to empower, educate and engage the community in the important conversations about crime, public safety and the protection of society’s most vulnerable citizens.
Presenting Case.
Ellen Cokinos Consulting (ECC) was initially approached by Crime Stoppers of Greater Houston (CSOH) to assist them in determining the best course of action to take with their physical site and to analyze the potential paths going forward. At the time, Crime Stoppers lacked a physical structure that met their needs and house their base of operations. However, Crime Stoppers had a dream that ECC would be able to help them achieve.
Impact.
Undertook the task to help identify the potential challenges that might be encountered in both renovating their current facility or conducting a successful major fundraising campaign.
Met with community leaders and potential donors, working closely with CSOH board and staff, determining that a capital campaign for a new, state-of-the-art facility was within their grasp.
Provided a revitalized capital campaign strategy and support services towards their successful goal of constructing the first ever headquarters for an organization of its kind anywhere in the world.
Worked with key staff to draft key proposals, white papers, and all messaging.
Drafted the leadership structure for the campaign and personally approached them for participation and involvement.
Customized a fund development plan for CSOH that included a variety of fundraising strategies, both traditional and non-traditional, to engage the community in bolder, more tactile ways, through multiple events, strengthening programs and key alliances.
Brought in resources to help create a larger pool of support and success for CSOH. These sources included new foundations, individuals, corporations, and governmental support that completed the $10 MM campaign.
The Monarch Institute for Neurological Differences and The Monarch School
Phase I and II Capital Campaigns for a New Campus
Mission.
The Monarch Institute embraces individuals with neurological differences, so that they can seize opportunities to positively impact their families, our communities and the world. The Institute’s efforts focus on helping those with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, Tourette syndrome, anxiety disorders, traumatic brain injury and seizure disorders.
Presenting Case.
In 2006, Monarch School was a fragmented facility – housed in two temporary buildings and an office park in west Houston. Unable to renew its lease, Monarch was also faced with the daunting prospect of relocation. Thankfully, a generous corporate sponsor offered Monarch a long-term lease, in an ideal 10.75-acre location for only $1 per year. Initial studies revealed that a $2 million goal was feasible, and the financial crisis of 2008 contributed to a campaign stalled at $1 million. Moreover, grand visions of the new campus encompassed three construction and fundraising phases, totaling $17 million. Obstacle became opportunity, as Monarch leaders now endeavored build a home worthy of their students, families, faculty and mission. To this end, Ellen Cokinos Consulting partnered with Monarch School in an ambitious, long-term capital campaign.
Impact.
Partnered with Monarch School in an ambitious, long-term capital campaign.
Crafted a strategic and tactical approach that encompassed campaign and program endorsement from influential community leaders, positioned the Monarch School as a community asset, integrated a marketing plan touting the school’s services, endorsements, testimonials and vision, resulting in a case for support that both embraced and transcended the school’s track record of excellence.
Focused on rebranding of the school, emphasizing the school’s consistent operational funding and sound revenue model, its passionate Founder and Head of School, Dr. Marty Webb, Monarch School’s clinically renowned faculty and innovative programs.
Restructured the campaign to encompass two achievable phases and an alternative leadership model.
Met with donors during financial crisis to update them on campaign adjustment plans.
Provided comprehensive analysis of potential donors, broadening of prospect list and retooling of all proposals.
Provided executive coaching for campaign chairs, leaders and staff.
Designed asks for major gifts, including a $5 million campus-name lead gift.
Designed naming and donor-recognition program.
Secured corporate in-kind gift resulting in rebranding of all Monarch collateral materials, including establishment of The Monarch Institute for Neurological Differences, incorporating this entity into the campaign structure.
Planned and executed two facility openings with speakers, former Secretary of State James Baker and Former First lady Barbara Bush.
As a result of this longstanding alliance, $18 million in funds were raised, a new campus was born, and more children than ever before were empowered by the mission of Monarch.
River Oaks Baptist School “for children forever”Endowment Campaign, Honoring Dr. Nancy Heath Hightower
Mission.
Since 1955, River Oaks Baptist School (R.O.B.S.) has been giving Houston’s students from age two through eighth grade a firm foundation for life – academically, morally, spiritually, physically and socially.
Presenting Case.
In December of 2010, Ellen Cokinos Consulting was privileged to be selected by the leadership of R.O.B.S. to conduct an assessment of their community for a potential fundraising campaign. Subsequently, R.O.B.S. leadership called upon Ellen Cokinos Consulting as fundraising counsel for the "for children forever" Endowment Campaign Honoring Dr. Nancy Heath Hightower.
Impact.
Began with a three-month, multifaceted evaluation of the school’s internal and external community to determine viability for a successful endowment campaign.
Conducted an independent and confidential assessment through face-to-face meetings with 60 constituents, including past donors, alumni and other key constituents. These sessions revealed perceptions of the school, its future and interest in a potential endowment campaign. Within 60 days of engagement, Ellen Cokinos Consulting provided written recommendations and an action plan to proceed with the campaign.
Provided executive consulting to the Campaign Chair, consulting and coaching to staff and volunteer committees.
Provided written talking points, worked with Head of School, Campaign Chair and Development Team to review and guide volunteer leadership involvement.
Drafted an extensive gift-acceptance policy.
Created a customized campaign, donor-driven matrix to endow programs and facilities at R.O.B.S.
Led the development of campaign marketing materials.
Orchestrated strategies associated with donor prospecting, leadership preparation, evaluation of internal development resources, donation projections and formulation of proposals. One such proposal resulted in a gift of $5 million, the largest gift ever given to the school at that time.
Spearheaded several campaign-building strategies, including “in-services’ for Honorary, Advancement and Campaign Steering Committee parent volunteers, coaching members on campaign strategy and key message points.
Rounded out the campaign with persistent proposal follow-up strategies and design of donor-recognition programs and celebration events.
Through a cohesive team effort, Ellen Cokinos Consulting and campaign leadership within one year reached a $15 million benchmark, and the campaign goal was boldly extended to $20 million.
At the close of 18 months, nearly $21 MM was raised and a permanent endowment structure was established for R.O.B.S.
The Texas African-American History Memorial at the Texas Capitol
Mission.
The Texas African American History Memorial Foundation in Austin, Texas, was created solely for the development and construction of the Texas African American History Memorial on the Texas State Capitol grounds. The Foundation was established in 2011 as a 501(c) 3 charitable organization dedicated to raising funds for the Memorial. The Foundation received the endorsement of Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Joe Straus, the membership of the Texas Preservation Board, and the Legislative Black Caucus of Texas. This would be the last monument approved by the Texas Legislature to be built on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol.
Presenting Case.
The Texas African American History Memorial Foundation (the Foundation) committed to raise at least $2.7 million for the construction, maintenance, and dedication of the Memorial. Ten percent of the cost of the Memorial is designated for future maintenance and repair.
Ellen Cokinos Consulting was contacted by Strong Strategies representing the Board of the Foundation that consisted of Chair Bill Jones, Esq., Mayor Sylvester Turner (Houston), Rep. Helen Giddings (Dallas), Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon (San Antonio), Senator Rodney Ellis (Houston), Demetrius G. McDaniel, Esq. Greenberg Traurig, LLP – to assist them in structuring a campaign that was challenged by a compressed fundraising deadline and tight construction schedule. These colleagues had worked on this project since 2011, raising the initial $2.2 million of the $2.7 million needed to complete this project through public and private sector support. ECC was contacted to provide and implement a strategy to raise the funds necessary to complete the campaign.
Impact.
Despite these obstacles, ECC worked with Strong Strategies and the Board to create an immediate prospect list of foundations and individuals who could be approached quickly and make significant yet timely contributions to complete the project.
ECC established a robust system of immediate action, responsiveness, and adherence to the strict deadline. ECC also researched new prospects and created a customized donation and acknowledgement structure that was appealing to prospective stewards, their individual timeframes and capacity to give.
As a result of this successful fundraising campaign, the Texas African American History Memorial became a reality and was permanently placed on the State Capitol Grounds as the last approved monument, unveiled by Governor Greg Abbott and many dignitaries in October of 2016.
This monument continues to be hailed as a national treasure as school children and visitors from all over our nation visit this magnificent structure at the State Capitol and experience a vivid presentation of the role African Americans have played in Texas history from 1528 to modern day. It’s a fascinating story rich with courage and bravery, lessons that will now be forever memorialized, and ECC was humbled to be a part of this effort.
LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Kids’ Meals Building Hope Capital Campaign
Mission.
The mission of Kids’ Meals is to end childhood hunger by delivering free healthy meals to the doorsteps of Houston’s hungriest preschool-aged children, and through collaboration, provide their families with resources to help end the cycle of poverty.
Founded in 2006, Kids’ Meals is the first and only charity of its kind—one that focuses on direct delivery of meals and food where it’s needed most, the homes and families of pre-K children. This puts food aid directly in the hands of children who might otherwise have insufficient nutrition at a critical stage of development. By breaking the cycles of hunger, food insecurity and poverty, Kid’s Meals gives every child we serve better nutrition today, and improved prospects for success in school and beyond.
Presenting Case.
Kids’ Meals contacted ECC in mid-2021 to seek consultative services to support the leadership in determining the efficacy of a capital campaign. They cannot adequately meet the needs in the community from their current location. After conducting a process flow analysis and assessing all options at their current facility, they identified the following challenges:
They have reached maximum production and expansion capability at our rental facility.
Their lease and space do not allow for adequate food storage or emergency generator needs.
Parking is inadequate for volunteers, staff and delivery vans, and van loading is inefficient.
Due to the current building size, configuration and limitations, all processes are antiquated.
The Board of Directors and executive leadership hired ECC to assist in determining campaign direction, the goal, and setting up a structure to raise the funds and manage the capital campaign.
Impact.
As a result, Kids’ Meals developed a vision and plan to build a purpose-built facility to increase efficiency and capacity in line with their strategic plan. They have leased their current space in an office park for the past seven years, continually retrofitting it to meet their needs. They are completely out of space with limited opportunity to extend their lease. Their plan is to build a 54,000 sq. ft facility on a highly functional five-acre campus strategically designed to efficiently accommodate needs for food and supply storage, welcoming volunteer spaces, a growing staff, conference rooms and training areas, vans, parking and loading docks. ECC assisted them in their search and eventual purchase of property, as well as structuring the campaign committee and all components of fundraising. ECC continues to provide consultation in all relevant areas along with executive coaching of the leadership. The capital campaign goal is $28 million and includes the cost of the property and diverse revenue sources, including New Market Tax Credits.
LEMONADE DAY NATIONAL
Mission.
Lemonade Day is a non-profit whose mission is to help prepare youth for life through fun, proactive, and experiential programs infused with life skills, character education, and entrepreneurship through a free program that targets kids grades 3-5, with an adaptable program for all youth.
Kids are introduced to entrepreneurship through real-world experiences of starting their own business—a lemonade stand—where they learn the skills to set a goal, make a plan, and work the plan.
Presenting Case.
ECC was referred by a prior client to the board of Lemonade Day for consultative services for a campaign to raise $1.5 million to create My Lemonade Day—next generation technology on an app, without internet, eliminating barriers that prevent kids from accessing lessons.
Impact.
For over four years, ECC met regularly with leadership to provide the following:
Executive coaching to leadership and staff to meet the campaign fundraising goal of $1.5 million for The Campaign to Ignite Tomorrow’s Leaders.
With Board Chair and key staff, secured national corporate sponsorships including Nickelodeon, several national food service companies, and a top 20 multi-state insurance company.
Structure, timeline, revenue model and scale of gifts for the campaign.
Customized executive summaries, grants, cases for support, testimonials.
Donor research, prospect lists and strategies for requests through advancement briefings.
Vision and strategy for board development and additional revenue sources.
Professional search services to fill the vacant CEO position along with other key positions.
YES Prep Public Schools
Mission.
YES Prep Public Schools, Inc. (YES Prep) was founded in 1995 with the mission to increase the number of students from underserved communities who graduate from college prepared to lead. YES Prep's vision is that every child in Houston receives equitable access to a public school that delivers an excellent, college-ready education.
Presenting Case.
A Houston foundation referred YES Prep leadership to ECC to provide strategic consultation on fundraising, board development, development staffing, potential capital campaign readiness, and insight on their event revenue model.
Impact.
For three years, ECC worked closely with the two different Chief Advancement Officers, the CEO, campaign chairs, volunteers and board members to provide the following:
Executive consultation and coaching to board and staff and other volunteer leadership on fundraising.
Review and analysis of prospect lists and effective strategy.
A complete audit and review of development team staffing levels to ensure maximum efficiency.
Completion of a multi-million-dollar Phase II capital campaign and annual building projects; provided fundraising strategy for staff, volunteers, and delivery of key message points.
Ongoing analysis of case statement, past, current, new donors, and assistance with strategy and introductions.
A complete event plan and strategic framework from conceptual to execution for a new fall combination event, beginning with the YES Prep 20th Anniversary events that generated over $1.3 million and provided a plan to institutionalize the events going forward. Provided the annual event plan for the 21st year going forward, including the revenue model that raised $1 million.
Art direction and oversight of a multi-site photo shoot of schools for images for marketing materials and website.
A written campaign plan and materials to launch the Leading Houston Forward campaign, including the plan to fill leadership positions and strategies to make approaches to lead and major donors.
A campaign transition plan for movement of duties to in-house management by the CAO and staff.
AVDA: Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse
Mission.
AVDA has served the Houston community for almost four decades, with a mission to end violence in families by advocating for the safety and self-sufficiency of battered individuals, promoting accountability for those who batter, and fostering a coordinated, community response to domestic violence. AVDA provides direct services to families victimized by domestic violence, such as education and legal representation to individuals impacted by abuse, battering intervention and services for individuals who commit violence, and educational curriculum to prevent violence in the future.
Presenting Case.
The AVDA Board Chair contacted ECC to seek assistance with their overall fundraising model, including a review of staffing needs and board development planning.
Impact.
ECC began with evaluating their revenue model and development functions, which evolved into successfully completing several long-term engagements with AVDA to build the areas of fundraising and board development that encompassed the following duties:
Worked with leadership to draft job descriptions, filled development positons, and assisted with transitioning new development staff and systems into the organization.
Worked with the AVDA board chair to create and implement a unique endowment structure and award system to annually fund programs. Wrote the grant requests and key messages to use in requests with donor prospects and award recipients.
Created an overall stewardship strategy for current AVDA donors for the leadership.
Implemented a renewed underwriting and gala event structure that included a strategy for increased revenue and leadership.
Created and implemented an event plan for an annual breakfast event including drafting key messages, press releases, script, secured national speaker and a plan for table hosts.
Provided a prospect list for donors to underwrite multiple event expenses; helped secure these donors.
Created/edited documents for multiple galas including proposals, event materials, testimonials and advised staff on event details and execution.
Provided the successful concept and the pitch to the public relations firm representing AVDA to work with Houston Texan DeAndre Hopkins to choose AVDA as his 2016 charity of choice, securing others to match his challenge gift. Obtained his personal story for a breakfast event video, provided direction on two videos, collaborated on the script, secured a renowned photographer to take images for a billboard campaign, coordinated the photo shoot and event shot lists, interviewed the talent, staffed the player appearance event, drafted and edited all materials, and provided coordination, direction and management of the press conference.
Provided executive consultation and 30-60-90 plans for the leadership.
Drafted a strategy for the use of volunteers within the organization.
Drafted and annual fund development plan with development staff.
Instituted direct mail plan and drafted annual fund letters.
Provided suggested prospects to the mailing list.
Introduced potential collaborative partners to leadership for additional provision of services.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston
Mission.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston (BGCGH) provide nationally-acclaimed programming for our community’s youth to ensure that they succeed at school, develop college and job readiness, avoid unhealthy and risky behaviors, and grow into citizens who give back to their neighborhoods and communities. The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston (BGCGH) is to inspire and enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
Presenting Case.
ECC was initially approached by the BGCGH Vice-President of Development to conduct a feasibility study regarding BGCGH potentially entering into a growth campaign for the addition of new clubs in targeted communities of greatest need in Houston.
Impact.
Interviewed board members, community leaders, current, past and new potential donors to determine interest in a combined fundraising campaign.
Assisted the CEO with continuing to build a sound development team structure that could properly staff annual fundraising efforts along with a larger growth campaign to meet the organization’s goal of tripling the number of youth served who attend Clubs daily.
ECC provided executive-level advisement to the CEO and the Board, assisted with drafting the case for support and strategy for partnerships and free-standing clubs that was based on BGCGH research that found across the four counties they serve, over 600,000 children who live in low-income households could become involved in and benefit from a Club in their community.
Analyzed development staffing levels and provided departmental reorganization of job descriptions, titles, and workload for implementation.
Assisted with search process to fill positions with qualified candidates.
Instituted development committee structure and continued to work with staff and committee to broaden their reach to individual and foundation wealth, with a strategy for additional stewardship and maintenance of relationships to all BGCGH donors over its history.
Worked closely with members of the Executive Committee to create a board development plan based on an analysis of current board strengths and challenges, board involvement, profiling a wish list of types of board members from specific sectors, and an action plan to approach potential leaders for these positions.
Worked with board and staff leadership and to diversify the revenue stream to protect a stable operating budget, one that would allow for measured yet flexible planned growth, with forethought about where Clubs are needed, with which partners, and based on a sound funding matrix.
Working development team to create a plan for all facilities, along with timelines, naming, budgets for capital projects as funding became available.
Worked with board and staff to increase revenue for three of their BGCGH Great Futures Dinners. Tasks included developing the overall timeline, calendar, concept for speakers, talent, host committee and chair structure, underwriter event, entertainment by youth at the event.
Designed the plan for their successful first annual breakfast of nearly 500 at River Oaks Country Club, working alongside staff to implement an underwriting plan, cultivating key donors to attend, drafting the script and event plan, providing professionally-produced video art direction and high-quality photography of multiple clubs that were unveiled at this event and utilized throughout the marketing materials and web presence.
Provided legislative education: drafting a BGCGH white paper and other materials, contacting legislators for face-face meetings, and accompanying board members and the CEO to these meetings.
Researched Texas Child Care Licensing Subsidized Funding, and brought in an expert contractor to implement this key funding stream successfully at multiple clubs.
Worked with the Director of Development to implement performance evaluations - measurable goals and objectives for staff, and ways to help people meet them.
Designed the plan to create a Young Professionals group within BGCGH and approached individuals for initial leadership and membership.
Wrote direct mail pieces for annual mailings.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Creating The Legacy Endowment Campaign
Mission.
Established in 1871, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a 501c 3 faith-based, non-profit organization with the mission to grow spiritually through person-to-person service to all in need in our community. The Society is made up of 58 parish-based chapters, called Conferences that have a combined total of 1,900 parish-based volunteers called Vincentians. Assistance is given through four areas including their Food Network, Clothing & Furniture Voucher, Disaster Response, and Home Visit Programs.
Presenting Case.
Longtime Society volunteers Stan and Bruce Marek have generously stepped forward to co-chair and lead the fundraising of the Creating The Legacy Endowment Campaign. The Society has long been a philanthropic priority for the Marek Family, initiated by the late brothers Ralph, John and Bill Marek, and their mother, who were longtime and faithful supporters of the Society’s mission. The Marek family expressed that they had a very difficult time when they lost the family farm and did not want such a tragedy to happen to anyone else and this is how their support began years ago. ECC was engaged by the Marek Family and the Society to assist them in setting up an endowment and disbursement structure and provide strategic consultation to key leaders and volunteers. ECC also introduced the concept of fundraising for “bridge” money until the endowment is fully funded and this has generated many new supporters.
Impact.
ECC assisted in the creation of a long-term fundraising goal that was set at $20 million and over half has been committed. An annual dinner for the endowment and plan for increased fundraising for general operations is also being implemented. The long-term plan is for this endowment to create a legacy fund, ensuring that this impact continues in the future and in more communities of greatest need. The endowment's spending policy of 5% per year will generate funds for the following types of direct program aid:
Expand the Society’s presence in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston,
Support existing conferences in areas with limited resources, and newly formed conferences,
Provide additional training and leadership development of volunteer networks,
Grow programs that help those served move from crisis situations to resiliency and self-sufficiency,
Expand impact through new models where they are needed most.
Formula 4 Success
Mission.
The mission of Formula 4 Success (F4S) is to voice the benefits of ethical decision-making to the next generation of leaders, and more importantly, to introduce them to a relationship with Jesus.
The mission is accomplished through introducing undergraduate and graduate students, within a secular university setting, to a renowned leader through the use of a fifteen-minute, high-production-quality video lesson that features a highly impactful and personal challenge the presenter faced in their career.
Presenting Case.
The Founder contacted ECC to provide executive coaching and create a strategy for potential funders and universities for partnerships for this nonprofit in its initial phase.
Impact.
ECC provided the following services to F4S:
Executive coaching to meet the fundraising and programmatic goals.
Timeline, organizational strategy and creation of succinctly written, customized materials on key message points including mission, vision, purpose, program plan, budget.
Donor research, prospect lists and strategies for requests.
Advancement briefings for meetings with major donor prospects.
STRATEGIC GROWTH
Camp Aranzazu
Mission.
Located on 104 acres in Copano Bay, near Rockport, Texas, Camp Aranzazu (pronounced Ah ran' zah zoo) is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with chronic illnesses and special needs by providing unique camping, environmental education, and retreat experiences.
Presenting Case.
ECC was initially engaged in 2007 to work on a long-term basis to work with the Founder/President and Board of Directors to build a robust fundraising effort to fund the camp’s annual operating budget, provide a strategy for board and fund development, and implement an active strategy for facility growth through new and refurbished buildings. Challenges included building a sound donor base, creating public awareness to partner groups to attend camp, and achieving long-term financial sustainability
Impact.
Began by working with the Founder and Camp Director to build sound development practices and communications with past, current and potential donors.
Provided executive coaching, grant preparation to funders throughout South Texas, cultivation of and introduction to new donors, suggesting new Board members, training of the Board and leadership staff on fundraising, growing direct mail efforts, working with the team to implement annual special events including the fishing tournament fundraiser, breakfast in Houston, and bringing new partner groups to camp.
Worked with a very active group of volunteers on fundraising who raised money to fund capital needs on a per project basis, along with the annual operating budget.
Grew all development functions, and assisted the leadership with hiring additional staff based in Houston.
With additional development staff solidly trained and in place, in 2011, the Board broadened the engagement with ECC, shifting the focus to a capital campaign for $11 million to build out the remainder of the camp vision. ECC worked with the Board to structure the campaign, approach chairs and a working committee, research and prepare prospect lists and case for support, accompany leadership on approaches, and develop and implement successful fundraising strategies to meet a challenging construction timeline. Through the generous support of foundations, corporations, individuals, and sound leadership, the campaign goal was met on time and on budget. New boardwalks, a dining hall, larger pool and pool house, pier, new cabins, art space, and a bridge to the waterfront were all a part of this campaign to benefit Camp Aranzazu.
A.D. PLAYERS
Mission.
The A.D. Players was founded in 1967 by award-winning actor Jeannette Clift George who envisioned a mission-driven professional theater ministry communicating through various mediums under the creative signature of God. The A.D. Players (“the Players”), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, pioneered a unique style of theater committed to producing plays and programs that uphold human value, offer creativity, and promote literacy and education. A.D. Players is one of the nation’s largest and oldest professional Christian theater companies, providing unique programming to metropolitan Houston, the fourth largest city in the country.
Presenting Case.
A. D. Players approached ECC for consultative services to address its strategy for a potential capital campaign project for a new theater. A generous donor had purchased, subsequently donated and designated property on Westheimer in the heart of Houston’s Galleria business district for a state-of-the-art theater to house the company founded by Jeannette Clift George. There was a need for a consultant to assist the leadership in evaluating whether funds could be raised, how much, over what period of time, from whom, and how to structure a campaign with volunteer leadership. Under Jeannette’s direction, tutelage and vision, for almost 50 years, A.D. Players grew to offer performances at four different locations, including their oldest venue, Grace Theater, on West Alabama near Kirby, and their smaller venue on Saint Street off Westheimer. Jeannette’s dream was to build a freestanding theater to accommodate her Christian theater company and high-quality productions.
Impact.
ECC was deeply honored to work closely with A.D. Players Founder and Artistic Director Jeannette Clift George and the other key leadership to establish a Campaign Steering Committee comprised of executive staff and board who worked diligently to oversee the fiscal management of the project along with the fundraising.
Assisted the committee with analyzing the scope of the project, how it might be phased over time, and how to maintain the excellence in theater programming that Jeannette had established over her illustrious and award-winning career.
Provided the campaign structure and attended all meetings, along with providing grant and donor support to the staff.
Brought in a theater consultant to analyze all programs, provide recommendations for an interim plan to upgrade management, productions, marketing, community outreach, and to give additional suggestions during construction of the new facility.
With this sound planning and oversight, construction of the theater commenced in June of 2015 and the theater was completed in November of 2016 in celebration of the 50th Anniversary season with Jeannette Clift George at center stage in the beautiful new home of A.D. Players, The Jeannette and L.M. George Theater. Through the new theater, the company will continue to significantly expand its ability to reach larger audiences to provide high quality theater and programs.
Recenter Houston
Mission.
The mission of Recenter is to provide programs and services to help individuals recover from the diseases of alcoholism and drug addiction in order to lead more productive lives.
Presenting Case.
ECC was contacted by the Recenter board chair through a referral from a past client. After a successful capital campaign for a new facility, the organization expressed a need to build on its history of strengths, creating and training an in-house development department while applying for operational grants for new programs.
Impact.
ECC worked with the CEO and Board of Directors of Recenter on the following tasks:
Wrote a development plan to support the overall strategic plan.
Reviewed historical funding documents. Made suggestions on approaches along with a timeline.
Created a case for support along with documents to support proposals.
Created a prospect list for approaches to donors. Provided executive coaching and strategies to CEO on approaches and other leadership matters.
Identified and prioritized immediate funding needs along with those for later in the fiscal year.
Examined the board and staff structure; created and implemented one that supports fundraising.
Lone Star Flight Museum
Mission.
The Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM) is a 501c3 aviation museum and STEM learning center with a mission to celebrate flight and achievements in Texas aviation as well as educate and engage our youth through science, technology, engineering, and math. In addition to the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, the 130,000 square foot museum is home to a flying collection of rare and historic commercial, general aviation and military aircraft. Guests can experience the wonder of flight in a warbird ride and get hands-on in the high-tech Aviation Learning Center and Flight Academy. Multiple public and STEM-focused education programs create an unforgettable museum experience for visitors of all ages.
Presenting Case.
ECC was referred to LSFM by one of their board members who was familiar with the consultant through another client relationship. The leadership needed to analyze their development team and determine a structure that could support their vision for growth and additional revenue sources.
Impact.
ECC provides the following services:
Conduct professional search services and fill several vacant positions including contract positions.
Assist with prospecting, donor research and provide strategic fundraising consultation.
Brainstorm marketing and fundraising concepts for events.
Attend leadership meetings and provide consultation.
89.3 KSBJ Signal Opportunity Campaign
Mission.
The mission of KSBJ is to be the voice of hope connecting people to God, guided by a vision to engage and unite Churches, Christians and communities so the world will intimately know Jesus.
Presenting Case.
KSBJ Senior Director of Donor Care and Marketing contacted ECC to discuss their fundraising needs regarding a capital campaign for a new building and recommendations on development staffing and roles.
Impact.
For almost two years, ECC worked closely with two different CEO’s, a fund development leadership in transition, campaign chairs, volunteers and board members to provide the following:
Executive consultation to leadership staff, board, and volunteers.
Assessment of past feasibility studies and potential gaps in fund development and ongoing fundraising needs with the eventual creation of a unique campaign with new focus.
Assessment and creation of KSBJ core competencies.
Structure through the development of a major gifts program to complement their very successful annual “Sharathon” model.
Assessment and reorganization of fund development department.
Strategy based on an immediate and transformational need for a campaign with a goal of $5 million for the KSBJ Signal Opportunity Campaign to purchase signals and broaden their reach to their potential listeners by 49% in areas north, south east and west of Greater Houston, along with maintenance. Goal achieved in ten months.
Be Nice. – The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan
Mission.
Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan with a statewide service plan, the mission of the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan is to create communities that have good mental health by inspiring people to recognize, understand, accept, and take action. Their hallmark program is be nice. - a mental health education, bully and suicide prevention initiative that creates a positive cultural change through simple daily actions in schools, communities, and businesses.
Presenting Case.
An ECC client, Crime Stoppers of Houston, was in need of targeted mental health programming for its Safe Schools Program, one that was endorsed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick to spread throughout Texas. ECC reached out to the Mental Health Foundation to explore their interest in creating a multi-state collaboration between the two innovative, high-quality, and rapidly growing nonprofits.
Impact.
ECC brought the two organizations together to reach an agreement to use the Be Nice. Action Plan as their mental health component.
This collaboration has resulted in Crime Stoppers implementing new programming in schools and communities across Texas, satisfying the Governor Abbott’s mandate, making Be Nice their most requested program.
ECC also provides organizational development and fundraising strategies to the Mental Health Foundation.
