CASE STUDY
Empowering Fundraising Growth with a Clear Plan Post-COVID
SARI Therapeutic Riding gains a $30,000 match donor, builds a fundraising committee, and grows monthly donations through Growth & Co.’s Fundraising Intelligence training program.
Susan Morel, Executive Director
Sweekruti Kachu, Fund Development Coordinator
Brooklyn Einwiller, Fundraising Manager
SARI Therapeutic Riding
Building fundraising stability during COVID and staff transitions
SARI Therapeutic Riding provides life-changing opportunities for individuals with special needs, fostering independence and freedom through therapeutic horse riding.
In recent years, the organization faced significant challenges, including:
• Staffing transitions: Frequent changes in leadership and fundraising roles due to retirements, contract funding, and maternity leaves.
• COVID-19 uncertainty: The pandemic disrupted operations and funding stability.
To address these issues, SARI received a Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF) grant to build its internal fundraising capacity. Interim Executive Director Susan Morel recognized this as an opportunity to:
• Conduct a fundraising audit.
• Develop a strategic fundraising plan.
• Create a compelling Case for Support to guide future efforts.
However, with limited in-house fundraising expertise, they needed a consultant to guide them through the process and prepare their organization for long-term growth.
Fundraising training and coaching with Growth & Co.
Susan sought a fundraising consultant and chose Growth & Co. because of their personal and responsive approach:
"Larissa was willing to meeting person during the sales process and gave my the space and time to make a decision without pressure. I felt confident that she would be the right partner for SARI."
Susan enrolled contract fundraising staff member Sweekruti in the DIY version of the Fundraising Intelligence program. Over 12 weeks, Sweekruti worked independently to:
1. Conduct a comprehensive fundraising audit, gathering feedback from stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and board members.
2. Develop a strategic fundraising plan, designed to appeal to diverse supporters.
3. Craft a Case for Support, telling SARI’s story and outlining the financial need to make therapeutic riding accessible post-COVID.
Larissa attended a board meeting to present the findings and ensure a smooth transition for incoming staff, providing clear direction and confidence for future growth.
Rapid increase in income and fundraising capacity
The groundwork laid during the program quickly delivered significant results for the incoming staff member, Brooklyn, while implementing the fundraising plan:
1. Securing Major Gifts
Brooklyn secured a $30,000 match donor within her first year by following strategies outlined in the fundraising plan.
2. Growing Monthly Donors
Brooklyn rebranded SARI’s monthly giving program, and two new monthly donors signed up immediately after its relaunch.
3. Building Fundraising Capacity
Using the training materials and fundraising plan, Brooklyn achieved the following:
• Trained board members on fundraising best practices.
• Enhanced a high-caliber fundraising committee.
• Developed a major gift package for donor meetings.
• Reduced low-ROI events to focus on high-impact initiatives.
• Streamlined processes for greater efficiency.
4. Positive Board Engagement
The board gained confidence in the fundraising team’s abilities, resulting in increased support and participation.
Interim Executive Director Susan reflected:
"Having a positive relationship with the consultant was so important. Larissa made the effort to understand SARI deeply, even touring the facilities during COVID. Her personal connection to horse riding helped us feel she truly understood our mission."