Junior Achievement of Central Ohio (JACO) believes in tomorrow. It opens the door to possibility and gives students the confidence and skills to walk through it. The professional staff and a corps of adult volunteers teach students the business of life through experiential learning programs in classrooms, community settings, and at the highly regarded, JA BizTown.
With big goals – striving to serve 50,000 students per year – the team at JACO knew it needed to raise more money because contributed income comprises 95% of its operating budget. JACO leadership engaged Mollard Consulting to not only write a development plan but to also 1) coach its new Development Director so that she had the support needed to be successful, and 2) provide grant writing and database counsel to add expert capacity to the small staff. With these resources, the JACO team can focus on implementing the plan and building relationships.
The six-month planning process included bi-weekly calls, in-person meetings with staff, board and development committee, monthly coaching sessions, board retreat facilitation, extensive discovery process including interviews, document review and financial analysis, contributed income strategy, donor retention and average gift data analysis, donor segmentation, operating budget modeling, case for support narrative, event strategy and support, and creation of the detailed development plan with operational tactics including a three-year proforma.
The Mollard team believes wholeheartedly that fundraising strategies must be based on donor data. Every client is unique so once we know the math, we can create a road map that is both relevant and attainable. We are eager to watch this new fiscal year unfold for JACO and to champion their continued growth and success as their leadership is both visionary and pragmatic. We are proud to be partners.
“Our organization and Board of Directors was at a turning point and in need of strategic, thoughtful guidance on the direction of our development efforts. The team at Mollard Consulting proved to be an effective thought partner to our staff and a source of best practices to our Board. By reexamining our long-standing orthodoxies, they have helped us elevate our approach to resource development, retention, and stewardship. We are a stronger organization due to the continued support we receive from the Mollard team.”
– Amanda S. Turner, Director of Development, Junior Achievement of Central Ohio