Opportunity
N Street Village (NSV), a high-impact organization serving homeless and low-income women, faced a pivotal moment in its development operations. Amid organizational transitions—including nonprofit acquisitions and a temporary staff shortage—NSV engaged Onward to craft a robust five-year development plan.
Approach
Taking a deep-dive approach, Onward’s due diligence went beyond traditional reviews and audits. Our consultants immersed themselves directly in NSV’s mission, from serving meals to attending resident training, gaining hands-on insights into the organization’s daily work. This in-depth involvement informed a strategy that touched every aspect of NSV’s programs.
Process
The process included a comprehensive department audit, stakeholder interviews to assess growth opportunities, and a national benchmarking study. Onward’s team interviewed six peer organizations across the country to understand their fundraising strategies, staffing models, and metrics, gathering best practices and innovative approaches.
Impact
This immersive approach shaped a forward-thinking development strategy tailored to NSV’s unique needs. The final deliverables included a multi-year strategic development plan, operational plans for each fundraising function, an optimized staffing structure, and a performance dashboard to track progress on strategic objectives. This roadmap equipped NSV with a solid framework and the tools needed to sustainably fund its mission and long-term goals.