GLEN FOERD

Glen Foerd stewards an eclectic riverfront estate for the enjoyment and educational benefit of the community. They draw from the property’s unique architecture, art, culture, and history as well as its gardens and waterways. The estate was first built in 1850 and acquired by the City of Philadelphia in 1983. The grounds are now home to the Glen Foerd Historic Estate and Museum, where wedding goers, art enthusiasts, history buffs, and community members visit for a unique recreational experience.

Highlights

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Leadership Changes

Under new leadership, Glen Foerd sought to acquire an educational boat building program called Philadelphia Waterborne. The program included an unparalleled hands-on learning experience for students living in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Glen Foerd needed its own plan for financial sustainability as well as an operational model that would support the boat-building program.

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Financial Support

The primary objectives of this project were to identify a strategic business model for Glen Foard, provide detailed revenue and projections, and deliver a final report that the organization could present to major funders. This business plan also needed to reflect and support Glen Foerd’s evolution into an educational and recreational destination.

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Business Planning

S&W brought decades of planning experience to deliver the most extensive plan possible to Glen Foerd. We guided them through strategic business planning utilizing our nonprofit financial modeling and management expertise.

The Challenge

Today, Glen Foerd continues to build momentum in its mission to provide an inclusive experience that sparks curiosity and supports Philadelphia’s natural and cultural ecosystems. The organization is gearing up to make its social impact in Philadelphia by absorbing its close partner, Philadelphia Waterborne, an educational youth boat-building program. Despite its rapid growth, Glen Foerd has continued to function as a reputable event venue. Currently, the expansion of Glen Foerd’s Waterborne programs needs to be balanced with the completion of high-priority preservation items throughout the estate.

The Solution

S&W completed a comprehensive strategic organizational plan for Glen Foerd to redefine its identity and impact on the community. Goals of the planning project included:

providing an assessment of the organizational structure, operations, programs, and financials of Glen Foerd and Philadelphia Waterborne.
identifying organizational models for Glen Foerd to consider addressing the acquisition of Philadelphia Waterborne.
mapping out potential revenue streams to support financial sustainability.
supporting its plan to become a public park that is relevant and meaningful to multiple audiences.

A Planning Committee comprised of Board members and leadership was established. Peer benchmarking was conducted to identify several models for Glen Foerd to consider. With the information that was collected, S&W developed the expense and revenue pro forma models for the next three years of Glen Foerd’s operations.

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