The Wetlands Institute was founded in the late 1960s to create a world-class research, education, and conservation center at the New Jersey shore that would educate people of all ages about the beauty and wonders of the coastal environment, and the importance of that environment to their daily lives.
The Wetlands Institute is dedicated to conducting extensive, meaningful research using sound scientific techniques to uncover the evidence and drive public discussion around the importance of preserving coastal ecosystems. Additionally they focus on sharing their findings with other researchers and educators from all nations, providing learning opportunities for every generation, and demonstrating conservation practices to fulfill their mission.
Highlights
Achieving Strategic Goals
Following a successful endowment campaign led by S&W, they needed new support to achieve ambitious goals, and build a solid foundation for a sustainable future.
INCREASING REVENUE
S&W was able to expand the major gift program and secure 39% more revenue from donors giving $10k or more (2022 to 2023).
STRATEGIC FORESIGHT
S&W worked with The Wetlands to create a development plan and strategy that is projected to grow philanthropy year-over-year by 31% in 2024.
The Challenge
The Wetlands Institute faced a staffing challenge and engaged with Schultz & Williams to provide one of our seasoned consultants to manage their development efforts in real time, in addition to working with the Executive Director to build the plans and strategies needed to ensure future success.
The staffing engagement including writing and managing their annual fundraising plan; working with the Executive Director, board members and development committee members to increase their major gift fundraising; and managing a portfolio of donors. When an additional need arose for a part-time development associate, S&W was once again able to provide a strong development operations consultant.
The Solution
When our S&W consultants began working with The Wetlands Institute it was to help to build their fundraising program. Five years later, when it was time to further expand their major gift program and update the annual fund strategies, our team continued to work closely with the Executive Director to support The Wetlands in achieving strategic fundraising goals. This included launching a mid-level giving program and developing a comprehensive communications strategy to support expanded fundraising efforts.
As a result, The Wetlands Institute is able to deepen their impact and continue their mission of inspiring communities to become stewards of our coastal and wetland ecosystem.
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