The Opportunity
University Area CDC faced key operational and capacity challenges that limited their ability to pursue and manage grants effectively. In addition, the organization had the desire to determine capital campaign readiness based on current donor support, the desire to improve fund and development services within the development department, explore funding at the state and local levels, and secure a new CEO based on initial succession planning.
How Catalyst Facilitated Change Through Collaboration
CCS partnered with collaborative grant research & writing partner, Pathways to Growth to strengthen their grant development, fundraising strategy, feasibility study services, and executive search services through the following:
- Engaged highly qualified writers throughout contract and subsequent renewals
- Provided an outside fresh perspective about their organization and grant writing
- Conducted ongoing funding research
- Developed a grant writing plan and calendar for the client
- Provided expert grant writing strategies catered to each funder’s focus and goals
- Assigned a writer and a reviewer to craft grant proposals that aligned with funder goals
- Engaged additional writers and reviewers to address emergency funding needs due to the COVID crisis
- Feasibility Study and Readiness Assessment to identify areas to strengthen donor development in the areas of capital, major, and planned gifts, staffing focus, and internal operations.
- Designed a capacity building strategy to implement stronger internal systems and sustain long-term development
- Leadership coaching for the development team in applying strategic tools to grow funding pipelines.
- Executive Search Services for a CEO Search in alignment with their succession planning and strategic goals.
The Outcome – A Proven Partnership
- Won over $3,791,785 in grant funding from 2020 to 2025 for building improvements, program funding, staff, and general operating expenses
- Created solid budgets using funder budget forms and required structures
- Saved thousands of dollars in wages and benefits by providing a writer from our team rather than a full-time staff person
- Created a more focused effort on donor-centric fundraising by providing a moves management philosophy for cultivating and stewarding individual donors.
- Clarified the focus of staff roles in the development department to create a culture of philanthropy.
- Successfully secured a new CEO for the organization through focused and transparent board involvement.
The collaboration between Catalyst Consulting Services and our partner Pathways to Growth reflects a shared commitment to empowering nonprofit organizations. With many years of joint experience, they have supported a wide range of nonprofits—especially in Florida and increasingly across state lines—by combining strategic consulting with hands-on grant development expertise.