case Studies
communications
Texas Women’s Healthcare Coalition
The organization: TWHC is a coalition of organizations promoting access to preventive healthcare for all Texas women.
The project: To provide strategic communications in the form of a comprehensive communications plan, based on an organizational assessment, and then execute that plan for much of 2018 in preparation for the 2019 Texas legislative session.
The outcomes: Successful goals included:
Seeds for Change team members: Sarah Andrews, Bergan Casey and Stacy Ehrlich
The organization: TWHC is a coalition of organizations promoting access to preventive healthcare for all Texas women.
The project: To provide strategic communications in the form of a comprehensive communications plan, based on an organizational assessment, and then execute that plan for much of 2018 in preparation for the 2019 Texas legislative session.
The outcomes: Successful goals included:
- Multi-year strategic communications plan,
- increased community awareness,
- clarity of policy messaging among coalition members,
- the creation and publication of policy papers including media responses to relevant women’s health news,
- the integration of online and social media,
- streamlined processes and best practices to provide regular, relevant communication to coalition members, and
- team support of three community engagement events held across the state.
Seeds for Change team members: Sarah Andrews, Bergan Casey and Stacy Ehrlich
Austin Independent School District - Facilities
The organization: Austin Independent School District is responsible for the strategic long-term viability and day-to-day operations of 130 school campuses, administration and teaching staff, and over 80,000 students.
The project: Austin Independent School District updates their master plan to coincide with bond elections. The 2014 plan was intended to chart the course for facility maintenance and improvements over the next 10 years. Seeds for Change was hired to create a single, cohesive document for public use once the bond package was approved.
The outcomes: Draft language written by multiple authors (i.e., engineers) discussed complicated concepts such as HVAC systems and optimal utilization to politically charged issues including boundary changes and school closures. In just three months these documents were carefully edited, re-arranged, designed and published into 80 pages for public consumption. The plan became a benchmark for school district facility master plans nationwide and continues to drive facility priorities and projects.
Seeds for Change team member: Bergan Casey
The organization: Austin Independent School District is responsible for the strategic long-term viability and day-to-day operations of 130 school campuses, administration and teaching staff, and over 80,000 students.
The project: Austin Independent School District updates their master plan to coincide with bond elections. The 2014 plan was intended to chart the course for facility maintenance and improvements over the next 10 years. Seeds for Change was hired to create a single, cohesive document for public use once the bond package was approved.
The outcomes: Draft language written by multiple authors (i.e., engineers) discussed complicated concepts such as HVAC systems and optimal utilization to politically charged issues including boundary changes and school closures. In just three months these documents were carefully edited, re-arranged, designed and published into 80 pages for public consumption. The plan became a benchmark for school district facility master plans nationwide and continues to drive facility priorities and projects.
Seeds for Change team member: Bergan Casey
dEVELOPMENT
The Front Porch
The organization: A mission of All Saints Episcopal Church, The Front Porch, was launched six years ago as a place to offer a fresh expression of the gospel of Jesus Christ that connects with Austin’s cultural mindset. To that end, The Front Porch, began as monthly spiritual gatherings on church property, while serving light refreshments and (non-religious) performances by local artists.
The project: The Front Porch has expanded into its own renovated structure on North Burnet Road that features Bible study and fellowship, yoga and meditation, lectures on cultural issues, live music, poetry, art exhibits and other entertainment, and great food. Throughout this journey, The Front Porch needed communications support and good ol’ fashion creative brainstorming about how to position this “permaculture approach to community building.” Tactics included a new logo and color palette, key messages, digital platform for communicating events, and most recently a comprehensive “Permanent Home” strategic business plan encapsulating their history and arrival. With a foundation of an organizational assessment, focus groups and brainstorming conversations with various stakeholder groups, this business plan included an aggressive fundraising and earned revenue financial model for short and long term viability and sustainability.
The outcomes: The strategic business plan created a robust road map to sustainability but also relied on a large capital funds infusion from the Episcopal Diocese. Those funds were not granted. The staff and board pivoted to create programming despite the less-than-ideal 1950's building and had a very successful 2017-2018 season, with standing room only attendance at many of its events, including exceeding benchmark goals of a highly diverse audience of the old guard faithful and attraction of new friends, church parishioners and neighborhood families.
Follow up: 2018-2019 continues to be a year of pivots and re-calibration of programming and mission. While the original strategic plan is hampered short term by the absence of a major donor funding , the need for the work is glaringly critical in our current political and cultural environment. We have enjoyed the revamped programming and look forward to the next iterations of Rev. Steve Kinney and his team.
Seeds for Change team members: Stacy Ehrlich, Rebecca Borchers
The organization: A mission of All Saints Episcopal Church, The Front Porch, was launched six years ago as a place to offer a fresh expression of the gospel of Jesus Christ that connects with Austin’s cultural mindset. To that end, The Front Porch, began as monthly spiritual gatherings on church property, while serving light refreshments and (non-religious) performances by local artists.
The project: The Front Porch has expanded into its own renovated structure on North Burnet Road that features Bible study and fellowship, yoga and meditation, lectures on cultural issues, live music, poetry, art exhibits and other entertainment, and great food. Throughout this journey, The Front Porch needed communications support and good ol’ fashion creative brainstorming about how to position this “permaculture approach to community building.” Tactics included a new logo and color palette, key messages, digital platform for communicating events, and most recently a comprehensive “Permanent Home” strategic business plan encapsulating their history and arrival. With a foundation of an organizational assessment, focus groups and brainstorming conversations with various stakeholder groups, this business plan included an aggressive fundraising and earned revenue financial model for short and long term viability and sustainability.
The outcomes: The strategic business plan created a robust road map to sustainability but also relied on a large capital funds infusion from the Episcopal Diocese. Those funds were not granted. The staff and board pivoted to create programming despite the less-than-ideal 1950's building and had a very successful 2017-2018 season, with standing room only attendance at many of its events, including exceeding benchmark goals of a highly diverse audience of the old guard faithful and attraction of new friends, church parishioners and neighborhood families.
Follow up: 2018-2019 continues to be a year of pivots and re-calibration of programming and mission. While the original strategic plan is hampered short term by the absence of a major donor funding , the need for the work is glaringly critical in our current political and cultural environment. We have enjoyed the revamped programming and look forward to the next iterations of Rev. Steve Kinney and his team.
Seeds for Change team members: Stacy Ehrlich, Rebecca Borchers
Austin Independent School District – Office of Innovation and Development
The organization: Austin Independent School District is responsible for the strategic long-term viability and day-to-day operations of 130 school campuses, administration and teaching staff, and over 80,000 students. The Office of Innovation and Development helps align partner financial and volunteer resources to support Austin ISD students.
The project: Since 2014 Seeds for Change has provided and continues to provide AISD’s Office of Innovation and Development with highly successful grant proposal writing and grants management within a strategic framework.
The outcomes: Funding has been secured for AISD’s nutrition programs, transportation and SEL curriculum, including catalyst grants from St. David’s Foundation, 3M, Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, and Impact Austin.
Seeds for Change team members: Amy Nunn and Andrea Torres
The organization: Austin Independent School District is responsible for the strategic long-term viability and day-to-day operations of 130 school campuses, administration and teaching staff, and over 80,000 students. The Office of Innovation and Development helps align partner financial and volunteer resources to support Austin ISD students.
The project: Since 2014 Seeds for Change has provided and continues to provide AISD’s Office of Innovation and Development with highly successful grant proposal writing and grants management within a strategic framework.
The outcomes: Funding has been secured for AISD’s nutrition programs, transportation and SEL curriculum, including catalyst grants from St. David’s Foundation, 3M, Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, and Impact Austin.
Seeds for Change team members: Amy Nunn and Andrea Torres
STRATEGY
SPEER (South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource) (2020)
The organization: SPEER is a regional advocacy and educational organization that promotes the adoption of advanced building systems and other energy efficient products in Texas and Oklahoma. Members include private companies, governments and energy/environmental nonprofits.
The project: SFCC was hired to manage SPEER’s five-year strategic planning process. SPEER’s recently hired executive director initiated the strategic planning process to help the organization better assess industry trends and how SPEER could better provide greater impact in a quickly evolving industry. SFCC serves as a consultant, not just as facilitator. We helped the client collect key information and indicators that inform the strategic plan. SFCC conducted an organizational assessment of internal and external processes and impacts. We also managed surveys of staff, board and members. All of these inputs were used to construct the SWOT. Through a series of virtual work sessions with board and staff from across the region, SFCC drafted initial language and potential strategies.
The outcomes: The strategic planning is in process. We continue to work closely with staff to draft innovative strategies and tactics to meet their goals. Currently, the plan consists of seven goals related to energy efficient technology and resources (gas, electricity, water and alternative energies); financial management, member services and communications. The intended outcomes will accelerate adoption of efficient energies, position SPEER as a leader in the industry, increase the membership experience, and maintain financial sustainability.
Seeds for Change team members: Bergan Casey, Joanna Wolaver
The organization: SPEER is a regional advocacy and educational organization that promotes the adoption of advanced building systems and other energy efficient products in Texas and Oklahoma. Members include private companies, governments and energy/environmental nonprofits.
The project: SFCC was hired to manage SPEER’s five-year strategic planning process. SPEER’s recently hired executive director initiated the strategic planning process to help the organization better assess industry trends and how SPEER could better provide greater impact in a quickly evolving industry. SFCC serves as a consultant, not just as facilitator. We helped the client collect key information and indicators that inform the strategic plan. SFCC conducted an organizational assessment of internal and external processes and impacts. We also managed surveys of staff, board and members. All of these inputs were used to construct the SWOT. Through a series of virtual work sessions with board and staff from across the region, SFCC drafted initial language and potential strategies.
The outcomes: The strategic planning is in process. We continue to work closely with staff to draft innovative strategies and tactics to meet their goals. Currently, the plan consists of seven goals related to energy efficient technology and resources (gas, electricity, water and alternative energies); financial management, member services and communications. The intended outcomes will accelerate adoption of efficient energies, position SPEER as a leader in the industry, increase the membership experience, and maintain financial sustainability.
Seeds for Change team members: Bergan Casey, Joanna Wolaver
Barn Sanctuary (Chelsea, MI)
The organization: Austin entrepreneurs going back to the family farm in Michigan to rescue and care for farm animals while promoting plant-based diets and animal welfare.
The project: In six short weeks, Seeds for Change helped them develop a comprehensive strategic business and fundraising plan, including earned revenue scenarios for eventual self-sufficiency.
The outcomes: Through our work, the Barn Sanctuary was successfully able to acquire foundation funding for capital improvements, capital equipment and the first two years of operations. They also established a comprehensive social media campaign to build awareness, donor base and financial resources. Farm opened on schedule in July 2017 and continues to add rescue animals to the farm family, while creating a very large social media following of advocates and donors.
Follow up: Summer of 2019 will mark their second anniversary, full of success with the strategic plan’s goals met and/or well underway, even as the population of rescued animals outpaces even the most aggressive projections. Financial markers are on track and the Sanctuary continues to grow its social media exposure, followers and donors, as well as its on site offerings of education, animal interaction and special events.
Seeds for Change team members: Stacy Ehrlich and Bergan Casey
The organization: Austin entrepreneurs going back to the family farm in Michigan to rescue and care for farm animals while promoting plant-based diets and animal welfare.
The project: In six short weeks, Seeds for Change helped them develop a comprehensive strategic business and fundraising plan, including earned revenue scenarios for eventual self-sufficiency.
The outcomes: Through our work, the Barn Sanctuary was successfully able to acquire foundation funding for capital improvements, capital equipment and the first two years of operations. They also established a comprehensive social media campaign to build awareness, donor base and financial resources. Farm opened on schedule in July 2017 and continues to add rescue animals to the farm family, while creating a very large social media following of advocates and donors.
Follow up: Summer of 2019 will mark their second anniversary, full of success with the strategic plan’s goals met and/or well underway, even as the population of rescued animals outpaces even the most aggressive projections. Financial markers are on track and the Sanctuary continues to grow its social media exposure, followers and donors, as well as its on site offerings of education, animal interaction and special events.
Seeds for Change team members: Stacy Ehrlich and Bergan Casey
Association of Fundraising Professionals – Greater Austin Chapter
The organization: AFP represents more than 30,000 members in over 230 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs. The association fosters development and growth of fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising profession. The Greater Austin Chapter supports fundraisers in Central Texas.
The project: Create a strategic plan for the Austin chapter to define the optimal path to the future. The chapter had a history of “Goldilocks plans.” One plan was too big, cumbersome and difficult to implement without a paid leader at the helm. The next plan was too small, light on details, with few definitions and no measurable goals; subsequent iterations of the board struggled to comprehend original intentions and expectations. Our collaborative goal was to design the “just right” plan.
The outcomes: Seeds for Change produced a four-priority area strategic plan with clearly defined tasks, KPIs, timelines, and responsible parties based on job titles (not specific people). The resulting plan was developed with ample and broad community input including an online membership survey, board brainstorming sessions, multiple meetings with a diverse steering committee, and phone interviews with key stakeholders.
Follow up: Ongoing mentoring and consulting support have led to real-time troubleshooting, and faster implementation and adoption of key elements. For the first nine months post-plan-adoption, Seeds for Change also provided peer-to-peer mentoring of the new strategic plan chair for seamless transition and adaptation of current objectives and priorities.
Seeds for Change team members: Erica Ekwurzel and Stacy Ehrlich
The organization: AFP represents more than 30,000 members in over 230 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs. The association fosters development and growth of fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising profession. The Greater Austin Chapter supports fundraisers in Central Texas.
The project: Create a strategic plan for the Austin chapter to define the optimal path to the future. The chapter had a history of “Goldilocks plans.” One plan was too big, cumbersome and difficult to implement without a paid leader at the helm. The next plan was too small, light on details, with few definitions and no measurable goals; subsequent iterations of the board struggled to comprehend original intentions and expectations. Our collaborative goal was to design the “just right” plan.
The outcomes: Seeds for Change produced a four-priority area strategic plan with clearly defined tasks, KPIs, timelines, and responsible parties based on job titles (not specific people). The resulting plan was developed with ample and broad community input including an online membership survey, board brainstorming sessions, multiple meetings with a diverse steering committee, and phone interviews with key stakeholders.
Follow up: Ongoing mentoring and consulting support have led to real-time troubleshooting, and faster implementation and adoption of key elements. For the first nine months post-plan-adoption, Seeds for Change also provided peer-to-peer mentoring of the new strategic plan chair for seamless transition and adaptation of current objectives and priorities.
Seeds for Change team members: Erica Ekwurzel and Stacy Ehrlich
Talent
Skillpoint Alliance
The organization: To provide a gateway for individuals to transform their lives through rigorous skills-based training and education. Skillpoint Alliance is a 501(c)3 workforce development organization that provides in-demand workforce training to vulnerable members of the Central Texas community. It is in connection with local industry partners that Skillpoint is able to offer these unique professional training and educational opportunities.
The project: Talent search for Skillpoint’s new Executive Director. Included all aspects of the three month long search and selection process. Our work included a baseline needs assessment discussion with board members to ensure the crafted job description well explained the opportunities and challenges facing the new Executive Director, as well as a vision for the future of the organization.
The outcomes: Over 90 applications were submitted to Seeds for Change. We narrowed the pool to 15, ranked those based on a mutually agreed upon rubric, conducted phone interviews with eight, and narrowed the finalists to five. Those five were interviewed by the board selection committee. Seeds for Change conducted reference checks and assisted with the final offer letter.
Follow up: Selected finalist is still on the job and has evolved the organization into a well functioning powerhouse in the Central Texas workforce development space.
Seeds for Change team members: Stacy Ehrlich
The organization: To provide a gateway for individuals to transform their lives through rigorous skills-based training and education. Skillpoint Alliance is a 501(c)3 workforce development organization that provides in-demand workforce training to vulnerable members of the Central Texas community. It is in connection with local industry partners that Skillpoint is able to offer these unique professional training and educational opportunities.
The project: Talent search for Skillpoint’s new Executive Director. Included all aspects of the three month long search and selection process. Our work included a baseline needs assessment discussion with board members to ensure the crafted job description well explained the opportunities and challenges facing the new Executive Director, as well as a vision for the future of the organization.
The outcomes: Over 90 applications were submitted to Seeds for Change. We narrowed the pool to 15, ranked those based on a mutually agreed upon rubric, conducted phone interviews with eight, and narrowed the finalists to five. Those five were interviewed by the board selection committee. Seeds for Change conducted reference checks and assisted with the final offer letter.
Follow up: Selected finalist is still on the job and has evolved the organization into a well functioning powerhouse in the Central Texas workforce development space.
Seeds for Change team members: Stacy Ehrlich
reGeneration Education, Los Angeles, CA
The organization: reGeneration an American interfaith non-profit organization that advances peacebuilding through innovative approaches to early childhood education, development, and resilience for young children in crisis zones afflicted by conflict, natural disaster and poverty so that they can imagine and create a better future. We build bridges locally to effect sustainable changes globally.
The project: Founded in 2008, the organization needs to move into the professional sphere to build on the founder’s passion, dedication and networks. Seeds for Change engaged with the organization through a multi-phase project, including an organizational assessment, development plan, and 2 year operational budget. The year long project is culminating in the national talent search for reGeneration’s first paid Executive Director, Development Director and college interns. Seeds for Change drafted detailed job descriptions and postings, is receiving and scoring all applications, and is narrowing the field to a final few applicants per position. We will assist the founder with final interviews and job offers. We are navigating the complexities of a national search combined with unique and specialized qualifications for this international, interfaith peacebuilding organization.
The outcomes: A new Executive Director was hired in Q1 2019 and soon thereafter agreed on our recommendation of organization's first Development Director. On boarding continues and the organization is thriving.
Seeds for Change team members: Carolyn Haney, Stacy Ehrlich and special project member Caleb Buckley
The organization: reGeneration an American interfaith non-profit organization that advances peacebuilding through innovative approaches to early childhood education, development, and resilience for young children in crisis zones afflicted by conflict, natural disaster and poverty so that they can imagine and create a better future. We build bridges locally to effect sustainable changes globally.
The project: Founded in 2008, the organization needs to move into the professional sphere to build on the founder’s passion, dedication and networks. Seeds for Change engaged with the organization through a multi-phase project, including an organizational assessment, development plan, and 2 year operational budget. The year long project is culminating in the national talent search for reGeneration’s first paid Executive Director, Development Director and college interns. Seeds for Change drafted detailed job descriptions and postings, is receiving and scoring all applications, and is narrowing the field to a final few applicants per position. We will assist the founder with final interviews and job offers. We are navigating the complexities of a national search combined with unique and specialized qualifications for this international, interfaith peacebuilding organization.
The outcomes: A new Executive Director was hired in Q1 2019 and soon thereafter agreed on our recommendation of organization's first Development Director. On boarding continues and the organization is thriving.
Seeds for Change team members: Carolyn Haney, Stacy Ehrlich and special project member Caleb Buckley
Writing
Partnerships for Children
The organization: To empower and support abused and neglected children in the care of Child Protective Services. As a nonprofit in Central Texas, Partnerships for Children leads a collection of programs that offer resources, support and comfort for foster children and families in our community. Our accessibility to CPS, efficient practices, and ability to connect with kids at all stages in their lives allow us to better serve those who need us most by providing real and impactful solutions.
The project: Current 2017-2019 SFCC grants management client; former grants management client in 2008-2010. Prospect research, updated pipeline and grants calendar, funder cultivation and stewardship strategies, and Austin foundation solicitation templates that match the organization’s new branding and re-sorted program areas. Seeds for Change also provides development mentoring, strategy consultation and support on an as needed basis.
The outcomes: Highly successful grants program including funded proposals to several local family foundations and corporations. Seeds for Change’s management of the grants program has freed up staff to focus on other development work with stakeholder groups.
Follow up: As of Q1 2019, for the last 12 months, 14 of 18 submitted grants have been awarded at a rate of 92.5% of the requested amount. The remaining four are still pending. Seeds for Change will submit an additional six grant requests by fiscal year end. All grant reports have been submitted on time and an additional 10 prospective funders have been added to the grants calendar for cultivation and 2019 proposals.
Seeds for Change team members: Stacy Ehrlich and Carolyn Haney
The organization: To empower and support abused and neglected children in the care of Child Protective Services. As a nonprofit in Central Texas, Partnerships for Children leads a collection of programs that offer resources, support and comfort for foster children and families in our community. Our accessibility to CPS, efficient practices, and ability to connect with kids at all stages in their lives allow us to better serve those who need us most by providing real and impactful solutions.
The project: Current 2017-2019 SFCC grants management client; former grants management client in 2008-2010. Prospect research, updated pipeline and grants calendar, funder cultivation and stewardship strategies, and Austin foundation solicitation templates that match the organization’s new branding and re-sorted program areas. Seeds for Change also provides development mentoring, strategy consultation and support on an as needed basis.
The outcomes: Highly successful grants program including funded proposals to several local family foundations and corporations. Seeds for Change’s management of the grants program has freed up staff to focus on other development work with stakeholder groups.
Follow up: As of Q1 2019, for the last 12 months, 14 of 18 submitted grants have been awarded at a rate of 92.5% of the requested amount. The remaining four are still pending. Seeds for Change will submit an additional six grant requests by fiscal year end. All grant reports have been submitted on time and an additional 10 prospective funders have been added to the grants calendar for cultivation and 2019 proposals.
Seeds for Change team members: Stacy Ehrlich and Carolyn Haney
Austin Independent School District – Office of Innovation and Development
The organization: Austin Independent School District is responsible for the strategic long-term viability and day-to-day operations of 130 school campuses, administration and teaching staff, and over 80,000 students. The Office of Innovation and Development helps align partner financial and volunteer resources to support Austin ISD students.
The project: Seeds for Change led the department’s efforts to research and write a paper on best practices for public school systems to seek outside funding sources.
The outcomes: Publication of a nationally acclaimed paper: Public Schools Philanthropic Support and Resource Communication Strategies: Comparative Analysis and Best Practices Benchmark Study.
Seeds for Change team members: Amy Nunn and Erica Ekwurzel
The organization: Austin Independent School District is responsible for the strategic long-term viability and day-to-day operations of 130 school campuses, administration and teaching staff, and over 80,000 students. The Office of Innovation and Development helps align partner financial and volunteer resources to support Austin ISD students.
The project: Seeds for Change led the department’s efforts to research and write a paper on best practices for public school systems to seek outside funding sources.
The outcomes: Publication of a nationally acclaimed paper: Public Schools Philanthropic Support and Resource Communication Strategies: Comparative Analysis and Best Practices Benchmark Study.
Seeds for Change team members: Amy Nunn and Erica Ekwurzel
