Finding Our Stride
Finding Our Stride (FOS) is an afterschool program in the Upper Valley region of New Hampshire and Vermont that boosts elementary and middle school students’ physical fitness and social emotional growth. The executive director approached Jill Marshall Consulting in 2020 looking for a thought partner who could help her to determine the best ways to address the organization’s continued growth and sustainability, including possibly scaling FOS’ program services.
“Whenever I meet someone who is looking for support with strategic planning, increased funding or coaching, I ALWAYS recommend Jill! She brings the perfect combination of deep experience, rigorous organizational and planning skills, carefully structured timelines and absolute professionalism to every client. Jill is also a compassionate human, who offers patience, great listening skills and empathy to her clients. Jill has been the catalyst and coach for our strategic growth over the last three years, and prepared us to take on the next challenges.”
- Jenny Williams, Executive Director
Developing a Theory of Change
Strategic Planning | Impact Strategy | Leadership Coaching
After discussing key strategies for nonprofit growth and excellence with the executive director, I evaluated the organization’s core program model by conducting a literature review and in-depth stakeholder engagement, including online focus groups and survey collections. The results allowed us to test FOS’ theory of change and determine ways to deepen the organization’s impact, performance measurement, and donor relationships.
The results of the above program evaluation were presented to FOS’ board of directors and used to inform a comprehensive strategic planning process that I facilitated for a staff and board member working group. Together, we refreshed FOS’ mission, vision, and values statements, and produced an ambitious and achievable 3-year strategic plan and financial forecast to guide the organization’s next chapter.
Identify New Funding Sources
Development | Leadership Coaching
FOS desired support to identify new revenue sources. I conducted research on regional and national grantmaking prospects, used this information to compile a list of suitable options, and then trained staff on how to utilize these customized tools and resources. I continued to support FOS’ development strategy, especially by coaching staff on the cultivation of prospective grantmakers and major donors.
Supporting a Successful Transition
Succession Planning | Leadership Coaching
When FOS’ founding executive director decided to retire, she engaged me to design a search process to hire the organization’s next leader. I worked with her and a subset of board members to articulate their expectations for the next executive director, and we developed a tailored marketing strategy, internal job description, and opportunity guide for prospective candidates. I also supported the interview process by meeting with candidates and offering my feedback to FOS’ search committee.
Results
FOS staff and board members were able to imagine and realize ways to scale their operations and impact, and focus on key activities to advance the organization’s visibility, fundraising, equity and inclusion practices, and board management. Several new grantmaking and individual donors made an initial gift and/or increased their support for FOS. FOS launched a thorough search for a new executive director and hired an exceptional candidate.