Case Studies

At Donorly, we collaborate with mission-driven organizations of all sizes—from grassroots nonprofits to national institutions—across every sector, including arts and culture, health, education, and social justice. Our fundraising consultants deliver tailored strategies that meet the unique challenges of each partner. Explore our nonprofit case studies to see how we help teams grow their fundraising capacity, drive major gifts, and build long-term sustainability.

MCC Theater logo – nonprofit performing arts organization featured in Donorly fundraising strategy case study

Based in: New York, NY
Sector: Performing Arts
Key Elements:

  • Capital campaign strategy and management

  • Interim development staffing

  • Major gifts and gala fundraising

In mid-2014, MCC Theater was mid-campaign and understaffed in the development department, lacking a Director of Development during a pivotal fundraising moment.

Donorly was brought in during a leadership gap and a critical phase of a capital campaign. We stabilized and rebuilt the development team while creating structure and momentum for campaign and individual giving success.

  • The organization faced both staffing shortages and the pressure of completing a $27M capital campaign, while needing to sustain and grow their individual and event-based fundraising.

  • Donorly led the development department, rebuilt staffing, and structured a comprehensive strategy that reignited the capital campaign, doubled gala revenue, and expanded individual giving.

  • The campaign goal was raised twice—from $27M to $35M to $40M—and was completed ahead of schedule. Individual giving and gala revenue more than doubled.

Want to start a conversation? Let’s see how Donorly can help you.

  • "I’m frequently stretched thin with my small team, so Donorly helped identify and cultivate major donors that I didn’t know existed! With their data, I refined my communication with these prospects to great results."

    Kirk Laughlin, Director of Advancement
    Seattle Children's Museum

  • "We have been working with Donorly for almost a year, and I am grateful we found this resource. The team has really helped guide us as well as done a lot of heavy lifting in all aspects of development from planning and strategy to content creation, database management and stewardship activities. We have seen a definite return on the investment and look forward to continued collaboration."

    Amy Wood, Executive Director
    Raymond A. Wood Foundation

  • "Sandra and her team gave me valuable strategies when asking for major gifts, provided research to ensure I was as informed as possible when approaching new prospective donors, and counseled the organization on best practices. In addition, Donorly helped Dance Lab implement its first fundraising CRM and set up systems and processes to keep all of our fundraising activities highly organized."

    Josh Prince, Founding Artistic Director
    Dance Lab NY

  • "The information from Donorly research has defined our fundraising priorities and given us greater confidence as we approach supporters for gifts that advance our mission of caring"

    Paula A. Rimmer, Director of Development
    Martha & Mary Lutheran Services

Glimmerglass Festival logo – nonprofit performing arts organization featured in Donorly fundraising strategy case study

Based in: Cooperstown, NY
Sector: Opera & Musical Theater
Key Elements:

  • Case for support development

  • Campaign launch strategy

  • Donor reactivation and board engagement

In mid-2014, MCC Theater was mid-campaign and understaffed in the development department, lacking a Director of Development during a pivotal fundraising moment.

Donorly was brought in during a leadership gap and a critical phase of a capital campaign. We stabilized and rebuilt the development team while creating structure and momentum for campaign and individual giving success.

  • The organization faced both staffing shortages and the pressure of completing a $27M capital campaign, while needing to sustain and grow their individual and event-based fundraising.

  • Donorly led the development department, rebuilt staffing, and structured a comprehensive strategy that reignited the capital campaign, doubled gala revenue, and expanded individual giving.

  • The campaign goal was raised twice—from $27M to $35M to $40M—and was completed ahead of schedule. Individual giving and gala revenue more than doubled.

Want to start a conversation? Let’s see how Donorly can help you.