How Donorly Helped a Theater Company Grow Its Budget by 40%
Donorly partnered with a nationally recognized theater company dedicated to developing new work. While the organization had a strong artistic reputation and a close-knit community of supporters, its fundraising capacity was limited by reliance on personal networks and founder-led efforts.
In just two years, Donorly guided them from a constrained, founder-dependent model to a professionalized development operation, resulting in 69% revenue growth and the two largest gifts in its history.
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This case presented five key challenges common to arts and culture nonprofits:
Network limitations: Fundraising relied primarily on the founder and board’s immediate contacts.
Capacity gaps: Limited professional fundraising expertise and infrastructure.
Staff bandwidth: A small team stretched thin across artistic and administrative duties.
Donor acquisition: No systematic donor cultivation or stewardship strategy beyond existing supporters.
Event burden: Heavy reliance on time-intensive events without a clear return on investment.
Without targeted capacity building and a sustainable fundraising strategy, the organization risked plateauing—limiting both financial potential and artistic growth.
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Donorly implemented a comprehensive fundraising consulting engagement focused on infrastructure development, capacity building, and sustainability.
Infrastructure Development
Conducted comprehensive prospect research to identify new funding opportunities
Built professional fundraising systems and donor management protocols
Designed campaign strategies and streamlined the event calendar
Capacity Building
Coached staff to strengthen fundraising and donor communication skills
Trained board members in donor engagement and solicitation strategies
Developed sustainable event strategies tailored to a small staff
Identified and cultivated major gift prospects
Implementation
Year 1: Foundation Building
Launched a comprehensive fundraising campaign
Developed a manageable, strategic donor events calendar
Began systematic donor cultivation beyond the founder’s network
Initiated major gifts strategy targeting new prospects
Year 2: Growth & Systems
Rebranded the individual giving program for broader donor appeal
Supported the organization in securing the two largest gifts in its history
Helped double staff size to meet expanding fundraising needs
Embedded sustainable fundraising systems for long-term growth
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69% increase in contributed revenue over two years
40% growth in operating budget
Two largest gifts in organizational history secured
Staff doubled to support expanded operations
Rebranded individual giving program to ensure sustainable fundraising growth
Explore more case studies or book a consultation with Donorly to see how we can help your organization grow.