How Donorly Helped a Theater Company Grow Its Contributed Revenue by 69%
Donorly partnered with a nationally recognized theater organization 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-centric fundraising model: 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.
2 largest gifts in organizational history secured.
Staff doubled in size to support expansion.
Individual giving program rebranded for long-term sustainability.
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