Location
Wayzata, MN
Sector
Public & Human Services

Hammer & NER is one of the largest disability services providers in Minnesota and empowers people with disabilities to live meaningful, self-directed lives. The organization wanted to complete an internal assessment of its development efforts and to conduct a campaign planning study to prepare for a future campaign. At that time, Hammer & NER did not have a formalized major gifts program and wanted clear recommendations for a tailored campaign plan that they could successfully execute. For organizational leaders, a comprehensive campaign was recommended to broaden current funding for their greatly needed services and programs for the people they serve and the staff who support them.

Following the delivery of the campaign planning study report, Hammer & NER engaged BWF as campaign counsel to provide support in implementing a number of important recommendations:

  • For Hammer & NER, of utmost importance in preparing for a comprehensive campaign was making sure the database was properly set up and organized for prospect development, including portfolio creation to best align with the campaign goals and defining fundraisers’ roles and responsibilities.
  • BWF provided important coaching and training for executives, staff, and volunteer and board leadership. Training focused on major and principal gift development and the roles of volunteers in fundraising.
  • Policies and procedures were updated, such as gift acceptance and campaign counting policies.
  • A full campaign plan and detailed workplan were prepared to keep the team on track to reach the goals identified in the campaign study recommendations.
  • A stewardship plan was refreshed to integrate the influx of donors Hammer & NER would be receiving with more major gift activity during and after the campaign.
“Because of our work with BWF, our development department and our systems are much improved, enabling us to grow relationships that increase fundraising while giving donors the opportunity to successfully invest in our mission. The BWF team of experts is knowledgeable, responsive, and willing to challenge the status quo. We have been effective partners, learning from one another and putting best efforts into action for our organization.”
Ellen Timmerman-Borer
Campaign Director • Hammer & NER

Through communications counsel, Hammer & NER received a campaign communications plan and ongoing support and direction. The latter focused on strengthening philanthropic branding and messaging throughout the organization and integrating campaign messaging while laying the communications foundation for the public launch.

To date, Hammer & NER has been successful in soliciting and closing multiple major gifts within the leadership phase of its campaign and is well positioned to continue to reach new heights in all levels of giving. The team and volunteer leadership has also grown to reflect the needs of their new and energized major donors.

Hammer & NER utilized the Campaign Planning Study and Ongoing Counsel service offered by BWF.