CORA Services
Development, Events, Communications, Donor Relations
www.coraservices.org
The Challenge
Due to an unplanned vacancy in the development office, Dunleavy & Associates was engaged in July 2006 to help the CORA Services event committee to produce the annual black tie anniversary gala, the top fundraiser for the organization. With success in this fast-track 3-month engagement, CORA Services expanded its partnership with Dunleavy to fulfill the role of Development Director on a contracted basis to help the agency offset reductions in funding from government sources, and the fulfill the need for more individual donors and corporate partners.
Strategic Solution
The Dunleavy team, working closely with executive leaders and the Board of Directors, leads the efforts to raise awareness and funds to support the education, counseling and referral services provided by CORA to children and families throughout Philadelphia. Dunleavy creates a plan each year to outline priorities, recommendations, performance measures, and then implements the tactics.
Results
In addition to producing annual appeals and improving donor relations, the Website is updated frequently and print publications include newsletters and an annual community report to keep donors and prospects informed. Dunleavy now produces three annual events to benefit CORA Services. In 2009, Dunleavy recommended changing the event format to attract corporate partners. The CORA for KIDS Golf Classic was introduced, which engaged new friends; and, the black-tie anniversary event traditionally held on a Saturday night became a corporate event “Champions for Children” held on a weeknight at the Union League of Philadelphia. This shift re-engaged lapsed supporters and increased attendance. Since a top priority was engaging the community, as well as past and current clients, Dunleavy inaugurated a Family Fun Festival in 2011 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of CORA. Due to the success of raising awareness and bringing the community together, this family fun event has become an annual tradition with thousands of community members attending. All of these events, as well as increasing communications, have engaged new audiences and increased funding for CORA. Dunleavy continually searches for new opportunities and recently converted to a new donor database, saving CORA $6k annually while improving efficiencies.
About CORA Services
Rooted in a tradition of care and compassion, the mission of CORA Services is to assist children, youth and families experiencing the emotional, academic and social challenges which impede their development and productivity. A private, not-for-profit service organization located in Philadelphia, PA, CORA Services provides an array of comprehensive professional services focused on prevention, intervention, remediation, and referral assistance.
