Industry
Nonprofit, Philanthropy & Foundations
Our Role
- Organizational & Market Landscape Review
- Demographic and Community Needs Analysis
- Stakeholder Engagement (interviews, focus groups, surveys)
- Strategic Retreat Facilitation
- Mission, Vision, & Values Refinement
- GOST Framework & Implementation Planning
Situation
With over $80 million in assets and more than $4 million in annual grants and scholarships, Centre Foundation had built a strong philanthropic presence over four decades. As the organization looked to the future, it faced a rapidly evolving community landscape marked by demographic shifts, inequality, and rising needs. Foundation leadership recognized the opportunity—and responsibility—to take a more visible, inclusive, and strategic role in fostering equity and community vibrancy. To guide this next chapter, Centre Foundation engaged The Hill Group to lead a robust strategic planning process.
Solution
The Hill Group partnered with Centre Foundation to build a community-informed, forward-looking plan:
- Conducted a comprehensive review of internal systems and community trends
- Engaged board, staff, donors, and community stakeholders through interviews, focus groups, and surveys
- Facilitated strategic retreats to revisit the Foundation’s mission, values, and future role
- Identified strategic priorities grounded in community impact and organizational readiness
- Developed a GOST-aligned strategic framework and implementation roadmap
- Created tools for performance tracking and accountability
Results
- Refined mission, vision, and values with a deeper focus on equity and regional leadership
- Defined four strategic priorities to guide future investments, grantmaking, and visibility
- Strengthened operational systems, governance, and staff capacity for implementation
- Developed a roadmap to elevate leadership visibility and responsiveness to emerging needs
- Positioned Centre Foundation as a trusted, data-informed, and inclusive philanthropic leader in the region
Behind the Scenes
This plan was shaped by deep listening—internally and externally. The Hill Group helped Centre Foundation connect its strong legacy with bold future aspirations. With a clear strategy and actionable roadmap, the Foundation is ready to lead transformative change, inspire generosity, and foster a thriving Centre County for all.