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Case Study:

Community Foundation of Fayette County Strategic Plan

Industry

Nonprofit, Philanthropy & Foundations

Our Role

  • Strategic Planning Facilitation & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Internal Operations & Organizational Assessment
  • Philanthropic Trends & Community Needs Analysis
  • Mission & Vision Refresh
  • GOST Framework Development
  • Implementation Roadmap

Situation

Approaching its 25th anniversary, the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) recognized a critical moment for reflection and renewal. While steadily growing in assets and community presence, the Foundation sought to sharpen its strategic direction, expand its donor base, and elevate its leadership role in a county marked by economic challenges and civic potential. CFFC engaged The Hill Group to guide a comprehensive strategic planning process that would ground future growth in both data and aspiration.

Solution

The Hill Group led an inclusive, data-informed planning process focused on clarity, growth, and leadership:

  1. Conducted stakeholder interviews and internal assessments to surface insights and priorities
  2. Analyzed regional philanthropic trends and Fayette County-specific community needs
  3. Facilitated a board-staff retreat to co-create strategic priorities and shared direction
  4. Refined the Foundation’s mission and vision based on engagement feedback
  5. Developed a strategic plan grounded in the GOST model for actionable execution
  6. Created an implementation roadmap aligned with internal capacity and external opportunity

Results

  • Adopted a 2024–2027 strategic plan focused on Growth & Impact, Awareness & Engagement, and Organizational Excellence
  • Clarified board and staff roles in strategy execution and fundraising
  • Refreshed mission and vision to better reflect the Foundation’s evolving role
  • Developed a robust planned giving pipeline aligned with long-term fundraising goals
  • Positioned CFFC as a more visible, credible, and proactive community leader
  • Created a framework for sustainable operations and scalable impact

Behind the Scenes

The planning process was built on partnership—between board and staff, and between the Foundation and the community it serves. With The Hill Group’s support, CFFC translated ambition into action. Today, the Foundation is equipped not only to steward assets, but to lead boldly, inspire generosity, and drive meaningful change across Fayette County.