Industry
Nonprofit, Philanthropy & Foundations
Our Role
- Development Operations Audit & Stakeholder Interviews
- Peer Benchmarking & Best Practices Research
- Strategic Retreat Facilitation
- Asset Development Roadmap Design
- Board & Staff Alignment
- Implementation Coaching
Situation
Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV), serving Dutchess, Ulster, and Putnam Counties, had experienced significant growth—doubling its assets between 2014 and 2023. However, internal challenges and external perception risks persisted. Leadership transitions, staffing gaps in development, and past administrative concerns prompted the need for a renewed, coordinated fundraising strategy. With a bold goal to double assets again—to $200 million—CFHV partnered with The Hill Group to co-create a plan that would build credibility, capacity, and sustained momentum.
Solution
The Hill Group designed and executed a strategic engagement that blended structure, insight, and momentum:
- Conducted a detailed audit of internal development operations, staffing, and board engagement
- Interviewed key donors, advisors, affiliate leaders, and stakeholders to inform plan priorities
- Benchmarked peer foundations to identify positioning and best practices
- Facilitated two structured retreats focused on vision alignment and fundraising strategy
- Developed a milestone-based asset development plan tailored to CFHV’s goals and structure
- Provided implementation support and coaching through the plan’s initial rollout phase
Results
- Aligned board and staff leadership around a shared vision to double assets
- Clarified roles and expectations for board members, staff, and affiliates in fundraising
- Identified and began addressing operational gaps in development systems
- Provided relationship-building strategies to strengthen donor and advisor engagement
- Rebuilt credibility with philanthropic partners and community stakeholders
- Positioned CFHV for long-term growth through structured planning and sustained leadership focus
Behind the Scenes
This engagement went beyond strategy—it rebuilt trust and energized leadership. By surfacing past barriers and shaping a focused path forward, The Hill Group helped CFHV reestablish itself as a credible, capable philanthropic partner in the region. The resulting plan lays the foundation for expanded impact, deeper donor relationships, and sustained regional leadership.