Case Study
Basic Needs — Strategic Planning, Board Alignment & Communications
Overview
This case study highlights strategic planning and nonprofit marketing communications work with Basic Needs. Through facilitated planning sessions and board of director engagement, I helped clarify organizational priorities, align leadership, and create a stronger foundation for clear, consistent communications moving forward.
Quick Summary
Client: Basic Needs
Focus: Strategic planning, board of directors alignment, and marketing communications
Outcome: Clear organizational priorities, aligned leadership direction, and a communications framework grounded in strategy
At A Glance
organizational Challenges
Unclear brand voice that limited emotional connection with stakeholders
Inconsistent brand identity across communications and materials
An under-engaged business community with strong partnership potential
Organizational Strengths
27 years of trusted presence in the community
Deep reach and measurable need across 82 zip codes
Strong momentum around the launch of BN’s Food Market
Committed leadership and volunteers ready to implement change
A board ready for a clearer strategy and defined role
Purpose: Align leadership, board, and communications around clear strategic priorities.
Outcomes
Outcome 1
A Clear Voice and Shared Identity That Built Trust
Basic Needs clarified its organizational voice and identity, creating stronger alignment around mission, vision, and key messages. This clarity helped the organization communicate more consistently, build credibility with stakeholders, and deepen trust within the communities it serves.
Outcome 2
Stronger, More Intentional Donor Communication
With clearer messaging in place, Basic Needs strengthened how it communicates with donors through phone calls and email. This led to more meaningful, trust-based relationships, improved understanding of donor interests, and more personalized engagement rooted in real impact.
Outcome 3
Expanded Business Partnerships Across the Community
Basic Needs expanded its fundraising and sponsorship strategy by building partnerships with businesses across the 82 zip codes where its clients live. This approach increased visibility, encouraged business engagement through shared impact, and opened new pathways for funding, expertise, and long-term support.
A new sponsorship packet helped articulate these opportunities clearly—by using data to demonstrate growing community need and by giving businesses a compelling reason to invest beyond one-time events.
Outcome 4
A More Focused and Sustainable Fundraising Strategy
Basic Needs streamlined its fundraising approach by phasing out smaller, lower-impact activities and concentrating efforts on two larger, more distinctive events. This shift allowed the organization to use time and resources more effectively while expanding visibility beyond its immediate suburban area into the broader metro community.
Outcome 5
Board Alignment Through Strategic Planning
Facilitated strategic planning with the board of directors strengthened alignment between organizational goals and board expertise. This process fostered shared ownership of the mission, encouraged deeper engagement, and supported more informed, confident decision-making at the governance level.
