African Wildlife Foundation

Repositioning for Global Giving

Background: African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), an Africa-based global conservation organization, set out to launch its first campaign of this scale while redefining its message—from species-specific protection to African-led conservation that advances both wildlife and economic opportunity. Pursuing this broader vision required a new level of philanthropic support and campaign discipline, as the organization worked to test its case, build donor confidence, and prepare leadership for a more ambitious level of philanthropy.

Solution: Compass partnered with AWF to conduct a Readiness Assessment and guide campaign planning and execution. Through stakeholder interviews, systems review, and message development, Compass helped clarify the campaign’s positioning and strengthen the role of board and volunteer leaders in donor engagement. Working alongside staff, Compass supported early solicitations, strategized for leadership-level gifts, and helped establish the structure and discipline needed to shift from an annual-giving model to a major-gifts campaign.

Success: AWF has reached the campaign’s halfway point and significantly strengthened its fundraising operation, securing early leadership gifts and expanding relationships with major donors and institutional partners. The organization is now positioned to pursue transformative philanthropic investment at a global scale, with a stronger case, more engaged leadership, and a development program equipped to sustain long-term growth.