The Nature Conservancy

Developing a Roadmap for Success

Background: The Nature Conservancy – Wyoming Chapter knew they had to conduct a campaign in order to meet their strategic plan objectives. However, none of the staff had ever done a significant campaign before, and, more importantly, not many of their board members had either. The thought of a $40 million campaign terrified everyone.

Solution: The Compass Group conducted a Planning Study for the Chapter. The results provided a roadmap for success that empowered the board to join hands and endorse a campaign. Compass was then retained to facilitate implementation of the study recommendations through Campaign Management.

Success: The campaign was not only successful for the chapter, but it also transformed the board and staff. They learned to work together, trust each other, and commit to do whatever it took to be successful. The Chapter itself became a model for The Nature Conservancy’s network on how to successfully engage volunteers in a campaign. The campaign surpassed their goal, raising $42 million. The service provided by Compass enabled the organization to build a fundraising program for the future and establish a culture of board leadership in fundraising that has lasted well beyond the campaign. Additionally, it propelled the organization to launch a second campaign with a goal of $50 million.