Key Elements
- CCS partnered with Howard Brown Health (HBH) to develop a robust major gift program, resulting in several six-figure contributions towards their ambitious $19 million comprehensive campaign to expand health services.
- Through strategic counsel and custom learning sessions, CCS supported the HBH development team in adopting best practices in fundraising, helping them foster a culture of philanthropy and enhancing their confidence in their fundraising capabilities.
- With the implementation of a prospect management system and enhanced communication strategies, HBH is positioned to more effectively engage with donors and respond to a projected 50% increase in demand for services over the next five years.
Working with CCS gave us the structure and confidence we needed to fundraise effectively. Their guidance helped us secure major gifts and navigate the complexities of donor relationships, ultimately allowing us to expand our care and support our community better.
Katie Metos, Vice President of External Relations, Howard Brown Health
THE BACKGROUND
Howard Brown Health (HBH) is one of the largest organizations that provides healthcare to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGTBQ+) individuals in the United States. Based in Chicago, and rooted in the LGBTQ+ liberation movement, HBH provides affirming healthcare and mobilizes for social justice. CCS has been privileged to partner with HBH on two projects: following an initial partnership on donor segmentation and activation, CCS transitioned to a development engagement that was focused on building capacity within the development team, supporting annual fund activity and major gift strategies for HBH’s historic We Care campaign.
THE CHALLENGE
With a history of strong community support, Howard Brown Health was seeking to leverage data more strategically and expand its major gifts pipeline to ensure the agency’s long-term success and sustainability. As the agency prepared for a projected 50% increase in service demand over the next five years, it identified the need to strengthen its internal fundraising capabilities. Facing revenue shortfalls and organizational challenges, Howard Brown engaged CCS to help establish a balanced fundraising model.
THE SOLUTION
In response to these challenges, CCS partnered with HBH to implement a multifaceted approach to enhance their development program. This included conducting a thorough assessment of HBH’s existing systems and infrastructure to strengthen donor engagement and relationship tracking. CCS facilitated training sessions focused on optimizing HBH’s systems and processes to ensure staff were equipped to manage donor relationships effectively and maintain a holistic view of individual supporters.
Recognizing the need for a structured major gift program, CCS worked closely with HBH to develop a sustainable strategy to secure larger donations. This included creating foundational documents that clearly articulated HBH’s mission and goals. These resources supported the development team in communicating their brand effectively and engaging potential major donors with clarity and confidence.
Additionally, CCS provided strategic counsel through prospect strategy meetings and custom learning sessions to embrace best practices in annual fundraising and major gift solicitation. This ongoing support cultivated a culture of philanthropy within the agency, enhancing collaboration among team members and building confidence in their fundraising capabilities. By prioritizing transparency and trust, HBH cultivated meaningful connections with its supporters, ultimately leading to the successful solicitation of larger gifts. The combination of structured strategy, effective communication, and relationship management established a solid foundation for Howard Brown’s ambitious $19 million comprehensive campaign, positioning them for long-term success in fundraising.
THE impact
The collaboration between CCS and Howard Brown has profoundly transformed the agency’s fundraising capabilities and provided opportunities to better serve the Greater Chicago LGBTQ+ community. By cultivating a culture of philanthropy and empowering the development team with best practices, CCS supported HBH in securing several six-figure gifts for its ambitious $19 million comprehensive campaign. This significant financial support is not merely a number; it represents the resources needed to expand critical health services and ensure that all individuals in the community have access to safe, affirming healthcare.
This engagement has empowered HBH to not only respond to the increase in demand for its services, but also to expand its citywide network, ultimately enhancing its impact on community health and empowerment. With the tools and strategies in place, Howard Brown has established a lasting legacy of care and support for the LGBTQ+ community—transforming lives and building a healthier, more inclusive society for all.
Featured Team Member
Collaborating with Howard Brown Health was an inspiring experience. Their commitment to providing affirming healthcare to the LGBTQ+ community is unparalleled, and we were honored to help them establish a powerful campaign. Watching their vision come to life through the Halsted Clinic and knowing the impact it will have on so many lives is incredibly rewarding.
DOUG LONDON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, CCS Fundraising
Want to start a conversation?
Let’s discuss how CCS Fundraising can help you.
Case Studies
The Viscardi Center
Northeast US
The Viscardi Center re-engaged CCS for a feasibility study and campaign. In just over one year of a five-year campaign, The Viscardi Center has raised the $7.5 million working goal, and is now aiming for an increased goal of $10 million.
USA for IOM: Serving Emergent and Long-Term Global Needs
Northeast US
USA for IOM partnered with CCS in three formal engagements over 28 months and four months of pro bono support implementing good stewardship practices, enhancing prospect cultivation and management, building HNWI relationships and the private sector, and boosting board engagement.
RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Health
Northeast US
RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Health created an unprecedented partnership to build the first freestanding cancer hospital in New Jersey. CCS helped position both organizations for a successful statewide joint fundraising initiative.