Key Elements
- CCS explored opportunities to implement the organization’s first-ever major fundraising campaign.
- The Clean Water – Healthy Communities campaign is accelerating efforts to protect the Potomac River and to ensure clean drinking water and healthier communities.
- The campaign surpassed its $8,000,000 philanthropic goal with ten months remaining.
How We Helped
Partnering with CCS was a transformative experience for Potomac Conservancy. Their expertise and dedication were essential to the success of our Clean Water – Healthy Communities campaign. With their guidance, we surpassed our ambitious $8,000,000 goal, engaged 22 volunteer leaders, and expanded our staff from 10 to 23. This collaboration has strengthened our organization and will ensure a healthier and more resilient Potomac River now and for future generations.
Hedrick Belin, President, Potomac Conservancy
The Challenge
In 2021, Potomac Conservancy, an accredited land trust and regional leader in clean water, wanted to scale its programs to make the Potomac River resilient and healthy, and to restore swimmable and fishable waters to the Capital Region.
Conservancy leaders needed to engage new and diverse audiences and donors, fostering a deeper connection to the river that sustains the region’s economy, supports wildlife habitats, provides enriching outdoor activities, and supplies drinking water to over five million people. To support the essential link between clean water and community health, the Conservancy aimed to rapidly expand land and water protection and restoration efforts. They called for urgent action and sought a fundraising partner ready to act.
The Solution
Potomac Conservancy and CCS partnered on a strategic planning phase. This was followed by a three-month campaign readiness phase and, subsequently, the Clean Water – Healthy Communities campaign’s quiet phase. The effort focused on four core priorities: protect stream and riverside forests; restore vital shorelines; activate community voices; and catalyze public funding for conservation and clean water.
Through this initiative, Potomac Conservancy and CCS inspired unprecedented philanthropic support. The Conservancy secured new gifts and pledges from individuals who enjoy the river and from corporations that depend on a healthy waterway for economic prosperity.
The Impact
By the conclusion of Potomac Conservancy’s quiet phase in Fall 2024, the campaign had raised over $7,000,000 of the original $8,000,000 goal, engaged 22 volunteer leaders, secured 3,380 individual gifts, and secured over 20 leadership gifts of $100,000 or more.
With strong momentum heading into the final campaign year ending 12/31/25, Potomac Conservancy leaders will continue to maximize this fundraising opportunity.
Potomac Conservancy has hired thirteen additional staff members and expanded its capacity thanks to campaign priorities to scale its efforts and increase its impact.
CCS is proud to have partnered with Potomac Conservancy leaders on the CLEAN WATER – HEALTHY COMMUNITIES effort during this pivotal decade for the health and resilience of the Potomac River.
Featured Team Members
Caring for the river that runs through our nation’s capital makes Potomac Conservancy an ideal model for national fundraising success. The Clean Water – Healthy Communities campaign not only exceeded its goal months in advance but also united the community in support of clean water, restoring the Potomac River, and advocating for protective policies and resources. Partnering with an organization launching its first comprehensive campaign was a privilege.
Abby Grady, VICE PRESIDENT, CCS Fundraising
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