Paul Yeghiayan, CFRE
Senior Consultant
Benefactor Group is honored to celebrate 25 years serving those who serve the common good. This milestone isn’t just about our journey—it’s about recognizing 25 years of philanthropic successes and the transformative impact those successes have had on people and causes around the world. Together, we fuel causes with powerful fundraising, people, and systems, and we look forward to continuing this work for many years to come.
Why Endowment Building Matters for Nonprofits
Across the nonprofit sector, a familiar challenge keeps leaders awake at night: how to ensure the mission continues not just this year, but for decades to come. Many organizations work tirelessly to meet today’s needs while living with the uncertainty of whether they can meet the mission imperatives of tomorrow.
Neither another gala nor an urgent email appeal will solve that. Long-term security comes from a change in perspective, from thinking about the next donation to planning for the next generation.
That’s the promise of endowment—a permanent source of income that can sustain programs, spark innovation, and provide a buffer in uncertain times. Endowments allow nonprofit leaders to plan boldly, knowing that resources will be there to match their ambitions.
Case Study: How CFOV Invested in Endowment Building
The Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV) saw an opportunity to help local organizations embrace that promise. Executive Director Susie Nelson understood that while many nonprofits admired the idea of an endowment, few had the knowledge, structure, or confidence to make it a reality.
“Our nonprofits needed more than inspiration,” Nelson said. “They needed a step-by-step approach—how endowments work, how to talk about them with donors, and how to weave them into a sustainable fundraising strategy.”
The Endowment Building Institute: A Roadmap for Success
In searching for a program that could deliver both knowledge and a clear path forward, CFOV turned to Benefactor Group’s Endowment Building Institute (EBI).
EBI is a six-session program that blends expert-led presentations, peer learning, and practical assignments. Participants receive a comprehensive notebook, a copy of The Endowment Handbook, written by Benefactor Group’s Founder and Principal, Laura MacDonald, CFRE, and leave each session with concrete, actionable next steps.
Topics covered in the Endowment Building Institute:
- Understanding Endowment and the Case for Support – Defining endowment types, clarifying the board’s role, and crafting a compelling case.
- Types of Gifts and Necessary Policies – Reviewing current, deferred, and split-interest gifts, and creating policies that build donor trust.
- Identifying, Cultivating, Engaging, and Soliciting Donors – Finding the right prospects and preparing thoughtful solicitations.
- Caring for Donors and the People They Trust – Creating legacy societies, engaging professional advisors, and elevating stewardship.
- Marketing the Endowment and Planned Gifts – Shaping the right messages for the right audiences.
- Measuring and Building on Success – Tracking progress and sustaining momentum.
Results: Building Endowment Funds and Stronger Nonprofits
Over six months, CFOV welcomed 15 nonprofits into the Institute. Each was represented by both staff and board members, ensuring that learning translated into organizational commitment. The atmosphere was collaborative—leaders shared successes, challenges, and ideas, building connections that continue today.
The impact was tangible:
- 13 organizations opened new agency funds with CFOV.
- Each received matching funds, providing an immediate boost.
- Staff and board members left as confident advocates for endowment in their own organizations and beyond.
For CFOV, the results went beyond numbers. The Institute strengthened the Foundation’s relationships with local nonprofits and positioned it as a partner in shaping their long-term futures.
“It was a great success,” Nelson reflected. “Together, we set fifteen organizations on the path to stronger, more financially sustainable futures—benefiting our entire region.”
A Proven Path to Endowment Growth
The Endowment Building Institute offers more than information: it provides a roadmap, a support network, and the tools to turn intention into action. For community foundations like CVOF, it’s a proven way to help nonprofits think beyond the next gift and build the security their missions deserve.
It’s a win for nonprofits, and—most importantly—a win for the community they serve. To learn more about the EBI, contact Paul Yeghiayan at [email protected].
