Spur Giving Network Transforms Nonprofit Leader's Journey: How Support Empowered the Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children’s Growth and Success
“Spur Giving Network has allowed me to find my footing. If it wasn’t for them, I would have been lost,” raved Lisa Miller, Executive Director of the Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children (deaeyc). Two years ago, Lisa joined Spur Giving Network, looking for support in her role. Since then, Spur Giving Network has provided her with coaching in the areas of strategic planning, board development, and fundraising plans. What started as a search for assistance and guidance ended as a personal and professional transformative experience for Miller.
In August 2022, Miller was searching for some direction with fundraising. After losing a large grant due to COVID-19, fundraising was vital. However, a plan had never been created before. This left Miller in a precarious position. The pandemic left her with no coworkers to depend on, so she turned to Spur Giving Network. A board member at deaeyc introduced her to Adam Morgan, co-founder of MVP Advisors Nonprofit Consulting and partner with Spur Giving Network, and their work together began!
“What started as advice on fundraising morphed into help writing our strategic plan. We are cycling back to fundraising now that we have accomplished the strategic plan. Our needs have changed,” explained Miller. Jennifer Saienni, Director of Nonprofit Engagement at Spur Impact, and Adam Morgan are able to adapt to whatever a nonprofit needs from them. For example, when board members were wanted, a new application was created. Through calls and discussions, the plan of action can be modified to align with new goals.
When asked about the most valuable part of connecting with Spur Giving Network, Miller mentioned the connections created, support given, and confidence fostered. Since the beginning of their partnership, deaeyc has transitioned to Causey, a platform aimed at helping organizations reach their strategic planning goals. Besides being connected to valuable platforms, Miller has been connected to grants, opportunities, and people. The connections and guidance provided has helped deaeyc grow in many ways. Their fundraising efforts have improved, the board has grown, and the services offered have expanded. Witnessing these developments has instilled a strong sense of confidence in Miller.
“This experience has been incredibly beneficial. Seeing what deaeyc is capable of has built my confidence,” expressed Miller. “Throughout this experience, we have developed a great relationship. What has been great about working with Jenn and Adam is their constant moral support. They’ve been with me all along. They genuinely care about the success of the people they’re working with,” she concluded.
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