Revelling in a new development strategy with the Art Gallery of Burlington
Challenge (What We Saw)
The Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) faced significant difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns shut down their in-person programming, which was crucial for generating revenue and led to a depletion of staff. The AGB needed staffing coverage to help them through their shortage and reassess their operations and fundraising efforts.
Our Perspective/Process
Balanced Good was brought in to provide interim staffing support and help reevaluate the AGB’s development initiatives. During this time, we focused on building the team’s overall capacity through management and staff coaching and improving overall return on investment (ROI) for fundraising events and donor engagement.
Initially intended to cover a one-year period, the engagement was extended for another year, wrapping up in December 2024, due to the success and stability achieved!
Opportunity for Change (What We Did)
- Reimagined the AGB’s fundraising strategy by focusing on events that got people in the gallery and had a high ROI. As a result, we launched Revel, a high-impact art-exhibition-turned-party fundraiser and other in-person fundraising events.
- Facilitated the move to DonorPerfect, a new database, and established processes to ensure the platform was used effectively.
- Deepened donor engagement through personalized outreach to major donors and a coordinated holiday campaign that included e-blasts and social media integration.
- Led and supported Development and Event Committees, aligning board, staff, and community members to strengthen fundraising efforts.
- Provided interim development leadership, coached staff through transition, and onboarded new hires, providing them with fundraising training.
“It was a pleasure to work with Balanced Good. Their contribution to the Art Gallery of Burlington over the last two years has really helped us get back on our feet after tough years through the pandemic, leadership transitions and the need for a renewed focus on development. The framework that Balanced Good developed and the foundational pieces of a comprehensive development plan will be so important as we move forward. Thank you so much for your commitment and your leadership.”
Susan Busby, Past Chair, Board of Directors, Art Gallery of Burlington
Outcomes
Our work with the AGB over these two years helped to build stability amongst the team and establish a new development plan that improved funding for the organization’s future. The transition coaching provided to new staff members helped them to flourish in their roles and build confidence in their ability to lead the AGB’s development efforts.