The Brien Center
The Brien Center for Mental Health and Addiction Services is a $30 million organization with a staff of over 400. The CEO and members of the Board’s Development Committee contacted Katalyst to explore having a feasibility study completed. They have relied on state reimbursements to fund over 95% of the services provided, had very little history of private fundraising and did not have the donor base necessary to consider a feasibility study or capital campaign. The company has over 20 buildings that needed several capital improvements.
Purposeful Change
The Katalyst team recommended a different approach: building a culture of philanthropy within the organization and connecting the community with this important resource.
How Katalyst Activated Change
First, we did a deep dive into The Brien Center’s fundraising efforts and provided board and leadership team training and coaching. Katalyst conducted a search for a development director and supported the new hire in creating a fundraising plan with necessary resources and coaching.
Katalyst then put together a yearlong plan that kicked off in July 2022, named the 100+ Campaign. In 2020, The Brien Center had hit a 100-year milestone but due to COVID did not recognize this accomplishment. It was time to celebrate their impacts and tell the organization’s story. The consultation included development of brand identity and collateral materials that highlighted the campaign. A gala event raised over $150,000 in sponsorships and included more than 300 attendees; and outreach activities and communication strategies to increase community awareness of The Brien Center’s impact.
