Smart Fundraising, Lasting Impact: How DonorSearch Helped Island Senior Resources Raise $10M
Client: Island Senior Resources
Sector: Human Services
“DonorSearch gives me all the tools I need to work smart instead of just hard.” — Charles LeFond, Development Officer, Island Senior Resources
Client Overview
Island Senior Resources serves aging adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers across Island County, Washington. The organization provides essential services for residents living on islands off the coast of the Pacific Northwest, many of whom face geographic and mobility challenges.
The Challenge
Before DonorSearch, Island Senior Resources faced a common nonprofit challenge: how to identify donors with high giving capacity and connect with those most likely to make a meaningful impact. With limited planned giving and a modest fundraising history, the team needed a smarter, more strategic approach to donor engagement.
The Results
- Major Gift Breakthroughs: A prospect identified through DonorSearch made a first-time gift of $20,000.
- Transformational Legacy Gift: An individual revealed plans to leave one-third of his multi-million-dollar estate to Island Senior Resources—after DonorSearch surfaced his relevant interests.
- Explosive Growth: In just six years, the organization’s fundraising grew from $89,000 to $10 million.
- Planned Giving Pipeline: From zero planned gifts five years ago to 37 today—and a goal of reaching 250 to fund the organization in perpetuity.
The Solution
DonorSearch equipped Island Senior Resources with a data-driven approach to uncovering philanthropic intent and donor capacity. AI and predictive modeling helped Charles and his team zero in on individuals who had both the ability and the desire to support their mission—conversations were more targeted, and results followed.
The Benefits
- Data-Led Confidence: The team engaged in planned giving conversations with clarity, backed by donor interest data.
- High ROI: Charles notes that “for less than the cost of a major gift, you’ll find ten people who more than cover the expense.”
- Time-Saving Precision: DonorSearch helped fine-tune the team’s focus, ensuring that fundraising efforts prioritized high-impact opportunities.
Conclusion
DonorSearch is accelerating Island Senior Resources’ mission—transforming the organization’s fundraising capacity and its future. With the right tools, Charles and his team are not just working harder; they’re working smarter—and building an endowment that could support their work for generations to come.
