Situation

Dedicated to providing arts education and vocational training in decorative arts, Alpha Workshops was grappling with significant financial challenges. The organization struggled with cash flow issues, recent staff layoffs, and unpredictable revenue streams which included custom design services, unique interior products, and large design projects that could take years to secure. End-of-year donations offered some stability but were inconsistent, making it difficult for the team to prioritize fundraising efforts or plan effectively. Faced with these financial uncertainties and a potential merger on the horizon, Alpha Workshops needed a strategic approach to stabilize operations and plan for long-term sustainability.

Solution

ITAC contacted Jill Huentelman for her expertise.  She began by thoroughly analyzing Alpha Workshops’ cash flow trends and revenue patterns. This deep dive helped pinpoint when funds were likely to be low, allowing Ed to plan ahead rather than react to financial pressure. By identifying these patterns, Jill enabled the team to anticipate challenges and prepare accordingly.

Jill also guided the team in evaluating the viability of potential paid projects. She helped assess whether certain projects were worth pursuing, allowing them to focus on the most promising opportunities and avoid investing time and resources in projects that were unlikely to generate significant revenue.

She also worked with the team to refine their fundraising strategy by aligning their efforts with key times of the year, such as end-of-year giving, and building a targeted outreach strategy for specific fundraising channels. This approach maximized the potential for donations and ensured that limited resources were focused where they could make the biggest impact.

With a clearer understanding of both paid projects and fundraising opportunities, Ed was able to approach his board and staff with a strategic, long-term vision for growth, confident in the organization’s ability to balance immediate needs with future goals.

Results

Thanks to Jill’s expertise, Alpha Workshops not only navigated immediate cash flow challenges but also gained the tools to grow sustainably. The organization now has a strategic plan in place, built around its strengths and focused on diversifying and stabilizing revenue streams. This plan, which includes better financial systems and a clearer focus on high-value projects, has positioned Alpha Workshops for both operational stability and a successful merger.

“Jill’s guidance was crucial in helping us manage both immediate challenges and long-term goals. She helped us assess our revenue streams more effectively and prioritize efforts to drive sustained success. Thanks to her support, we now have a clearer strategy that makes us more resilient and better equipped to navigate future challenges.”