Community Partners hired a development consultant to:

1. The consultant assisted in writing a development plan that the Community Partners’ Board approved in March 2006.
2. Community Partners had been implementing parts of the development plan even prior to its formal approval.
3. Community Partners held many fundraising events and met with numerous community and business leaders to educate them about the organization and solicit donations. Community Partners successfully met the match for the Foundation’s challenge grant in years 1 and 2 and is well on the way to meeting the match in year 3 that ends in January 2007. Original asset base was $25,000; current assets are $70,240.

Notable outcomes:

• To date, Community Partners has successfully met the match requirements for its Foundation challenge grant.
• Community Partners received United Way funding and may also be eligible for future United Way funds.
• Community Partners established endowments at two separate community foundations. These foundations provide consultation and education for Community Partners. The association of Community Partners with these two respected community foundations also enhances donor trust in Community Partners.

The capacity building grant allowed the start-up of the Community Partners organization. Community Partners has initiated a successful fundraising program and has already awarded several grants to provide various kinds of assistance such as transportation, school supplies, activity programs, and computer training to adults and children with mental illnesses. Community Partners continues to grow and would benefit from some paid staff time. Community Partners in exploring funding that would cover the cost of hiring a development director. Overall, Community Partners successfully achieved its goals and expects to continue growing and providing funds for needed services not funded by traditional funding sources.