Case Studies

The Terry Lee Wells Foundation

The Challenge:
The Terry Lee Wells Foundation was the largest donor to a Reno-based children’s program, providing a $4 million building grant, as well as several large grants for programs. When asked by the organization for a significant grant for unrestricted operating support, the trustees wanted to know if that was the best investment for the Foundation and for the grantee.

The Solution:
MW&A provided the Trustees with a complete organizational program assessment—a “head to toe” examination of the administration, board practices, program development and fundraising activities.

This assessment not only provided the grantee with significant short- and long-term recommendations for greater efficiency, but also offered The Terry Lee Wells Foundation a thorough funding strategy to help the grantee leverage their next Foundation grant with support from the community. Within twelve months, the Trustees provided the organization with a $500,000 challenge grant, which was met with new support, creating $1,000,000 in pivotal operating support.