In its first 40 years of operation, the ASAE (now) Research Foundation had established a track record of successful fundraising, including two multi-million dollar capital/endowment campaigns in the mid-1990s.  After a merger with GWSAE in the early 2000s, the rebranded Center for Association Leadership lost momentum.

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In an effort to re-establish the role of philanthropy in supporting its leadership, research, innovation and diversity initiatives, ASAE re-launched the ASAE Foundation at the 2010 Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, but with very little strategic direction in place.

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In 2011, the Foundation engaged The Sheridan Group to provide clear structure and focus to its fundraising operation.  The firm applied the combined experience of its principals, along with its ‘tried and true’ development planning methodology to establish a comprehensive development action plan. The Sheridan Group provided ongoing counsel to assist in the plan’s implementation through 2011, including assisting in the hiring and orientation of the Vice President for Development.  The new plan led to extraordinary growth in membership and corporate giving (including more than 85 ‘Leadership Society’ commitments of $25,000 or more), as well as special event revenue.

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In 2018, the Foundation reengaged The Sheridan Group to conduct a similar assessment and planning exercise.  The firm worked to implement the plan throughout 2019, this time adding in a focus on reestablishing a planned giving recognition program.