Case Studies + Stories
Credit: Client Photo | The Bushwick Starr
the Bushwick Starr
Services Provided
- Strategic Matchmaking
- Creative Problem-Solving
- Sustainable Impact
focus areas
- Arts and Culture
- Organizational Sustainability
- Community Development
- Equity in Creative Infrastructure
Project Overview
The Bushwick Starr, a Brooklyn-based incubator for experimental performing arts, faced a critical turning point when it lost the lease to its longtime venue. Originally seeking guidance for a modest $1–2 million campaign to secure a new rental space, the organization quickly realized this was an opportunity to scale their vision significantly. What started as a funding drive to keep the doors open soon evolved into a bold mission to secure and renovate a permanent theater home.
the challenge
- Launching its first major fundraising campaign
- Transitioning from a renter to a property owner
- Restructuring internal operations to sustain long-term growth
- Maintaining their commitment to local communities and experimental artists while navigating this major transformation
Our Approach
P.S.314 partnered with The Bushwick Starr to design and manage a comprehensive capital campaign, shifting the focus from renting to purchasing and renovating a permanent space. Our approach included:
- Developing a compelling case for support rooted in The Starr’s dual mission of experimental art and community engagement
- Designing and strategically managing every phase of the fundraising campaign, from major gifts to public outreach
- Facilitating key decision-making among board members and leadership during a period of intense organizational growth
- Conducting strategic planning for FY23–25 to align internal operations with long-term goals
- Structuring campaign infrastructure, including donor engagement strategies, prospect pipelines, solicitation tools, and committee structures
The outcome
The Bushwick Starr’s initial $1–2 million fundraising goal grew into a $10–12 million campaign, leading to:
- The successful purchase and renovation of a new venue in Bushwick
- A complete restructuring of the development department and staff roles
- Over $3.2 million raised in the early phase, including high-yield commitments from major donors
- A new strategic plan to guide the organization’s next decade of growth and community impact
- Expanded programming and increased visibility as a key cultural anchor in the community
Key Insight
Transformational fundraising goes beyond raising dollars—it’s about building the infrastructure, identity, and vision that will sustain an organization long term. By investing in strategic thinking, compelling storytelling, and capacity-building, The Bushwick Starr turned a potential crisis into a generational opportunity for growth and impact.
Credit: Client Photo | Schott Foundation
SCHOTT FOUNDATION FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION
Services Provided
- Strategic Planning
- Donor Feasibility Study
- Campaign Strategy & Messaging
- Leadership Alignment & Facilitation
focus areas
- Education Equity
- Racial and Economic Justice
- Philanthropy Systems Innovation
Project Overview
As the Schott Foundation approached its 30th anniversary, it sought to honor its legacy while igniting a new era of growth. A leader in education justice funding, Schott aimed to expand its donor base, deepen its impact, and position itself as a long-term home for movement-aligned philanthropy. However, despite its strong reputation and partnerships, Schott lacked a unified fundraising and communications strategy. They needed clarity in messaging, better pathways for donor engagement, and a plan to leverage their anniversary to ensure long-term sustainability.
the challenge
Schott faced several key challenges:
- Deepening its philanthropic impact while expanding its donor base
- Crafting a cohesive and compelling fundraising strategy
- Creating a clear, consistent message around its mission and impact
- Leveraging its 30th anniversary to build lasting sustainability for the future
Our Approach
P.S.314 partnered with Schott to guide them through a two-phase process rooted in data, narrative, and equity-driven design. Our work focused on developing a strategy that expanded resources without compromising Schott’s core mission.
Phase 1: Donor Feasibility & Fundraising Assessment
- Conducted qualitative interviews and surveys with both current and potential donors
- Developed donor personas and a segmentation strategy
- Identified misalignments between Schott’s impact and how it was being perceived
- Delivered a comprehensive Donor Assessment Report, outlining opportunities, gaps, and capacity-building needs
Phase 2: 30th Anniversary Strategy & Campaign Design
- Co-designed a multi-city event series that honored Schott’s history while launching its future vision
- Developed a narrative-driven Case for Support based on movement language
- Crafted a multi-audience Communications Strategy, including a storytelling suite
- Created a custom Donor Engagement Framework (Ambassadors, Advocates, Connectors, Investors)
- Designed intimate event formats (salons, dialogues, digital showcases) to foster meaningful engagement
The outcome
The collaboration resulted in several impactful outcomes:
- Secured 130+ new donors, surpassing initial fundraising goals
- Launched a $30 million campaign framework to support grassroots education justice work
- Activated new audiences, including institutional funders, family offices, and major individual donors
- Produced compelling video, print, and digital assets to enhance national storytelling
- Met strategic advancement targets 18–24 months ahead of schedule
- Reinforced Schott’s role as a national bridge-builder between philanthropy and frontline partners
Key Insight
Credit: Client Photo | Black Public Media
BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA (BPM)
Narrative Equity in Action: From The Collective to The Black Paper
Services Provided
- Organizational Visioning
- Narrative Strategy & Messaging
- Philanthropic Engagement
- Stakeholder Mapping
focus areas
- Narrative Equity
- Arts & Culture Activism
- Media & Representation
- Philanthropy Matchmaking
Project Overview
the challenge
BPM faced the following challenges:
- Clarifying its identity and public positioning
- Engaging funders around a shared vision for Black media
- Creating a consistent strategy that aligned board, staff, and program areas
- Securing new investments to fuel the future of Black storytelling
Our Approach
P.S.314 partnered with BPM to develop and implement a comprehensive visioning and strategy process. Our approach focused on narrative equity, philanthropic engagement, and organizational development, with a special emphasis on aligning BPM’s mission with its funding strategy.
Key components of our approach included:
- Leadership Visioning: Facilitated a high-impact session to align internal stakeholders and set a clear direction
- The Collective: Designed a next-generation narrative framework that positioned BPM as a national convener and architect of the Black media ecosystem
- Funder Mapping: Mapped engagement points across BPM’s program ecosystem, identifying key funders and partners
- Philanthropic Strategy: Provided strategic coaching on aligning fundraising efforts with BPM’s mission and culture
- Messaging Development: Supported the translation of BPM’s mission into accessible, action-driving messages
A pivotal element of this engagement was The Black Paper, BPM’s thought leadership document, which outlined a visionary future for Black storytelling centered on infrastructure, equity, and shared power. P.S.314 helped bridge this vision into practical fundraising and partnership strategies.
The outcome
The collaboration with P.S.314 resulted in several impactful outcomes:
- Secured a major partnership with the Ford Foundation, boosting BPM’s profile and enabling them to attract leading funders like Google
- Launched The Collective, a narrative framework that aligned BPM’s public messaging across various platforms and stakeholders
- Strengthened internal fundraising culture by clarifying roles and aligning staff and board goals
- Positioned BPM for national growth through cross-sector storytelling initiatives, including the Black Media Story Summit and The Black Paper
- Created momentum for a multi-year philanthropic strategy focused on community, innovation, and cultural equity
Key Insight
Strategic growth begins with clarity, not just funding. By anchoring its narrative in movement alignment and community-driven vision (as outlined in The Black Paper), BPM didn’t just attract new support—it redefined the story of what Black public media can be. Through a process that integrated narrative, strategy, and investment, P.S.314 helped BPM translate its vision into impactful action and sustainable growth.
Credit: Client Photo | CADRE-LA
CADRE-LA
From Fundraising Hesitance to Mission-Aligned Resource Strategy
Services Provided
- Organizational Assessment & Visioning
- Philanthropic Landscape Analysis
- Strategic Fundraising Plan
- Leadership Transition Support
focus areas
- Education Equity
- Racial Justice
- Organizational Sustainability
- Parent-Led Movement Building
Project Overview
As CADRE—an organization dedicated to amplifying the leadership of Black and Brown parents in public education—approached its 20th anniversary, it faced a pivotal challenge: how to shift from grassroots fundraising practices to a sustainable, scalable resource development model that honored its core values. With a leadership transition imminent, CADRE needed a strategy that aligned its fundraising efforts with its mission and long-term vision for impact.
the challenge
Amidst a national reckoning on racial justice, CADRE’s track record of transformative impact in education justice was clear, but its fundraising practices were not fully aligned with its power or potential. The organization faced several challenges:
- Framing fundraising as a values-aligned practice
- Communicating its story in a way that resonated with diverse funders
- Building the systems and capacity for sustainable donor engagement
Our Approach
- Organizational Assessment & Visioning: A deep-dive into CADRE’s legacy, strengths, and future opportunities, focusing on equity, storytelling, and leadership transition.
- Philanthropic Landscape Analysis: Mapping funder priorities in the wake of the 2020 racial justice uprisings to identify opportunities for alignment.
- Strategic Fundraising Plan: Co-designed a six-phase donor engagement model tailored to CADRE’s culture, which included identification, development, cultivation, briefing, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Internal Capacity Building: Provided tools, messaging, and coaching for staff and board members to engage confidently and effectively in donor relations.
- Succession Strategy Integration: Ensured that the resource development plan supported the leadership transition while maintaining institutional knowledge and community trust.
The outcome
The partnership with P.S.314 resulted in several key outcomes for CADRE:
- Developed a comprehensive fundraising toolkit and donor engagement calendar
- Cultivated a new narrative framework rooted in solidarity and racial justice
- Elevated board and staff fundraising roles, enhancing their fluency and confidence
- Shifted the internal culture around development from a sense of obligation to an opportunity for collective empowerment
- Positioned CADRE to expand its funding network, attracting both grassroots supporters and institutional donors
Key Insight
Fundraising is not separate from the mission—it is a vehicle to carry it forward. By aligning fundraising efforts with organizational values and community-driven storytelling, CADRE turned its fundraising approach into a liberatory practice rooted in solidarity. This transformation not only strengthened its resource strategy but also deepened its commitment to racial justice and education equity.
Credit: Client Photo | Boston Cultural Leaders Coalition
Boston Cultural Leaders Coalition (BCLC)
Building Trust-Centered Cultural Leadership for Lasting Change
Services Provided
- Visioning Retreat Design
- Cohort Assessment & Facilitation
- Equity-Centered Strategy Coaching
- Strategic Advising on Coalition Development
focus areas
- Arts & Culture Equity
- Racial & Economic Justice
- Coalition Building
- Organizational Trust & Culture
the challenge
The Boston Cultural Leaders Coalition (BCLC) emerged as a collective of BIPOC cultural leaders dedicated to advancing racial equity in Boston’s arts sector. As the coalition grew, it faced a critical challenge: evolving from an informal collaboration into a cohesive, trusted entity. With differing leadership styles, organizational structures, and histories of exclusion, BCLC struggled to build authentic trust among its diverse members. Without a formalized vision or shared infrastructure, they found it difficult to move forward while staying true to their commitment to cultural and racial justice.
Our Approach
P.S.314 worked closely with BCLC to guide them through a transformative process focused on clarity, cohesion, and care. Rather than imposing a rigid strategic plan, our approach centered on facilitating honest reflection and repair within the group. We provided:
- Facilitated Visioning Retreats to uncover shared values and goals
- Cohort-Wide Assessments to understand leadership concerns and trust gaps
- Custom Framework Proposals to offer phased options for growth and identity
- Listening Sessions to foster internal alignment and emotional resonance
- Strategic Memos & Recommendations to support transparency and sustainable growth
The outcome
Instead of rushing into a formal strategic framework, BCLC made a strategic decision to pause the development of its governance structure. This thoughtful pause allowed the coalition to focus on building community, trust, and alignment before formalizing plans.
- Members gained clarity about individual and collective expectations
- A renewed commitment to prioritizing relational work over institutional pressures emerged
- P.S.314’s process revealed key questions for the future without forcing premature answers
- BCLC is now positioned to approach strategic planning with greater authenticity and alignment
Key Insight
Coalition work is not always linear—and success is not always measured by deliverables. BCLC’s choice to pause their strategic framework development was a wise, intentional step. Sometimes, the most powerful strategy is investing in the relationships that lay the foundation for lasting transformation.
Credit: Client Photo | Hi-ARTS
Hi-Arts
Building Structure for Sustainable Growth in Creative Ecosystems
Services Provided
- Organizational Strategy with an Equity Lens
- Planning and Implementation Support
- Culture and Inclusion Assessment
focus areas
- Arts & Culture Activism
- Narrative Equity
- Organizational Sustainability
the challenge
As Hi-ARTS prepared to celebrate its 25th anniversary, the organization faced a pivotal moment. Known nationally for its work at the intersection of Hip-Hop, urban arts, and cultural justice, Hi-ARTS needed internal systems to match its profound external impact. With a new Executive Director at the helm, Hi-ARTS aimed to document and structure its visionary, values-driven ecosystem while reinforcing its infrastructure for long-term sustainability.
The challenge was clear: internal systems must amplify the soul of the work, not hinder it. Hi-ARTS needed to:
- Clarify internal roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes
- Translate core values into repeatable practices
- Create a foundation for effective onboarding, artist engagement, and sustainable growth
Our Approach
P.S.314 collaborated with Hi-ARTS through a phased engagement that prioritized care, creativity, and capacity-building. Our approach included:
- Cultural & Organizational Assessment to examine equity, leadership, and internal alignment
- Visioning Retreat to surface tensions and reaffirm collective values
- Internal Structure Refinement to clarify roles, responsibilities, and accountability
- Hi-ARTS Organizational Playbook development, a living document capturing the organization’s ethos, operations, and creative ecosystem
- Advising on Learning & Development for staff and board to foster institutional growth and governance in line with Hi-ARTS’ artistic vision
The outcome
- A custom Organizational Playbook was delivered, anchoring internal operations and onboarding processes
- Role clarity and departmental workflows were refined to reduce burnout and enhance collaboration
- Aligned storytelling and strategy elevated Hi-ARTS’ ability to onboard funders, partners, and board members
- Leadership culture was strengthened, with the Executive Director positioned to guide Hi-ARTS toward sustainable, transformative growth
Key Insight
Creative ecosystems flourish when supported by intentional infrastructure. By codifying its values, practices, and structure, Hi-ARTS protected its artistic magic while building the internal framework needed to scale sustainably.
Credit: Client Photo | The Beautiful Project
THE BEAUTIFUL PROJECT
Designing Sustainable Infrastructure for Narrative Justice
Services Provided
- Strategic Planning
- Organizational Assessment
- Leadership Transition Planning
- Philanthropic Positioning
focus areas
- Narrative Equity
- Racial & Gender Justice
- Mental Health & Wellness
- Arts & Culture
the challenge
The Beautiful Project (TBP), a collective of Black women image makers dedicated to representational justice, faced a crucial crossroads. Despite its strong programmatic identity, TBP struggled with sustainability, internal infrastructure, and leadership succession. As TBP transitioned from fiscal sponsorship to 501(c)(3) status and with the anticipated departure of its founding Executive Director, the organization needed to establish a path that honored its values while preparing for future growth.
Key questions included:
- How can TBP fundraise in a way that reflects its mission without compromising its ethos?
- What organizational structures are needed for sustainable staffing, board development, and program execution?
- How can TBP navigate leadership transition while maintaining trust and momentum?
Our Approach
P.S.314 partnered with TBP through a multi-phase engagement to design a foundation for long-term impact. Our work focused on storytelling, equity, and strategic planning, including:
- Strategic Planning Roadmap: A year-long framework covering development, operations, and community engagement.
- Organizational Assessment: A comprehensive analysis of internal systems, leadership capacity, and staff structure.
- Succession & Transition Planning: A bridge plan to guide the founder’s departure and prepare for new leadership.
- Resource Development Strategy: Tools and infrastructure for launching targeted fundraising and in-kind support efforts.
- Narrative & Stakeholder Strategy: Development of a case for support, community engagement model, and stakeholder archetypes.
The outcome
- Comprehensive Strategic Plan centered around representational justice and intergenerational leadership.
- Transition Model leveraging existing staff while preparing for the new executive leadership structure.
- 12-Month Operational Roadmap guiding internal alignment and enhancing external visibility.
- Stakeholder Engagement Frameworks across TBP’s Collective, Community, and Network.
- Positioned TBP for sustainable growth through new philanthropic relationships, enhanced visibility strategies, and board expansion.
Key Insight
Sustainability starts with structure. By aligning its internal systems with its external mission, TBP demonstrated that infrastructure is not a detour from the vision—it’s the vehicle that carries it forward.
