Case Study: Rancho Coastal Humane Society
About the Organization
Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) is dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned companion animals, promoting adoption into loving homes and offering education programs and support services that inspire and strengthen the human-animal bond. Since its opening in 1960, RCHS has become well-known for its personalized pet adoption process, Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS) transport program and youth education programs.
Jeff Zevely, Judi Sanzo and Flopsie Joy enjoy the weather at their construction site in Encinitas, CA.
The Situation
Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) was preparing for the most ambitious expansion in its 60-year history: the construction of four new buildings and a major remodel of its Adoption Center. With aging facilities and growing community needs, RCHS saw a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine its campus and elevate its impact. However, to bring this vision to life, the organization needed to dramatically increase its fundraising capacity, refine its internal systems, and build deeper engagement with stakeholders. It was clear this would require bold leadership, new strategies and expert guidance to match the scale of their aspirations.
The Goal
The initial goal was to raise $10 million for its biggest expansion project: four new structures and remodeling its Adoption Center. This goal quickly changed to $14 million and included a sustainability fund.
The Approach
Rancho Coastal Humane Society launched its work with Alford Group with a feasibility study, then as campaign counsel to implement the full scope of the project. This work involved a variety of processes: increasing staffing; upgrading the database, processes, systems and policies; conducting over 30 interviews, numerous community meetings and events; designing new communication tools for reaching stakeholders; and researching prospective donors, accompanied by many donor touchpoints and personal meetings to further qualify and ultimately move donors to make their gifts.
The Results
The campaign lasted only three years and reached completion with a community celebration and grand opening. RCHS exceeded its campaign goal of $14 million and has raised over $16 million. The surplus helped cover additional construction costs due to inflation and further strengthened the sustainability fund. It also has allowed RCHS to add items such as solar panels, technology upgrades, outdoor gathering places, and additional medical equipment that will cut costs and boost programs in the future.
“Much of our success comes from our good fortune to engage Alford Group to teach us how to do what we have done. Over our time together, we have reached fundraising milestones that have enabled us to step into the future and dream bigger for companion animals and the humans who love them.”
Judi Sanzo, President & CEO of Rancho Coastal Humane Society.