$600,000 Raised in 8 Months to Expand Therapeutic Services

A Strategic Investment That Delivered a 10x Return

  • TOTAL INVESTED: $60,000
  • TOTAL RAISED: $600,000 (initial campaign)
  • ROI: ~10 X Initial Investment

Why It Mattered

At Healing Strides of Virginia, the demand for equine-assisted therapy was soaring. Children and adults facing physical, emotional, and developmental challenges were waiting for care—but the organization had outgrown its modest facilities.

Despite powerful outcomes and strong community support, Healing Strides lacked the major donor infrastructure and fundraising strategy needed to expand. Growth wasn’t just needed—it was urgent.

The Strategic Decision

Founder Carol Young brought the challenge to the board. Together, they made a pivotal decision: invest $60,000 in the Major Gifts Ramp-Up (MGRU) model—a proven system designed to unlock transformational giving.

With the guidance of an MGRU Counselor, the team:

  • Built a compelling, mission-centered case for support
  • Identified and cultivated high-capacity donors
  • Engaged board members in meaningful, purpose-driven fundraising
  • Launched a focused major gifts campaign with clear milestones
  • Created donor systems to sustain long-term support

The Outcome

The campaign resulted in:

  • $600,000 raised in just 8 months
  • Expansion of facilities and services to meet rising demand
  • Increased visibility and donor engagement across the region
  • Momentum that led to $7 million more raised since the initial campaign
  • A stronger, more sustainable organization now serving more families than ever before

This was more than a financial win—it marked a turning point in the organization’s growth and impact.

Impact and Takeaway

“This campaign gave us more than funding—it gave us belief. Our staff, our supporters, and our entire community began to see what Healing Strides could truly become.”

Carol Young, Founder

Healing Strides of Virginia

This investment changed how the board operates. With a clear strategy, purpose, and system in place, Healing Strides moved from reactive to proactive fundraising—and from capacity-limited to growth-ready.

Key Insight

Investing in major gifts infrastructure isn’t just a smart move—it’s a transformational one. When board leadership aligns with a bold vision and proven model, the return is far greater than dollars—it’s expanded impact, long-term stability, and the ability to meet mission at scale.