The work we have done with The Phoenix Philanthropy Group has really enabled us to focus on other priorities of growing the business while they took care of managing the development process. They have a broad range of experience and devise creative solutions. 

– Maryellen Gleason, President and CEO

IMPACT: The Phoenix Symphony is Arizona’s largest performing arts organization and only full-time professional orchestra. Its dedication to the community includes performances for more than 80,000 students and children each year to introduce music to new generations through a variety of education programs.

ISSUE: As with many arts organizations, The Phoenix Symphony was under significant pressure to grow its fundraising productivity and momentum, and to balance its budget. At the time, the Symphony was facing multiple internal challenges, including the loss of its development director and other vacancies in key fundraising positions. 

SOLUTION: The Phoenix Philanthropy Group stepped in to provide interim management of the fundraising operation. Our charge was to grow the advancement operation; surpass existing fundraising goals; position and staff the CEO and Board for fundraising success; and manage the executive search for a new chief development officer. We also helped guide the launch and implementation of a high-profile endowment challenge campaign – The Herberger Challenge.

RESULT: During The Phoenix Philanthropy Group’s interim management and fundraising consultation work, The Phoenix Symphony raised more money than in any previous year in the history of the organization. It received a multi-million dollar, multi-year contribution from a national corporation – by far the largest gift this corporation had given to any arts group in the nation – and successfully launched and achieved the financial goals for The Herberger Challenge campaign.

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