The Organization

Union Capital Boston is a Boston-based nonprofit advancing economic mobility by strengthening community networks and expanding access to opportunity. Through a membership-based model and partnerships with employers, funders, and community organizations, Union Capital transforms social capital into tangible outcomes for individuals and families.

The Challenge

As Union Capital approached its 10th anniversary, leadership saw an opportunity to do more than celebrate a milestone. They wanted to leverage the moment to strengthen donor relationships, increase individual giving, and establish a sustainable major gifts program to support future growth.

Key questions included:

• How can Union Capital leverage its anniversary to deepen donor relationships and grow revenue?

• How can leadership prioritize major gift prospects and move them toward meaningful investment?

• What systems, messaging, and structures are needed to support a stronger major gifts program beyond the anniversary?

• How can the organization build momentum before the celebratory event — not rely on it?

The Approach

True North partnered with Union Capital through a phased anniversary campaign and major gifts engagement that included:

• Discovery and assessment of current fundraising practices, donor data, and systems

• Development of a 10th anniversary major gifts campaign strategy and messaging platform

• Audience segmentation and creation of a prioritized major donor pipeline

• Weekly strategy and prospect prioritization meetings with leadership

• Solicitation training and coaching for staff and volunteer leaders

• Creation of a stewardship and recognition plan to support long-term donor relationships

The work balanced data-driven analysis with practical, relationship-centered strategy — helping leadership move from planning to confident action.

The Results

Union Capital exceeded its anniversary campaign goal ahead of its celebratory event, raising $500,000 in new funding and significantly strengthening its major donor pipeline.

Beyond revenue, the organization gained:

• Clearer fundraising priorities and leadership confidence

• A more focused and actionable major gifts strategy

• Stronger donor engagement and stewardship practices

• A foundation for a sustainable major gifts program beyond the anniversary campaign

• Strategy and recruitment for a Director of Development hire