Highwood Public Library
A Bold Vision and Strategic Plan
The Highwood Public Library needed a strategic plan prior to hiring its next Executive Director. Over 30 conversations were held with community members, staff and board, and subject matter experts to assess the state of the library and its services. By analyzing school and census data and the budget, it was clear that the library’s current course was not financially sustainable and that the library was not relevant to its changing population and literacy needs. A strategic plan was designed to create a transformational library that focuses on community engagement that inspires and enables learning for adults and children and strengthens local identity by supporting 21st-century skills.
By conducting an honest and enlightening assessment, the board was able to hire the right candidate to carry out its vision. Not only that, but the library won the prestigious Institute for Museum and Library Services National Medal within two years of this work! Recognizing them as one of the top three libraries in the country in 2020.
““Elizabeth listened and captured the vision of the Highwood Public Library Board of Trustees in developing a new strategic direction focused on community needs. Our Strategic Priorities lead our efforts in transforming the Library as People, Library as Platform, Library as Place and Library as Literacy. We now have a road map that will enhance and transform many lives in our community.””
Fort Collins Symphony
Creating Relevance and Sustainability Through Marketing
The Fort Collins Symphony is celebrating its 70th season in a community known as a destination for music lovers. Fort Collins Symphony seeks to capitalize on a new Strategic Plan by adding a five-year Branding and Marketing Strategy to create a higher profile and increased awareness in the Northern Colorado market resulting in a strong subscription base and increased funding.
The first campaign will encourage new attendance through a “Friends Bring Friends to the Symphony” promotion designed to increase engagement between current patrons and new audiences, as well as increase awareness and earned revenue.
“The first time I met Elizabeth Martin, I was so struck by her wealth of knowledge, many accomplishments, and uncanny insight that I knew she would be able to breathe new life into the Fort Collins Symphony’s stagnant marketing approach. In a very brief period of time, she has inspired my board, staff, and volunteers to engage in innovative planning to ensure the sustainability and future success of the Fort Collins Symphony. Elizabeth Martin is engaging and motivating our organization in new and exciting ways.
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Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Rocky Mountain Chapter
Building Bonds with families through new Engagement Strategies
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has played a vital role since its inception “dedicated to improving the daily lives of people with cystic fibrosis.” It’s primary function to raise money to fund and find a cure has made all the difference for families like mine.
I am working as a volunteer to create a multi-generational engagement program to support families and friends within the Rocky Mountain Chapter. The purpose is to build a program utilizing the time, talent, expertise and passion of a community that is removed from the daily care of the Cystic Fibrosis patient but who want to give back to the community.
Poudre Community Academy
Coaching in Program Development and Grant Writing
Every student deserves the opportunity to explore career paths after high school. Melinda Hartney of Poudre Community Academy realized this and developed a program to meet that need. PostMatch is a unique career exploration program designed for at-risk students. It will give students the opportunity to apply classroom content, learn entrepreneurial skills and gain confidence in their future developing both a solo and a team business. Each student will develop a career plan and have multiple job shadowing experiences based on their interests.
As a grant coach I have the great honor of helping organizations and individuals write grants that create programs that meet a need and can change lives. Melinda and I worked together to build the strategy for the program and get a $10,000 grant from Otter Cares Foundation.
“Elizabeth listened and then with her experience and knowledge, coached me as the idea evolved into a marketable program, and through writing my first grant. Because of my connection with Inspiritus Leadership, I am now fully funded by a foundation that wants to help my at-risk students see a brighter future. ”