Featuring: Julie Henson, CFRE, VP of Development, Coburn Place
The Challenge
Coburn Place needed an in-depth look at its fundraising operations, from staff roles to systems and donor relationships. Leadership sought expert guidance to strengthen their development capacity while maintaining authentic, meaningful connections with supporters.
“We needed a close assessment of our fundraising structure,” said Julie Henson, VP of Development for Coburn Place. “We trusted that LSA had the expertise to guide us into how to realistically strengthen our work, while leveraging stronger relationships with donors along the way.”
Why LSA?
Coburn Place turned to LSA for their blend of accessibility, expertise, and hands-on partnership.
- Scalable Support: LSA works with both small-shop and large nonprofits, scaling recommendations to fit each organization’s size and needs.
- Affordable Expertise: With a fair and transparent pricing model, clients can ensure they’re getting high value without excessive cost.
- Balanced Team Strength: The LSA team combines deep fundraising knowledge with strong relationship and communication skills—making the company easy to work with and highly effective.
“LSA is a really accessible organization. Their prices are reasonable, and they scale work so it makes sense for your organization,” said Julie.
The Approach
LSA conducted a comprehensive development audit to assess Coburn Place’s fundraising capacity and structure. Work included:
- Interviewing the entire development team, board members, donors, and community partners.
- Identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities across systems, strategy, and staffing.
- Compiling clear, actionable recommendations for restructuring and growth.
The audit became a roadmap for the future—one that Coburn Place used for years to build structure, clarity, and fundraising success.
A “Wow” Moment
“I remember being blown away when reading the findings. It became a guide I used for several years afterward. Much of the scaffolding we’ve built started from this review. The feedback was so clear, concise, and tactical. LSA named things I had felt but couldn’t quite articulate,” Julie said.
Even seven years later, the audit remains a valuable reference point, proof of the lasting impact of LSA’s work.
The Results
With LSA’s guidance, Coburn Place:
- Strengthened its development team structure and strategy.
- Built long-term fundraising capacity grounded in realistic, actionable steps.
- Gained clarity on organizational priorities and growth opportunities.
- Created a foundation for continued donor relationship success.
Final Thoughts + Impact
LSA helped Coburn Place build a lasting framework for fundraising success—one that continues to guide and inspire the organization years later.
“LSA is responsive, thoughtful, and goes the extra mile for nonprofits. They provide practical, accessible feedback with real solutions, and their thought leadership and partnership are invaluable. They care deeply about Indianapolis philanthropy. It’s not just a paycheck for them; they truly want to see nonprofits thrive.”
About the Organization
Working together, Coburn Place offers compassionate support and safe housing choices to survivors of domestic violence and their children in the Greater Indianapolis area. Their vision is to illuminate a path forward to restore hope and promote healing. Everyone deserves a safe home. Learn more about the organization here.