Helping RCM build confidence and systems to raise $250K

From a leader afraid to ask for money to $25k raised in 3 months and a $250K pipeline built after coaching and execution support

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How MAP helped
Through embedded coaching and execution support, MAP helped transform fundraising from an intimidating task into a structured, sustainable program by strengthening fundraising confidence, stewarding donors, and building systems to reach both short- and long-term goals.
$25K raised in 3 months
Short-term fundraising goal achieved with immediate donor support.
$250K pipeline built
Solicitations launched with $250K+ pending toward long-term goal.
Confidence unlocked
Executive Director coached to ask authentically and tell RCM’s story with ease.
BASED IN
New York City
SECTOR
Background
COMMUNITY PARTNERS: RENAISSANCE CENTER OF MASTERY (RCM) is dedicated to empowering community members through transformative programs. In 2025, the organization sought to strengthen donor relationships and build a sustainable fundraising engine. With limited prior experience and a short-term goal of $25K — plus an ambitious $250K long-term target — leadership needed both confidence and systems to move forward.
The Challenge
If you're facing any of the challenges above — from "I hate asking for money" to "I don't have enough donors" — you're not alone. We're here to help visionaries like you scale your impact.
  • Fundraising discomfort: Executive Director felt intimidated and unsure about making asks.
  • Limited donor systems: No structured pipeline, meeting briefs, or follow-up processes.
  • Uncertain ROI: Hesitation about hiring external support with limited budget.
How We Embedded
Strategic Coaching & Case Development
Messaging & Donor Storytelling
Fundraising Assessment
Donor Pipeline & Tracking Tools
Meeting Prep & Follow-Up Systems
Tailored Talking Points
Live Coaching for Asks
Grant Sourcing & Support
Confidence & Capacity Building
BUILD
Interim Development Director support
BUILD
Prospect research
The Solution
We plug in as your development engine, bringing the strategy, systems, and people to get things done. From building your pipeline to drafting appeals and leading weekly donor meetings, we handle execution while keeping you focused on what matters most. It’s like hiring a high-performing development team—at a fraction of the cost of one FTE. The Impact: You move faster, raise more, and finally have the capacity to match your ambition. We don’t just advise—we make it happen.
Discovery & Strategy
Conducted a fundraising assessment and built a clear case for support tied to RCM’s mission and goals.
Pipeline & Prospecting
Created a donor pipeline, organized meeting briefs, and developed tailored talking points to support outreach.
Donor Engagement Systems
Implemented systems for stewardship, meeting follow-ups, and solicitation tracking to ensure momentum.
Case & Collateral
Crafted story-driven appeals and donor materials to help the Executive Director ask with confidence.
Capacity Building
Provided coaching, role-play sessions, and ongoing support that turned “fear of asking” into fundraising confidence.
We're Your Navigation Team
We're strategists, operators, and fundraising experts who've helped visionaries like you raise $100M+ (and counting). Think of us as your embedded fundraising team - we chart the course and navigate the path while you focus on what matters most: leading your mission.
Founder. Builder. Fundraiser.
I spent a decade leading nonprofit fundraising, building systems from scratch and closing multi-million dollar gifts. What I needed more than strategy docs and donor intros was a team to build systems, find donors who cared about my mission, and keep the momentum going.

That's the insight behind MAP: we don't just advise - we embed as your fundraising team and handle everything from research to donor meetings to follow-up.

‍Because fundraising isn't about fancy plans. It's about having the right team and systems that do the work while you lead the mission.

‍– Michelle Akapnitis
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