Emerald Cities Collaborative
Building a cohesive philanthropic strategy for a national nonprofit network working at the intersection of climate, equity, and economic inclusion.
About the Client
Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC) is a national nonprofit network working at the intersection of climate, equity, and economic inclusion. Through partnerships with labor, business, and community organizations, ECC advances a green economy that builds community wealth and resilience.
The Challenge
As ECC grew its national and regional footprint, it sought to strengthen its philanthropic platform and unify its messaging across multiple cities.
Leadership wanted to:
- Develop a national framework for strategic philanthropy
- Align donor communications with ECC's mission of equity and sustainability
- Build regional fundraising capacity
Our Strategy
Our team designed a multi-layered strategy to transform ECC's philanthropic approach from transactional to relational.
Strategic Philanthropy Framework
Shifted ECC's fundraising from transactional asks to relational, mission-aligned partnerships.
Regional Readiness
Equipped regional directors with customized tools, language, and strategies for donor cultivation.
Narrative Development
Crafted clear messaging that links ECC's climate equity outcomes to philanthropic priorities.
Systems for Sustainability
Recommended processes for donor stewardship, campaign planning, and data tracking.
Key Deliverables
We partnered with ECC to clarify its philanthropic strategy and build internal systems for sustainable growth.
Strategic Advisory
Leadership coaching with ECC's executive team
Regional Roadmap
Fundraising strategy for Southern California and Northwest
Impact Deck
National Philanthropy and Impact Deck for donor outreach
Giving Campaign
End-of-year campaign highlighting regional impact stories
Results & Impact
Within six months, ECC achieved measurable outcomes across their philanthropic efforts.
National
Donor engagement platform launched
Unified
Communications with major funders
Regional
Donor materials aligned nationally
Stronger
National-regional collaboration
Giddings Consulting helped us see the big picture—and gave us the structure to connect our impact stories to the people who believe in them.
Emerald Cities Collaborative Leadership
Key Insights
This engagement reflects our commitment to equity-centered strategy, relationship-based philanthropy, and sustainable growth.
Strategic philanthropy begins with shared language and aligned storytelling.
Building internal readiness is as critical as external engagement.
Regional diversity is a strength when guided by a clear national vision.