Case Study: Architects Foundation

Client: Architects Foundation (Partner of the American Institute of Architects)
Engagement: Interim Leadership, Strategy, DEI Advancement, Campaign Counsel

Challenge

The Architects Foundation sought to strengthen its mission, strategic vision, and operational approach while advancing its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the architecture profession. The organization also needed leadership continuity during a transition, as well as guidance on long-term fundraising strategies, including a major endowment campaign tied to its historic Octagon House in Washington, D.C.

AFLLC Approach

AFLLC served as the Foundation’s Interim Co-Executive Director for one year, working closely with the Foundation Board and the CEO of the American Institute of Architects. During this period, AFLLC helped clarify and strengthen the Foundation’s mission, strategic objectives, and tactical execution.

By elevating DEI as a central organizational priority—particularly through the Foundation’s Diversity Advancement Scholarships—AFLLC aligned the Foundation’s values with compelling philanthropic opportunities. AFLLC also supported the search for and onboarding of a new Executive Director and later facilitated Board meetings to ensure continued momentum around strategy and long-term planning.

In 2020, AFLLC conducted a feasibility study for an anticipated $10 million endowment campaign to support the preservation and future use of the historic Octagon House, which the Foundation owns and operates as a house museum. Following the study, AFLLC transitioned into the role of campaign counsel.

Results

• Secured a transformational $1 million gift by positioning DEI and the Diversity Advancement Scholarships at the forefront of the Foundation’s work

• Doubled the number of students participating in the Diversity Advancement Scholarship program

• Strengthened board alignment, strategic clarity, and leadership transition

• Completed a successful feasibility study for a $10M endowment campaign

• Developed the Case for Support and launched the Planning Committee for a proposed capital campaign

Impact

AFLLC’s partnership enabled the Architects Foundation to deepen its commitment to a more diverse architecture profession, expand access for emerging students, and build a strong foundation for long-term financial sustainability—ensuring both its programs and historic assets can thrive for generations to come.

Case Study: Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth

Client: Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY)
Engagement: Fundraising Counsel, Strategy, Board & Staff Facilitation

Challenge

The Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY) sought to expand its fundraising capacity, strengthen internal development systems, and align its leadership structure more closely with its mission of justice and lived experience. As a growing advocacy organization, CFSY needed both immediate fundraising success and longer-term strategic guidance to support sustainability and impact.

AFLLC Approach

AFLLC initially served as lead fundraising counsel for CFSY’s annual Healing and Hope fundraising event, designing and executing a strategy focused on law firms and corporate sponsors. Following the success of the event, AFLLC returned to provide ongoing counsel on fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and coaching for new development staff to help build internal capacity.

AFLLC also facilitated a strategic planning retreat for the Board of Directors and staff, guiding a values-centered process that connected organizational strategy to leadership and governance. This work centered on ensuring that CFSY’s leadership reflected its mission and the voices of those most impacted by the justice system.

Results

• Raised $250,000 through the Healing and Hope fundraising event from law firms and corporate sponsors
• Strengthened fundraising strategy and staff capacity through ongoing coaching and counsel
• Achieved board and staff alignment through a facilitated strategic planning retreat
• Established a strategic goal for the organization to be led by a formerly incarcerated youth

Impact

As a result of AFLLC’s partnership, CFSY strengthened its fundraising foundation, clarified its strategic direction, and successfully realized its goal of being led by a formerly incarcerated youth—deepening the organization’s authenticity, credibility, and impact in the movement for fair sentencing reform.

Case Study: Food & Friends

Client: Food & Friends
Engagement: Development Operations Audit, Fundraising Strategy

Challenge

Following the retirement of its long-time Executive Director, Food & Friends faced a pivotal leadership transition and sought to ensure its fundraising operations were positioned for continued success and future growth. The organization needed a clear, objective assessment of its development function to evaluate team structure, maximize existing assets, and identify new opportunities to strengthen revenue in advance of a potential capital campaign.

AFLLC Approach

Food & Friends engaged Alexion Fischer LLC to conduct a comprehensive audit of its development operations. AFLLC led a series of in-depth interviews with development staff, board members, and external stakeholders to gain a holistic understanding of the organization’s fundraising practices and internal dynamics.

In addition, AFLLC conducted benchmarking analyses comparing Food & Friends to peer organizations, identifying gaps, strengths, and opportunities for growth. The resulting analysis informed a set of practical, strategic recommendations tailored to the organization’s culture, capacity, and long-term goals.

Results

• Completed a comprehensive audit of development operations during a leadership transition
• Assessed team structure, fundraising efficiency, and asset utilization
• Identified untapped opportunities for revenue growth through benchmarking and stakeholder insights
• Delivered strategic recommendations that informed near- and long-term fundraising strategy

Impact

Food & Friends credits AFLLC’s recommendations with driving a series of fundraising wins and strengthening organizational readiness for a successful capital campaign. The engagement provided clarity, confidence, and a roadmap for sustainable growth during a critical moment of transition.

Case Study: National Women’s Law Center

Client: National Women’s Law Center
Engagement: Interim Fundraising Leadership, Event Strategy, Long-term Fundraising Counsel

Challenge

The National Women’s Law Center required continuity and high-level fundraising leadership during a six-month leave of its Director of External Affairs. The organization needed an experienced interim partner to manage complex law firm and corporate fundraising, ensure a seamless donor experience, and maintain strong internal collaboration—all while meeting ambitious revenue goals tied to a major donor event.

AFLLC Approach

Alexion Fischer was engaged to provide interim fundraising and event services, working closely with the senior leadership team and serving as the primary point person for law firm and corporate sponsor fundraising. AFLLC led strategy and execution to secure significant philanthropic support while ensuring that sponsor benefits were fully delivered.

In collaboration with the Communications team, AFLLC ensured consistent donor recognition and a high-quality event experience aligned with the organization’s brand and values. Following the event, AFLLC led post-event acknowledgment, assessment, and recommendations to support continuous improvement and long-term fundraising success.

Results

• Raised over $1 million from law firms and corporate sponsors
• Provided seamless interim leadership during a six-month senior staff leave
• Ensured effective fulfillment of sponsor benefits and donor recognition
• Delivered a successful donor event and comprehensive post-event evaluation

Impact

AFLLC’s engagement enabled the National Women’s Law Center to exceed fundraising goals while maintaining strong donor relationships and internal alignment during a critical transition period. The success of the interim engagement led to an ongoing partnership focused on coaching, fundraising strategy, and long-term revenue growth.