2025-2029 Strategic Plan
The mission of the Mequon-Thiensville Community Foundation is to
enhance the quality of life in Mequon and Thiensville.
Methodology
The Mequon-Thiensville Community Foundation (MTCF) marked its 25th anniversary in 2024 and has developed a strong infrastructure over the years to support philanthropic giving and grantmaking through restricted and unrestricted funds. The Board of Directors launched a strategic planning process, collaborating with board members, advisory groups, and community leaders during an intensive two-day planning retreat and a series of interviews. This effort resulted in the identification of six strategic initiatives that will shape MTCF’s focus and direction over the next five years. The finalized plan features a framework for regular progress assessment and is integrated into the organization’s budgeting and oversight processes.
Summary
During our 2025-2029 strategic cycle, MTCF will explore ways to better connect with the community to both educate and foster relationships with residents, donors, and grantees. With an emphasis on collaboration, insightful data and research, and strong community leadership, MTCF is committed to ensuring our two communities remain incredible places to live, work, and play.
Strategic Initiatives
Advance our Grants and Giving Strategy
MTCF will enhance our community-focused grantmaking process by educating donors, supporting larger and multi-year projects, and prioritizing key populations such as youth and older adults. Additionally, the Foundation will work with our grantees to incorporate volunteer involvement into the grant application process, and integrate more communications, ensuring that both donors and grantees are better informed and engaged.
Grow and Diversify Our Philanthropic Fundraising
MTCF will develop and implement foundational policies and procedures to support more complex giving strategies, including endowments and planned giving. Key objectives include establishing robust operational frameworks, enhancing donor data management, creating targeted fundraising campaigns, building major gifts program, and promoting internal and external communication to ensure awareness of priorities.
Ensure a Strong Donor Base
Through donor engagement and education initiatives, MTCF will strive to better understand the issues our current and prospective donors care about and what incentivizes them to give. The Foundation will enhance relationships with existing donors, new community members and businesses to foster donor enthusiasm and accelerate ways to make short- and long-term differences within Mequon and Thiensville.
Enhance Community Awareness
To strengthen MTCF’s visibility and its positive impact in the community, MTCF will create awareness and community engagement through targeted events and expanded communication methods. MTCF will utilize multiple media platforms and implement intentional communication strategies tailored to the unique needs of each generational group, and will increase visibility through sponsorships of local non-profit events.
Develop More Collaborative Community Connections
MTCF strives to build stronger community connections by exploring the formation of a Civic Council, a forum that will bring together similar civic organizations to create synergies, allow for greater impact, and eliminate duplication of efforts. Objectives include clarifying the purpose and engaging potential partner organizations, validating interest, and developing a governance model for the council.
Foster Our Volunteer Base
MTCF intends to maintain its roots by remaining a predominately volunteer organization. By expanding our team’s talents through strategic recruiting of volunteers utilizing clear objectives, targeted recruitment, robust onboarding, and ongoing recognition strategies, MTCF aims to keep employee cost to a minimum to ensure more dollars go back into the community. A deep, diverse volunteer base will maintain a strong and sustainable board of directors to ensure the long-term success of the organization.