CASE STUDIES
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Community Grants Program
Choosing wisely through diligent review
Working with Colorado's oldest and largest community foundation, Gerri, in her capacity as a consulting program officer, responds to requests for funding from qualifying organizations by reviewing and analyzing those requests and making recommendations to the advisory committees. In reviewing grant proposals, Howard conducts site visits, reads narrative information, interprets financial statements and engages committee members in the process.
Grants Review and Program Development
Achieving goals through strategic analysis
Contracted by the AJS Foundation, a multi-million dollar global funder focusing on Down syndrome, international security and diplomacy, education, media, business and technology, GHG conducted grant administration and evaluations including site visits, follow-up reporting, and prepared grant recommendations to evaluators. Working with a family foundation, GHG navigated the diverse interests of the donor and provided analysis, insight and strategy for program development in specific areas including education and developmental disabilities.
Vail Soul Music Festival – 2010 Youth Day
Integrating business and philanthropy
Legacy Entertainment held the inaugural Vail Soul Music Festival (VSMF) in August 2010 which included an effort to establish a community-based program focusing on music and mentoring for middle school-aged youth from the Denver Metro and Summit County areas. GHG worked with Festival organizers to create and implement the youth day program which included oversight of the event logistics, sponsorship fulfillment, volunteer coordination, workshop development, community partnerships, media relations, artist and student engagement.
7 Classroom Makeover
Developing multi-platform campaigns
In 2006, Denver's 7 launched a unique community outreach project - the 7 Classroom Makeover - modeled from the nationally successful ABC show: Extreme Makeover. GHG developed and implemented this campaign which focused on meeting a critical need for infrastructure support in the Denver Public schools. GHG successfully engaged more than 30 partners to provide in-kind support and financial resources for the renovation of a technology lab at an inner city high school and a state-of-the-art library at a local elementary school. In her role as Project Manager, Gerri worked directly with Denver's 7 editorial team, sales department, and creative services areas to ensure a seamless, streamlined partnership with the local school district, area businesses, foundations, public officials and non-profits.
Office of Alumni Relations -
The Apprentice Challenge
www.mscd.edu/~alumni/apprenticechallenge
Developing civic engagement programs with multiple partners
The Apprentice Challenge @ Metropolitan State College (TAC) was an innovative and educational twist to the popular television show. Working in conjunction with the Office of Almuni Relations, GHG brokered community contacts with area businesses and community groups to establish community service and corporate social responsibility projects for participating students. TAC, a two-year initiative that provided real-time work experience and networking opportunities for students, increased visibility with area businesses and community leaders for the college, and generated financial support of programs and services for the Metro State Alumni Association. Eight (8) projects were developed and implemented and included: The Kaiser Permanente Smart Meal, The UMB Bank Homeless Project, The CH2M Hill Dreamers Math & Science Challenge, The Alliance for Sustainable Colorado Business Eco Audit, Comcast E-Recycling, Metro State Food Bank, LiveWell Colorado Walking Wednesdays, and The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Foreclosure Prevention Project.
Community Outreach Campaign
Reaching goals through engagement
Destination Health was the result of The Center for African American Health (CAAH) wanting to better align their major fundraiser with the organization’s mission and goals. When CAAH began planning for the 2011 Destination Health 5K, the Gomez Howard Group was invited to lead the event’s marketing and media efforts as well as assist with sponsorship support and event oversight. GHG’s strategy included television, print, radio and social media. GHG also developed a strategic cause marketing effort with Eli Lilly in conjunction with media partner, CBS4 which resulted in more than 90 public service announcements, website support and talent involvement. In addition to securing a vertical partnership with CBS4, GHG coordinated additional editorial support on 9KUSA (NBC), Denver’s 7 (ABC), Comcast Cable, KUVO Radio, Jammin’ 101.5, Urban Spectrum Newspaper, and the Five Points Newspaper. Social media efforts included the development of a facebook page with consistent postings. The race had more than 400 people in attendance, including Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and CBS4 Reporter, Gloria Neal.
Community Outreach Campaign
Reaching goals through engagement
The formation of Jodi’s Race for Awareness was the result of Jodi Brammeier being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in January 2008. Jodi reached out to the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance (COCA) and spearheaded the effort to create the 2010 race. When COCA began planning for the 2011 race, the Gomez Howard Group was invited to lead the event’s media outreach efforts. GHG’s strategy included television, print, radio and social media. GHG was also charged with developing strategic media partnerships and was instrumental in building a vertical partnership with ABC affiliate, Denver’s 7 – KMGH-TV, which included editorial support and community relations. In addition to coordinating several editorial opportunities on Denver’s 7, GHG also secured multiple placements in local and national media outlets, as well as coordinated social media efforts. KIMN radio also donated more than 70 radio announcements. The comprehensive media outreach resulted in greater attendance (1900+) and money raised ($150,000).