Kearney Whitewater Association

Case Study: Kearney Whitewater Association – From Passion to Fundraising Success

Background

The Kearney Whitewater Association (KWA) is a volunteer-driven nonprofit focused on developing a whitewater park for the local community. With a team of dedicated individuals sharing a common vision, KWA had the passion but lacked the resources and expertise to raise the significant funds needed to bring their ambitious project to life.

The Challenge

KWA faced a major hurdle: while the volunteers were deeply committed, they didn’t have the time, staff, or experience required to manage and execute a large-scale capital campaign. The group struggled to translate their big idea into actionable fundraising efforts that would attract the necessary financial support.

The SNS Solution

Strawhecker Nonprofit Services (SNS) was brought in to lead the capital campaign. Leveraging its extensive experience in nonprofit consulting and connections with the local Community Foundation, SNS provided:

• Strategic campaign management, including planning and goal-setting.

• Organizational support, filling key gaps left by the lack of paid staff.

• Fundraising expertise, helping KWA navigate donor engagement and secure large gifts.

The Outcome

With SNS’s guidance, KWA gained the structure and support necessary to successfully launch and manage their capital campaign. The volunteer group was finally able to focus on their vision while SNS handled the complexities of fundraising.

The Impact

Thanks to SNS’s leadership, KWA established a solid fundraising foundation and raised significant funds to move the whitewater park project forward. This partnership transformed an all-volunteer effort into a well-organized campaign with a clear path toward achieving its goals, turning a shared passion into a tangible community asset.