Paige’s Butterfly Run (PBR)
PROJECT: Strategic Sustainability Planning (2023–2024)
/ CHALLENGE
For more than 25 years, Paige’s Butterfly Run has raised millions to support pediatric cancer patients and families at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. While finances and fundraising remained strong, PBR faced critical sustainability questions. The organization relied heavily on volunteers—raising concerns about long-term capacity, governance structure, and succession planning. The board recognized the need for a sustainability roadmap to ensure PBR could continue its mission beyond its founders.
/ SOLUTION
A&O facilitated a comprehensive capacity assessment and strategic sustainability planning process. The engagement included a review of governance documents, financial records, fundraising history, and donor/volunteer input, along with surveys and interviews with board members and partners. At a facilitated retreat, A&O guided the board through identifying priorities and building consensus around a sustainability plan. Key priorities included updating mission, vision, and values; revising bylaws to clarify board/staff roles; expanding and diversifying the board; strengthening organizational structure with paid staff capacity; and developing a budget and fundraising strategy to support these changes.
“Our experience with A&O leading us through the planning, facilitation, and follow-up of our strategic plan was outstanding. Proven professionals with significant nonprofit experience, the A&O team demonstrated a perfect balance of relating and achieving, guiding us to creating a vision and plan that will take Paige’s Butterfly Run to the next level.”
/ OUTCOME
PBR adopted a three- to five-year Strategic Sustainability Plan with clear goals, champions, and an implementation timeline. Immediate actions included appointing an Executive Committee, recruiting new board members, revising bylaws, and allocating surplus funds to build paid administrative and development capacity. The plan ensures PBR can sustain its signature events like The Run while evolving into a stronger, more resilient organization positioned for growth and long-term impact.