How Strong Is Your Institution’s Fundraising Capacity?
The Advancement Capacity Index™ is a comprehensive institutional assessment designed to help nonprofit organizations evaluate their fundraising systems, identify structural barriers to growth, and prepare for transformational philanthropy.
But philanthropic growth is driven by systems, not just effort.
In retirement communities, this is especially true because philanthropy depends on:
- Resident trust and experience
- Long-term relationships
- Family engagement
- Mission-driven positioning
The Advancement Capacity Index™ evaluates these systems and provides a clear roadmap for institutional fundraising growth.
Ideal Institutions for the Assessment
Nonprofit retirement communities are facing increasing pressures to:
• Fund capital improvements, expansions, and deferred maintenance
• Maintain affordability and benevolent care funds
• Compete with for-profit senior living providers
• Navigate generational shifts in giving
• Redevelop their communities for changes in demographic needs and wants
At the same time, many organizations struggle with:
• Underdeveloped planned giving programs
• Limited resident and family engagement in philanthropy
• Boards that support but do not actively fundraise
• Over-reliance on events and annual appeals
• Lack of compelling, forward-looking case for support
The Advancement Capacity IndexTM is a practical, affordable first step for nonprofit retirement communities, senior living systems, life plan communities, and CCRCs looking to strengthen philanthropic performance.
Retirement Communities
Philanthropy is an extension of belonging, gratitude, and legacy.
The issue is rarely mission strength or commitment. More often, it’s how fundraising systems are structured—and how consistently they are executed.
Common structural barriers include:
• Founder- or executive-dependent fundraising models
• Boards that are supportive but not actively engaged in giving or fundraising
• Limited or informal major gift strategy and pipeline development
• Heavy reliance on events or a small number of funding sources
• Inconsistent donor stewardship and retention practices
• Marketing and communications that are fragmented or not aligned with fundraising
• Limited infrastructure, data systems, or internal capacity to support growth
Without a clear view of these underlying systems, organizations often experience stalled growth, revenue concentration risk, and difficulty scaling philanthropy.
The Advancement Capacity Index™ was designed to provide that clarity.
What the Advancement Capacity Index™ Evaluates
The assessment measures institutional fundraising capacity across 10 critical domains:
Alignment between fundraising priorities and: organizational mission and values; strategic growth and capital needs; and benevolent care and resident support priorities.
The degree to which the CEO and senior leadership champion philanthropy and how leadership communicates the importance of giving internally and externally.
Effectiveness of governance structures in: personal giving and participation; advocacy and relationship-building; and supporting a culture of philanthropy.
Strength of internal systems, including: donor tracking and CRM utilization; gift processing and reporting; and moves management discipline.
Balance across annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, events, and auxiliary fundraising.
Depth and quality of resident prospects, family member engagement, and legacy/planned giving pipeline.
Ability to engage residents meaningfully in philanthropy, demonstrate impact, and maintain strong relationships with families and donors.
Integration with local and community organizations, healthcare partners, corporate, and civic relationships.
Credible, donor-relevant stories and proof points supporting engagement, trust, and philanthropic action.
Marketing, digital infrastructure, and audience engagement discipline required to support donor acquisition, trust, and conversion.
The Value Participating Institutions Receive a Comprehensive Evaluation Including:
Institutional Advancement Capacity Score
A benchmark score reflecting the overall maturity of the institution’s fundraising systems.
Revenue Stability Indicator
An analysis of revenue diversification and concentration risk.
Campaign Readiness Rating
An evaluation of institutional preparedness for major fundraising campaigns.
90-Day Strategic Action Plan
Immediate steps to address the most critical barriers to philanthropic growth.
12–24 Month Advancement Roadmap
A structured plan to strengthen fundraising infrastructure and long-term capacity.
The ACI Assessment Team
The Advancement Capacity Index™ is conducted by a team of senior professionals with experience across advancement, institutional leadership, governance, and strategic communications. Our team has worked with colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations nationwide—bringing a practical understanding of how fundraising systems, leadership dynamics, and donor engagement intersect. Each assessment combines structured evaluation, peer benchmarking, and real-world expertise to deliver clear, credible, and actionable insight.
John Rainone, CFRE
Community College
Joseph April
Erin Stinner
Former Board Chair of a CCRC
Quick Fundraising Readiness Check
Take this 5-question quiz to get a fast, practical snapshot of your institution’s fundraising capacity—and whether a deeper assessment makes sense.
How Strong Is Your Advancement Operation—Really?
If your institution is evaluating fundraising growth, campaign readiness, or advancement structure, the Advancement Capacity Index™ provides a clear, objective starting point.
Common Themes We Hear from Participating Institutions
Leaders consistently point to the ACI as a driver of:
Greater clarity around fundraising capacity
Stronger alignment between leadership and advancement
A clearer understanding of campaign readiness
A structured path from assessment to action
→ A defined, step-by-step plan that turns insight into measurable progress—not just recommendations.
Get in Touch
Start a conversation about your institution’s fundraising capacity, priorities, and readiness for growth.
Phone
774 261 3140 Joe
540 960 0056 John
703 447 8669 Erin
Offices
307 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1500
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
110 Traders Cross
Bluffton, SC 29909