ProgramsFall 2026 Stevens Industry Capstone ProgramProjectsEnhancing HPEF's Donor Engagement Systems

Project Title: Enhancing HPEF's Donor Engagement Systems

Hoboken Public Education Foundation

Details
Project Title Enhancing HPEF's Donor Engagement Systems
Project Topics Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Corporate Social Responsibility Customer Service & Account Management Data Management Digital Marketing Information Technology (IT) Market Research Marketing Operations PR & Communications Sales & Business Development
Skills & Expertise
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
The Hoboken Public Education Foundation (HPEF) excels in community engagement and educational support, successfully organizing fundraising campaigns that contribute to local schools. However, as a small but active nonprofit, HPEF faces a significant challenge: the fragmentation and inconsistent use of its donor engagement systems. Currently, the organization relies on two separate CRM platforms and supplements with Google Sheets, leading to inefficiencies in data management and communication. This disjointed approach not only complicates donor stewardship but also hinders fundraising success, as valuable insights and donor interactions may be lost between the two systems.The corporate partner for this project is Allison Strobel. Allison is a highly adaptable, detail oriented, and well-rounded public sector manager with experience in strategic planning, interagency collaboration, and social service program development and delivery.
Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
Key activities for this project will include, but are not limited to:
  1. Conduct interviews with HPEF staff and stakeholders to understand current systems and challenges (utilize qualitative and quantitative research methods). 
  2. Engaging with and learning about the existing CRMs as well as data analysis will be employed to assess the effectiveness of existing CRM platforms, utilizing tools such as CRM handbooks and user tools, surveys and user feedback to gather insights.
  3. Research alternative CRM platforms and best practices in donor engagement and CRM integration within the nonprofit sector.
  4. Synthesize findings into a comprehensive report that will include recommendations for consolidating the platform, developing an integration strategy, or transitioning to a new CRM, along with a detailed implementation plan.
  5. Provide final deliverables which include presentations, system analysis reports, and strategic recommendations tailored to HPEF's specific needs.
Project Synopsis: Expected Results
The expected outcomes of this project include a comprehensive evaluation of HPEF's current donor engagement systems and a set of actionable recommendations to enhance operational efficiency and fundraising success.
  • Students will achieve learning outcomes in areas such as data management, digital marketing strategies, and the application of artificial intelligence in CRM systems.
  • Business value will be realized through improved donor stewardship, increased fundraising effectiveness, and streamlined operational processes.
  • SMART goals for this project include delivering a final report that includes CRM feature and pricing comparison matrix and develops at least three strategic recommendations, achieving a 90% satisfaction rate from HPEF staff on the usability of proposed solutions, and providing a clear implementation timeline that enhances donor engagement within six months post-project completion.

Project Timeline

Touchpoints & Assignments Date Type

Academic Calendar

 Sep 01 2026 Other

Fall 2026 Midterm Student Evaluation

 Oct 30 2026, 23:59 PM EST (UTC-05:00) Evaluation

Fall 2026 Midterm Presentations

 Oct 30 2026, 23:59 PM EST (UTC-05:00) Action Item

Fall 2026 Final Student Self Reflection

 Dec 23 2026, 23:59 PM EST (UTC-05:00) Evaluation

Fall 2026 Final Presentations

 Dec 23 2026, 23:59 PM EST (UTC-05:00) Action Item

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