Our Work
KDNK Radio
How Forward Cadence helped KDNK community radio build a fundraising and storytelling roadmap and find the major gift potential within its loyal supporters.
Overview
For decades, KDNK has connected the Roaring Fork Valley through music, local news and grassroots storytelling, with a fiercely loyal community behind it. That loyalty was ready to grow into steady, lasting support. Forward Cadence partnered with KDNK on a fundraising and storytelling roadmap, then helped the team see the major gift potential already within its community of supporters.
The Challenge
KDNK's listeners tune in for the music, stay for the local news and show up for the station in return. Turning that devotion into lasting support meant knowing which supporters were ready for a deeper relationship, how to thank and stay connected with every donor, and how to share the stories behind the airwaves. A small, volunteer-powered team needed tools that fit its capacity.
Our Approach
01A fundraising and storytelling roadmap
Assess
- Listened first, through interviews, audits and a peer analysis
Build
- Created a donor stewardship matrix
- Outlined a path to major gifts and laid the groundwork for planned giving
- Developed an impact storytelling toolkit with campaign-ready frameworks
Equip
- Gave staff and volunteers easy prompts to gather and share stories
02Finding major gift potential
Assess
- Analyzed the existing donor base to understand its giving potential
Build
- Identified priority segments for major gift outreach
Equip
- Delivered a prioritized roadmap for deepening those relationships
What We Made Possible
KDNK now has a fundraising and communications strategy sized to its team, and a clear view of the supporters ready for deeper relationships. Donor thank-yous are more consistent, and staff and volunteers share stories that spark support.
- Strategic clarity
- An actionable fundraising and communications plan built around the team's capacity.
- Confident storytelling
- Tools that help staff and volunteers gather and share stories from the airwaves.
- Consistent stewardship
- A matrix that keeps every donor thanked and connected throughout the year.
- A focused major gifts pipeline
- Priority supporters identified, with a roadmap for building those relationships.
Forward Cadence filled critical gaps in our processes and strengthened our connection to major donors. At a time when we rely on donor support more than ever, we're grateful to have them on our team.
Let’s Move Your Mission Forward—Together
Reach out today to explore how we can support your goals.