CONTINUOUS GOALS

Goal #1: Increase Funding for Annual Operations
Continue previous strategic plan for future fund-raising and have projected income from corporate and foundation grants, sponsorships and individual giving. Additionally, projected earned revenue from tours, retreats and other educational programs will help defray operating expenses. Our continued most critical need is for funding for general operating expense.
Action Steps:
Continue Newsletter and direct mail fund-raising appeals.
Expand donor base through advertising and networking in order to raise public awareness.
Complete gift shop on-line.

Goal #2: Secure Sponsorship Relationships
We have had great success with in-kind donations with many local organizations. Continuing fostering these relationships, along with expanding to new in-kind donors is necessary.
Action Steps:
Further develop relationships with previous donors.
Pursue building similar new relationships with other businesses and corporations.
Utilize the publicity, visibility and public awareness that comes with collaborations of this sort.
Initiate a relationship with the newly opened local Lowe’s Improvement Center.

Goal #3: Create and Produce Collateral Marketing Materials
Building the public awareness of the mission and work of the Center is key to the success of all programs and projects. Efforts to effectively communicate the mission to the public along with building a compelling case for support must be made to ensure the future of the organization.
Action Steps:
Design, produce and distribute promotional packages, brochures and press releases.
Acquire an inventory of logo branded gift shop items for sale on-site and on-line.
Continually develop new and fresh ideas therefore inspiring others to get more involved with CARE.

SIX-MONTH GOALS

Goal #1: Build additional enclosures
Building new enclosures for the new young cats and better accommodating for the aging felines is necessary.
Action Steps:
Assess the possibilities for enclosure additions for long term care.
Reorganize cats present housing to most efficiently and inexpensively care for the cats.

ONE-YEAR GOALS

Goal #1: Initiate Public Recreational & Educational Tours
Increased public awareness of issues affecting endangered species will be achieved through outreach to the community. CARE must be open to the public in order to serve our mission.
Action Steps:
Continue training volunteers in aspects of public relations.
Script tour guides with educational information and answers to frequently asked questions.
Market the opportunity to visit CARE to school & youth groups, travel & adventure clubs and social organizations.
Schedule 1-2 tours on Saturdays and Sundays.
Expand the tour schedule to include weekday classroom field trips, after-schools programs and teaching labs.

Goal #2: “Big Cat Habitat” Program
Establish a multi-faceted program that would allow corporate sponsors, groups and/or individuals to completely revamp a feline’s enclosure. The refurbishment of one of CARE’s feline habitats offers a donor several levels of involvement – from personal interaction to “team-building” exercises and hands-on group activity.
Action Steps:
Research and identify corporate and private foundations interested in capital improvements.
Craft winning proposals to grant-makers with matching interests.
Promote the mission and goals of CARE to prospective corporate sponsors.

Goal #3: Reinstatement of the Education programs
Education is an integral component of CARE and its functioning as a non-profit organization. We must get back to the basics and create a functioning outreach program.
Action Steps:
Develop educational program formats (Drug Education, Endangered Species Education etc.)
Find the answer to, “How do we make an impact on the children when no live animals will be exhibited in the program?”
Construct promotional tools for students, schools and general public.
Contact schools visited in the past and screen their interest in a new program.

FIVE-YEAR GOALS

Goal #1: Strategic Acquisition of Additional Species
One benefit of AZA membership is the ability to acquire specimens from other AZA facilities, allowing CARE to expand research and education opportunities, strengthen the appeal of grant proposals and ultimately heighten public awareness of the plight of endangered species.
Action Steps:
Acquire AZA membership.
Establish a protocol for the acquisition of new species.
Construct species-specific habitats.
Network with other AZA facilities to obtain desired specimens.

Goal #2: Establish an Endowment Fund
At the core of our long-range planning is the vision to establish an endowment fund that will provide a revenue stream to offset the expenses of animal care and facility operations in perpetuity.
Action Steps:
Research and consult with professional advisers as to portfolio management.
Launch a fund-raising campaign for contributions to the restricted Operations, Maintenance and Veterinary Care Endowment Funds.