Case Studies
Real results from DonorsShield engagements
The following case studies represent anonymized, real-world engagements where DonorsShield protected donor capital and improved project outcomes. All details have been modified to preserve confidentiality.
Independent School Classroom Addition
Background
A private K-12 school launched a $15M capital campaign to fund a new classroom wing and STEM facility. A group of major donors (representing $8M of the campaign) engaged DonorsShield to provide independent oversight before committing their gifts.
DonorsShield Engagement
- Conducted pre-project forensic budget review and contract analysis
- Benchmarked costs against similar independent school projects
- Identified $1.2M in potential savings through contract restructuring and scope clarifications
- Recommended a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) contract instead of cost-plus
- Provided quarterly Donor Confidence Reports throughout construction
Results
The project completed on-time and under the revised budget. The savings enabled the school to add a new science lab not originally planned, and donors reported high satisfaction with the transparency of the process.
Religious Institution Sanctuary Expansion
Background
A large congregation launched a building campaign to expand its sanctuary and add community gathering space. Six months into construction, the board became concerned about escalating change orders and unclear budget reporting. They engaged DonorsShield mid-project to provide emergency oversight.
DonorsShield Engagement
- Forensic review of all change orders issued to date
- Discovered $650K in unvetted change orders (representing 8% of total budget)
- Identified duplicate billing and scope items already covered under original contract
- Negotiated credit memos and contract corrections with the general contractor
- Established a rigorous change order approval process going forward
- Provided monthly Donor Confidence Reports for the remainder of the project
Results
DonorsShield intervention prevented further cost overruns and recovered nearly $300K in inappropriate charges. The congregation completed the project with restored confidence in their governance process and implemented permanent oversight protocols for future capital projects.
University Student Housing Facility
Background
A regional university planned a new residence hall funded 60% by university endowment and 40% by major donor gifts. The endowment investment committee requested independent oversight to ensure stewardship standards consistent with their portfolio management practices.
DonorsShield Engagement
- Comprehensive pre-project budget review and risk assessment
- Contract optimization recommendations (shifted from cost-plus to GMP structure)
- Ongoing oversight throughout 24-month construction period
- Quarterly Donor Confidence Reports for endowment committee and major donors
- Monthly invoice validation and change order reviews
- Post-project forensic analysis and lessons learned documentation
Results
The project completed under budget and on schedule. The transparent reporting framework and demonstrated stewardship led to increased donor confidence, resulting in five additional major gifts for subsequent phases of campus development. The university adopted DonorsShield's governance framework as a permanent policy for all future capital projects over $10M.