WARRIOR BONFIRE PROJECT

A WBP goal is to have enough opportunities in place at least six to nine months in advance to allow for immediate placement on an event when a new member registers for the program. Multiple financial obstacles impede our abilities to reach this goal. With proper funding, the following areas would create for the veteran greater trust in our team, program and overall civilian support. One, WBP would consistently have scheduled and funded events in place to provide an immediate commitment of support to the Veteran in need. Two, WBP would have the ability to secure air travel reservations at the moment the Veteran commits to attending the retreats. Three, WBP would be able to add additional programs to support spouse retreats to assist in reinforcing support for our Veteran members when at home.

Actively developing and implementing a strategic fundraising campaign, by the Board of Directors, to address the financial needs of a five-year plan.
Increase grant application submissions by recruiting more volunteer grant writers.
Continue and increase rigorous efforts in building relationships with individuals within large corporations to acquire large annual donations.
Advertise the importance and need for recurring monthly donations.
Continue grassroots efforts to attract individual and community support for In-Kind donations of property usage, lodging, recreational activities and meals to support the additional retreat services.
Continue to work directly with other Veteran Care Organizations to supplement components of program services and combine resources to increase numbers of opportunities.
Recruit partner organizations and entities to organize and host fundraising events to benefit the Warrior Bonfire Program.
Continue development of our all-volunteer Operations Board to supplement the need for paid administrative positions.
Improve survey questions and increase touchpoints to gather additional data to track measurables of success.

A recently revamped and energized Board of Directors along with a newly developed Operations Board, the organization is actively implementing the planned strategies in all areas of fundraising, marketing, and community development.

Following the strategic plan listed above, the organization has continued to increase service opportunities every year since the organization was founded in 2012. This is largely due to approaching retreat area businesses and individuals for In-Kind donations to support specific retreat events.
Board recruitment has been completed and the Board of Directors' committees, planning sessions, and involvement have increased and begun to produce results.
Additional fundraisers hosted by outside organizations of which the WBP organization benefits, have consistently been added to the calendar year.
Additional steps and efforts have been implemented to create and build confidence for the Veteran during their initial registration period. A volunteer mental health professional has joined our team to perform immediate initial phone contact with the registering veteran. This is followed by a gift offer of a toolbox of new tools shipped directly to the veteran through a partnership with another Veteran Care Organization whose services include providing toolboxes for combat-wounded veterans. These have been welcoming additions that instill trust and a feeling for the Veteran that we truly care and desire to serve them in return for their sacrifices.