CapSource

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

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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:* Conduct interviews with HPEF staff and stakeholders to understand current systems and challenges (utilize qualitative and quantitative research methods). 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. Research alternative CRM platforms and best practices in donor engagement and CRM integration within the nonprofit sector. 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. 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

Hoboken Public Education Foundation - Enhancing HPEF's Donor Engagement Systems

Due Date	Activities	Deliverables	Status	Action
Tue, 09/01/26	Academic Calendar We’ve linked the Academic Calendar (below) to help you stay on track. It includes key dates such as university holidays, class schedules, deadlines, and other important academic milestones. Be sure to review it carefully so you’re aware of when your team meets, when assignments are due, and how your Capstone work fits into the broader semester. Staying organized starts here! https://www.stevens.edu/office-of-the-registrar/academic-calendar	No Deliverables No deliverables are required for this action item.
Guiding Questions: We’ve linked the Academic Calendar (below) to help you stay on track. It includes key dates such as university holidays, class schedules, deadlines, and other important academic milestones. Be sure to review it carefully so you’re aware of when your team meets, when assignments are due, and how your Capstone work fits into the broader semester. Staying organized starts here! https://www.stevens.edu/office-of-the-registrar/academic-calendar
Fri, 10/30/26 7:59 PM ET	Fall 2026 Midterm Student Evaluation	Required Evaluation Evaluation submission is required.		View

Fri, 10/30/26 7:59 PM ET	Fall 2026 Midterm Presentations Required Action Item	Required Deliverable Deliverable submission is required.		View Calendar

Wed, 12/23/26 6:59 PM ET	Fall 2026 Final Student Self Reflection	Required Evaluation Evaluation submission is required.		View

Wed, 12/23/26 6:59 PM ET	Fall 2026 Final Presentations Required Action Item	Required Deliverable Deliverable submission is required.		View Calendar

Program Managers

Name	Organization
Christina Alwell	Herbal Vineyards
Kate Marsden	Stevens Institute of Technology, School of Business Industry Capstone Program
Brian Rothschild	Stevens Institute of Technology, School of Business Industry Capstone Program

Teams

Team Name	Project Name	Team Members
Hoboken Public Education Foundation	Enhancing HPEF's Donor Engagement Systems	Tamari Vardia Mohit Goplani Macdonald Kanenga Sanjana Shah