Empowering Youth Through Education
Plan
Dear Friends,
Message from the CEO
As we approach our 50th anniversary, Fulfillment Fund stands at a pivotal moment in its journey. For nearly five decades, we have opened doors to higher education for students growing up in under-resourced communities across Los Angeles Today, our mission remains as urgent and vital as ever and so do the challenges facing our students
Why us? Fulfillment Fund has earned a reputation as a trusted and proven partner in college access and success We’ve guided thousands of first-generation students to and through college, and we’re proud of their accomplishments But we know that in today’s rapidly changing world, a college degree alone is not enough Our students must also be career-ready, connected, and confident as they take their first steps into the workforce
Why now? Economic uncertainty, evolving job markets, and shifting philanthropic priorities demand a bold, focused strategy Now is the time to evolve our impact to deepen our work, amplify our voice, and expand the ways we support students from college access to economic mobility.
That is the promise of our new three-year strategic plan
Our Planning Process
This Strategic Plan draws upon foundational work completed between 2022 and 2024, including research conducted by MMR Strategy Group and multiple convenings of staff, board members, and stakeholders. In January 2025, the Strategic Planning Committee reviewed and refined the framework to enhance clarity and sharpen focus.
The plan’s core structure was presented at the February 8 Board Retreat, where directors prioritized objectives and identified key Year 1 action steps. Feedback from the retreat informed the final version of the plan, which was reviewed by the Strategic Planning Committee and formally adopted by the Board of Directors on March 19, 2025
Our Opportunity for Greater Impact
Over the next three years, Fulfillment Fund will build the programmatic foundation to deepen our engagement with students and position the organization for sustained growth and impact
To do this, we will:
Message from the CEO
Integrate career readiness into every stage of the student journey.
Invest in strong community engagement and strategic partnerships
Elevate our visibility to attract new champions and resources.
Strengthen our internal capacity to deliver on our mission with excellence
We will continue to serve as a trusted guide for students navigating the path from high school to college and from college to career empowering them with the inspiration, confidence, and self-advocacy to succeed Additionally, we will grow our reach, resources, and reputation so that our mission resonates far beyond our current footprint.
Our Framework for Success: Grow with C.A.R.E.
To guide this bold vision, our plan centers around four strategic pillars under a unified theme. C.A.R.E. stands for Career-Ready College Graduates, Alumni Engagement, Resource Expansion, and Elevated Reputation. Each pillar includes prioritized objectives and action steps designed to ensure measurable progress and lasting impact
GOALS
Fulfillment Fund works to make college a reality for students growing up in educationally and economically under-resourced communities. Together, we build pathways to college, navigate educational barriers, create support networks, and empower future leaders.
MISSION VISION
Fulfillment Fund’s vision is to empower young people from under-resourced communities to overcome systemic and generational barriers, leveraging post-secondary education to unlock economic mobility and break the cycle of poverty.
Fully integrate Career Readiness into our programs to enhance economic mobility.
Adapt to changing funding and operational landscapes with a three-year strategic framework.
Ensure Fulfillment Fund’s long-term sustainability and impact.
Guiding Framework:
Career-Ready College Graduates
A Alumni Engagement as Learners and Leaders R Resource Expansion through Volunteers and Partnerships
E Elevated Reputation through Brand Visibility and Community Presence
C
Career-Ready College Graduates
Goal
Fulfill the promise of our College Access and College Success programs by equipping students with the academic mindset, professional skills, and practical experiences needed to thrive in college and transition smoothly into meaningful, fulfilling careers. By infusing our programs with career readiness training, mentorship, and social capital-building opportunities, we support students in developing strong learning habits, career competencies, and professional networks
Objectives
College Excellence/Career Readiness Playbook
Develop programmatic roadmap for students and staff, clarifying steps and outcomes needed to achieve Career Ready College Grads.
Awareness, Skills & Experience
Expand awareness about career opportunities and fields, teach and practice career-readiness skills, and offer resume-building experiences.
Job Seeker’s Toolkit
Ensure that graduating college students have the tools to help them be successful in applying for an entry-level job in their chosen career field
Financial Literacy
Extend college financial planning to career readiness financial literacy.
CCareer-Ready College Graduates
Impacts
50% of Fulfillment Fund college graduates secure a career-level job or enroll in grad school within 12 months.
Increase student persistence and improve college graduation rates Clear programmatic roadmap for future growth.
Increase student engagement and improve outcomes in College Access and College Success programs.
Outcomes
Develop and implement Career Readiness Playbook. Expand career awareness, skills training, and experience opportunities.
Equip graduates with job application tools (e.g. resumes, interview prep).
Integrate career-aligned financial literacy into programming.
A
Alumni Engagement as Learners and Leaders
Goal
Deepen engagement with recent graduates to foster a lifelong connection between alumni and our organization through opportunities for learning, mentorship, volunteerism, and networking in order to build a dynamic and engaged community where alumni actively contribute to the growth and success of current students and the future of our organization.
Objectives
Engage Alumni as Learners
Establish pathways for recent alumni to stay engaged in programming, continue building career readiness skills, and begin forming their own networks on the path to leadership
Engage Alumni as Leaders
Engage tenured alumni to serve as community volunteers in support of programming and other initiatives
Impacts
Outcomes
Stronger alumni pipeline for volunteers and donors.
Lifelong alumni connection to Fulfillment Fund.
Alumni support for current students and amplification of organizational mission.
Established pathways for alumni to build ongoing career skills. Increased alumni participation in programming, mentorship, and volunteering.
Alumni recognized and engaged as leaders in the community
R
Resource Expansion through Volunteers and Partnerships
Goal
Strengthen and leverage resources by effectively engaging volunteers and building new and enhancing existing partnerships with businesses, educational institutions, nonprofits, and community organizations to create more comprehensive programs and opportunities that align with our mission and better serve students and graduates.
Objectives
Volunteer Management
Institutionalize sound volunteer management practices
Value-Add Partnerships
Expand partnerships with industry to support program expansion
Community Engagement
Assure meaningful engagement for community volunteers to support programs and other organizational units.
Board Development
Build on the strength of our current board to deepen a culture of shared leadership, strategic collaboration, philanthropic engagement, and mission-driven ambassadorship.
R Resource Expansion through Volunteers and Partnerships
Impacts
Optimize organizational capacity through strategic use of volunteers and partners. Increase sponsorship and foundation support. Strengthen cross-sector partnerships.
Outcomes
Institutionalize volunteer management systems. Expand partnerships with industry and education organizations. Activate community and Board members to support and promote programs.
Strong, engaged volunteer culture fostering philanthropy and advocacy.
E Elevated Reputation through Brand Visibility and Community Presence
Goal
Enhance awareness and strengthen community involvement by elevating our public profile through targeted marketing efforts and community outreach that highlights our success stories, ensuring that more students and supporters can engage with our mission.
Objectives
Understand our Brand
Understand and track our current brand reputation and outreach
Contemporize our Message
Develop and refine a consistent and compelling brand message in preparation for Fulfillment Fund’s 50th anniversary in 2027.
Donor Communication
Improve donor communication experience across all platforms.
Online Presence
Optimize and expand our online presence.
Media Coverage
Increase media coverage to position our organization as a thought leader in key mission and program areas.
Student Marketing
Improve student engagement through effective communication.
E Elevated Reputation through Brand Visibility and Community Presence
Impacts
Broader recognition as a thought leader in education and economic mobility. Enhance fundraising capability across revenue streams. Elevate public and community profile.
Outcomes
Clear understanding of brand reputation and reach. Compelling, contemporary messaging prepared for 50th anniversary.
Enhanced donor communication experience.
Optimized online presence and increase media coverage.
Improved student engagement through effective communication strategies
Expected Impact
Grow with C.A.R.E. reflects our commitment to thoughtful, sustainable growth. Currently serving more than 4,000 students annually, we aim to deepen our impact by improving our already strong college persistence and graduation outcomes and by introducing career readiness goals.
Over the next three years, strategic investments in program development, alumni engagement, partnerships, and brand visibility will increase programmatic impact and awareness and demand for Fulfillment Fund's work. Strengthening alumni ties will cultivate new donors and volunteers, and partnerships with industry will drive sponsorship and
