City Year transforms the lives of two distinct sets of constituents — but it doesn’t stop there. Relying on powerful stories to engage them, it also transforms the lives of donors.

By Margaret Battistelli Gardner

As it marks its 20th anniversary, City Year finds itself in a happy state of flux when it comes to cultivating individual gifts. The organization is looking at professionalizing its development program, centralizing its fundraising efforts, cracking down on brand inconsistency and capitalizing on a built-in, though until recently overlooked, demographic — corps alums, their parents, grandparents, friends and other family members.