Strategic Planning in Action + Our New Website
Schonfield Consulting Blog
In the midst of political craziness (!) and complexity in our world, we’re finding deep inspiration in bringing people together — to think, reflect, and chart a path forward. We’re excited to share highlights from two recent planning projects, along with the launch of our new website!
At the heart of our work is a simple belief: when you bring people together — staff, board, others — and give everyone a voice, something powerful happens.
We’d love to hear from you. Please reach out!
Anne and the Schonfield Consulting Team
Strategic Planning with Happy Hollow Foundation
In late 2025 and early 2026, we worked with Happy Hollow Foundation to develop a 3-year strategic plan, bringing together board and staff for a dynamic and energizing process. Based in San José CA, the foundation supports the city-owned Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, a well-known community treasure in downtown San José.
We organized a strategic planning retreat in January (see photo above), that focused on interactive brainstorming — using something as simple as post-its — to ensure every voice was heard. 15 board members and staff attended the in-person retreat. The retreat quickly became strategic planning in action: ideas surfaced, patterns emerged, and shared priorities took shape. The process helped identify clear priorities for the foundation going forward: (1) strong operations; (2) fundraising growth, (3) increased visibility, and (4) collaborative partnerships. By the end of the retreat, there was a palpable shift — a turning point — with a clear sense of direction and renewed momentum for the future. We greatly enjoyed working with Executive Director (Rhonda Nourse) and the rest of the Happy Hollow Foundation team on the 3-year strategic plan.
Leadership Transition Planning with Villa Sinfonia Foundation
This spring, we're working with Villa Sinfonia on a leadership transition plan, focused on the organization’s long-term sustainability and future growth. Based in San Francisco, Villa is a unique youth string orchestra where students play alongside parents and professional musicians, building their skills within a supportive community. Villa Sinfonia's board hired Schonfield Consulting to develop a transition plan, since its founder has led the organization for over 30 years and is nearing retirement.
In April, we organized a planning retreat for board, music faculty, and community members to reflect on Villa’s next chapter (see photo above). Through collaborative brainstorming and small working groups, participants identified priorities including qualities of future leadership, focus on operations, strengthened fundraising, and increased student recruitment.
One participant noted that the retreat “helped us get there very quickly,” while another shared how hopeful it felt to see “we’re all on the same page” about Villa’s future. With Schonfield Consulting support, Villa's Leadership Transition Plan will create a clear roadmap and renewed energy about what’s possible for Villa Sinfonia in the years ahead.
Announcing Our New Website
We’re excited to share the launch of our new website: Schonfield Consulting!
After several months of planning, the new site offers a refreshed look at our services, our team, clients, our approach to strategic planning, fundraising and other services, and much more. With feedback from clients, case studies, new team photos and more, it reflects what we value most in our work: clarity, collaboration, and practical strategies to help organizations increase their impact and move forward with confidence.
Check out our website and let us know what you think!
Need support with leadership transition or strategic planning?
We can help! Schedule a free consultation.