Waukesha Free Clinic: AmeriCorps VISTA Member

Goal of the Overall VISTA Project

Build the organization’s long-term capacity to support healthy futures by strengthening fundraising systems, data management processes, and community engagement infrastructure.

Develop sustainable systems, procedures, and tools that continue generating resources and community support beyond the VISTA service term.

Improve the clinic’s ability to raise funds, track and communicate impact, strengthen partnerships, and support long-term organizational sustainability.

Fund Development & Sustainability

Capacity Outcome: Improved organizational ability to generate sustainable financial resources independent of VISTA support.

Member Activities:

Develop and document standardized fundraising workflows, timelines, and templates for future campaigns.

Create donor tracking and stewardship systems to strengthen long-term donor relationships.

Support diversification of funding streams and donor engagement strategies.

Analyze fundraising data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for growth.

Develop resources and procedures that can be used beyond the organization’s 50th Anniversary campaign.

Data Collection, Data Management & Data Use

Capacity Outcome: Increased staff ability to use data to inform decision-making, demonstrate impact, and support funding efforts.

Member Activities:

Review and strengthen data collection methods related to programs, services, and community impact.

Develop standardized data-management protocols, including naming conventions, storage systems, and access guidelines.

Create written guides, templates, and documentation to support consistent data collection and reporting.

Improve organizational capacity to analyze and communicate program outcomes.

Support the use of data for grant writing, fundraising, and strategic planning.

Community Engagement Systems

Capacity Outcome: Stronger, repeatable community engagement practices that can be maintained after the VISTA term concludes.

Member Activities:

Develop outreach and engagement materials for use in future initiatives.

Create adaptable communication tools for various audiences and stakeholders.

Document successful engagement strategies, partnerships, and communication practices.

Support systems for tracking community interactions, partnerships, and outcomes.

Strengthen infrastructure for ongoing community engagement and relationship building.

Data Management & Reporting

Capacity Outcome: Increased staff ability to use data to inform decision-making, demonstrate impact, and support funding efforts.

Member Activities:

Learn and support the clinic’s Wisconsin CareHub data system.

Maintain accurate client and program data within the system.

Assist with report generation and data analysis for grants, fundraising, and program evaluation.

Develop written guides and training materials for staff and volunteer use.

Support future data system improvements, enhancements, and transitions.

Promote consistent data-entry and reporting practices across the organization.

Research & Capacity Building Projects

Capacity Outcome: Increased organizational capacity to make informed operational decisions and strengthen long-term sustainability.

Member Activities 

Research pharmacy-related systems and operational processes.

Explore potential participation in programs such as the Dispensary of Hope.

Compare software solutions, workflows, and implementation requirements related to pharmacy operations.

Gather information, create summaries, and support organizational planning discussions.

Identify operational improvements that enhance clinic efficiency, capacity, and sustainability.

Provide recommendations and resources to support future decision-making and implementation efforts.