Creative discovery for complex projects
Heurista is a consulting and design firm that helps nonprofits engage and retain donors through streamlined, industry-tested stewardship practices, meaningful storytelling, and creative donor recognition solutions.
Realize your vision with ingenious design
You need a partner who will help you dream big and be with you, start to finish. Heurista delivers engaging experiences, chooses reliable products, develops meaningful content and manages complex projects.
Try something new based on wise counsel
Heurista works with nonprofit organizations of every size and mission. We take pride in enhancing in-house team performance and fostering innovative donor engagement strategies, recognition products and storytelling mechanisms to motivate your philanthropic community.
Discover more than you expected
The name Heurista is a riff on the concept of heuristics, which comes from the Greek word heuriskein, meaning to discover for oneself. Working with Heurista brings new enthusiasm and creativity to your donor relations team and gives them the tools to achieve beyond expectations.
Set the scene
Consultation, Design & Project Management Services
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![An image of a group of people signing their names to the back of a wooden display.]()
Philanthropic Placemaking
Heurista approaches our work by exploring the intersection of two key concepts: philanthropy – giving for the benefit of all – and placemaking – engaging audiences through vibrant, community-specific activations.
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![An image of yellow and pink circles suspended in front of a window featuring donor names.]()
Brand Enhancement
A culture of philanthropy needs representation beyond the nonprofit’s logo, preferred colors and the right font set. Heurista works with clients to create product outcomes that speak to all audiences and encourage giving.
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![An image of a family looking at a framed digital screen.]()
Digital Technologies
Heurista has thirty-year experience with digital donor recognition and has worked with many different platforms. We can help guide the integration of technology digital storytelling to the recognition tools used by your nonprofit.
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![An image of a conference room sign recognizing a gift from the Malanuk Family.]()
Recognition Planning & Design
Practical know-how and strong listening skills combine to make Heurista the go-to resource for planning a comprehensive donor recognition program, one that is easy to execute, meaningful to all audiences and stands the test of time.
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![An image of a woman holding up a printed image of a group of healthcare workers.]()
Program Assessment
Sometimes, it’s best to call in an expert to take a fresh look at what’s going on, point out what could be better, and help make the necessary changes. Heurista has been trusted by nonprofits large and small to help improve their donor relations programs.
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![An image of three people having a conversation around a table.]()
Policy & Procedure Writing
Policies and procedures provide structure and lessen risk, building staff confidence and donor trust. Heurista’s work with other nonprofits provides insight and experience that will ease the writing and use of key documentation and improve operational efficiency.
Make a scene
Display Design & Implementation Management
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Phoebe Health
Albany, GA
In the latest installment of our 20+ year client relationship with Phoebe, Heurista designed a distinctive hanging sculpture to recognize campaign donors and other recognition displays and naming signage throughout the new Trauma and Critical Care Tower.
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University of Colorado | Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora, CO
With over 200 donor-funded endowed chair positions, CU Anschutz has a lot to celebrate. This versatile display recognizes both the donors and the faculty chair holders and is coordinated with an online archive of additional content.
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Bok Tower Gardens
Lake Wales, FL
There is a specific character to the beauty of Bok Tower Gardens and maintaining that aesthetic was a fundamental aspect of Heurista’s donor recognition assignment. We supported the client’s commitment to safeguarding the natural and artistic treasures within the gardens while preparing for new generations of visitors.
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Lowcountry Food Bank
Charleston, SC
A tour of the food bank’s expansive warehouse led to comprehensive philanthropic placemaking work that transformed the facility into a memorable, branded experience for the thousands of volunteers, sponsors, donors, and staff who work in the space. Design for the facility later led to brand updates now be seen online, in print, and on every van that leaves the warehouse.
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Sheltering Arms Institute
Richmond, VA
”When Heurista first suggested a hanging sculpture instead of a traditional donor wall, we were a little skeptical. But, the design was well coordinated with our brand and supported our plan to list every donor to the campaign, Now, our donor recognition is the talk of RVA! We've had many people ask how they can support the Sheltering Arms Institute after seeing the sculpture.”
— Lisa B. Resch, Director of Donor Relations, Sheltering Arms Foundation -
Delbarton School and St. Mary's Abbey
Morristown, NJ
Delbarton School and St. Mary’s Abbey help students grow in mind, body and spirit with the goal of transforming boys into men who are well-prepared to excel in all that they are called to. Benedictine Catholic values are realized in every aspect of the community, including the welcome offered to visitors, family and friends and the recognition bestowed on those who excel in their service to God and the community.
On the scene
Anne Manner-McLarty & Rachel McFee
Anne and Rachel have been working together for more than a decade, bringing creativity, insight and practical knowledge to every project. As a team, they are able to provide meaningful consultation, skilled project management, and extraordinary design solutions.
Locations
Asheville, NC
Saxtons River, VT
Partial client list
As seen
Frequently Answered Questions
What is philanthropic placemaking?
What are the components of a well-planned recognition program?
What should be considered when planning digital donor recognition?
What is a complex project and why is donor relations so often complex?
Articles
A Call for Donor Recognition Strategy
Developing Evidence-based Practice within Donor Relations and Stewardship
Listening: A Fundamental Component of Donor Relations
For more information on Heurista Publications, LLC or to inquire about publishing opportunities, please contact Anne at anne@journaldrs.com.
Presentations
Strategic Stewardship (VIDEO) – Association of Fundraising Professionals, Western North Carolina
Stewardship Closeup: Naming Opportunities - ADRP Toronto Regional Conference, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Publications
Donor Relations & Stewardship Notebook from Amazon.com change to link to the teal one… we may not have put it up on Amazon?
Journal of Donor Relations & Stewardship individual volumes from Amazon.com
Journal of Donor Relations & Stewardship set from Heurista Publications
Let’s get started
We’d love to hear more about what brought you to the Heurista site. Please use the form below to tell us a bit about yourself and what you have in mind and we’ll be in touch shortly!