WEST VIRGINIA
ANIMAL RESCUE

CASE STUDY

THE CHALLENGE.

When a new mayor cut $200,000 from West Virginia Animal Rescue's budget, the organisation faced a painful turning point. Essential care programs were at risk and staff positions hung in the balance. Beyond the immediate financial crisis, the organization struggled with outdated systems, limited fundraising infrastructure, and a need for stronger staff and leadership support to sustain its growing mission.

This case study explores how PhoenixFire partnered with WVAR to transform a period of uncertainty into lasting progress.

CRISIS MANAGEMENT.

When the budget cut hit, PhoenixFire helped organize a rapid-response communications plan that made the situation clear, urgent and visible. Through live broadcasts and targeted outreach, more than six hundred residents rallied in support, filling city council meetings and speaking out against the cuts.

At the same time, we worked behind the scenes to ensure the story reached beyond the council chamber. Coverage from The Washington Post and local media elevated the issue, brought public pressure to the decision-makers involved and restored trust in the organisation’s mission.

This surge of visibility not only stabilized the moment, but also laid the foundation for the operational and fundraising growth that followed.

Developed a Recurring Giving Program and Fundraising Strategy: To secure reliable funding, we helped WVAR launch a monthly giving programme from zero that now brings in nearly $125,000 a year.

Two targeted campaigns each year built a loyal base of donors that funds new jobs and sustains daily operations. We also supported WVAR in winning hundreds of thousands in competitive grants and building new funding channels.

Modernized Systems and Trained Staff in Technology and AI: As operations scaled, we modernised WVAR’s tech stack: a central data platform replaced fragmented systems and freed up staff time so they could focus on animal care.

We coached the team on tech tools, time-management and AI-assisted workflows—so the people who work with animals spend more time doing just that.

OUR UNIQUE APPROACH.

For WVAR, our commitment went far beyond writing grants or creating campaigns. We stood beside them in city hall meetings, developed technology solutions to strengthen their operations, and personally joined their first monthly donor initiative. Our founder became WVAR’s very first recurring donor.

This hands-on and holistic model is what defines PhoenixFire. We build strategies that last because we genuinely care about the people behind each mission.

THE RESULTS.

Today, WVAR is more stable and ready for growth than ever. Its monthly giving programme now generates nearly $125,000 each year, creating a dependable revenue stream for animal care and operations.

The upgraded systems improved data tracking, reduced admin burden and ensured care decisions are grounded in reliable information. And when the budget crisis hit, more than 600 community supporters rallied, media coverage spread the story and public trust returned.

Over multiple years, WVAR has now secured hundreds of thousands in grants, grown its donor base and established a stronger, more resilient foundation for its mission.