The COGEO Playbook
COGEO
Summary
This resource offers soccer organizations of all shapes and sizes a comprehensive guide to long-term financial sustainability and growth through professional fundraising and development. The guide focuses on two key frameworks, both pioneered by COGEO:
- The 7 Stages of a Soccer Organization – a long-term roadmap from start-up (“Spark”) to lasting impact (“Evergreen”).
- The Clubhouse of Development – a tactical model that explains all of the component parts of an effective professional fundraising ecosystem.
This resource emphasizes that effective fundraising goes beyond simply securing money. It is about fostering an intentional mindset and culture that bridges donors' passions with the organization's mission.
HOW AND WHEN IT CAN HELP
- A practical roadmap for new leaders and teams in youth soccer who want to build effective fundraising programs.
- To help organizations build a culture of sustainable investment and long-term funding relationships.
- To guide clubs and community organizations in moving from transactional fundraising to sustainable, long-term development strategies.
- For planning long-term financial sustainability, including support for financial aid, facilities, or coaching education.
WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT THIS RESOURCE
COGEO has tailored their frameworks specifically for soccer organizations and presents them in easy to follow, actionable steps. Their tools can have an immediate impact on your fundraising and development, as well as setting the groundwork to build your long-term vision for financial sustainability. Their work is critical in helping to reduce some of the financial barriers that prevent many people from playing the beautiful game.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING THIS RESOURCE
- Building a development program requires leadership buy-in.
- Building your development capability can mean stepping back from some immediate fundraising and operational tasks. Can you make space for change?
- Results may take years, not weeks — long-term commitment and careful financial planning is essential while you transform.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
COGEO is a fundraising firm that guides organizations from resource-scarce to resource-rich, ensuring organizations have what they need to over deliver on their missions. COGEO’s mission, through its systems, advice, and supporting services, is to empower organizations to reach their fundraising goals sustainably and effectively. Learn more at cogeo.us.
CREDITING CONTRIBUTORS
The Resource Hub is made possible by the generosity of contributors. It demonstrates the rich expertise and collective team spirit that exists across our soccer community.
All resources that have been contributed to the Resource Hub are free for users of the Hub to learn from, adapt and implement in their own organization and community.
Where relevant, we encourage users of the resources to formally or informally credit the resource creator, to acknowledge their expertise and generosity.