Day: May 18, 2016
Cabbage Patch Settlement House, Louisville, KY
The Cabbage Patch Settlement House is a Christian service ministry that has focused on the needs of inner-city children and families since it’s founding in 1910. Almost 60% of the children in the program live in poverty and are at high risk for teen pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse and continued poverty. The Cabbage Patch leadership team realized that continued success would be dependent upon their ability to think strategically about the future of the ministry. The Covenant Group was able to help The Cabbage Patch develop a strong strategic plan and conduct a feasibility study. In addition, The Covenant Group provided capital campaign consulting and management services.
“I really supported Dr. Moisan’s involvement in our strategic planning process because his approach encouraged ‘staff-based support with board buy-in,’ and I felt that was important given what we were trying to achieve,” stated Jennifer Scott, Director of Administration & Development. “Len really broke down barriers and understood what our staff was struggling with. At the same time, he was able to relate to our board – to inspire them. He was effective in getting a plan developed that gave us a clear sense of direction – so effective, that we decided to use him for our next two projects, the feasibility study and the capital campaign.”
Ms. Scott continued, “Len did not use a cookie-cutter approach. He focused on our specific needs and situation. He helped alleviate the volunteers’ fears with regard to fundraising, he pushed our board’s boundaries, developed them by elevating their sights, and always responded within the framework of the direction we were giving him. His thinking was highly strategic.”
The Cabbage Patch is a stronger ministry today because of The Covenant Group’s involvement. Mr. Tracy Holladay, Executive Director, related, “My sense is that Len has a strong appreciation for our ministry, and it showed in his work. I would recommend The Covenant Group; our money was well-spent.”
Results
Developed a strong, coherent strategic plan
Organized campaign, engaged the Board and helped manage campaign process
The Cabbage Patch has achieved their $4.5 million goal
Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, Louisville, KY
“When Big Brothers Big Sisters came to The Covenant Group for help, we had a specific need,” Vice President Cathy Sullivan said. The Facilities at Big Brothers Big Sisters were too small and the Board and staff were planning to relocate their offices. Before undertaking such an effort they wanted to know if it was feasible. “We asked the Covenant Group to conduct a feasibility study with the hopes that we might plan appropriately and set a reasonable financial goal for our capital campaign,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan is pleased with the work the Covenant Group did for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the expertise and objectivity reflected in it. “They definitely gave us a balanced report,” she said. “What it told us was not all positive; it was realistic and very detailed. It also gave us a plan of what we need to do to reach our capital campaign goals. I am pleased with The Covenant Group’s report; it was an accurate analysis of our agency’s operations.”
Dr. Moisan and his team recommended that Big Brothers Big Sisters complete several tasks before moving forward in their campaign. “We have been evaluating all kinds of donor database software. We have hired a part time grant writer, and we are looking at properties for our new locations. Keeping with the revised plan and goals that the Covenant Group developed for us, we are effectively positioning ourselves to raise $3 to $4 million,” Sullivan said
The Big Brothers Big Sisters staff also believed The Covenant Group approach and reputation would help their organization make a positive impression on leaders in the community. “I believed our credibility would be enhanced by having Len work for us,” Sullivan said. “The Covenant Group is viewed very favorably by the members of the community. People already have a positive image of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and I believe Len and his team have only helped to improve this image.”
Sullivan is anxious to work with The Covenant Group in the future. “I would definitely use them again, and recommend them to other organizations,” she said. “In fact, I am planning to do so.”
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Clermont, KY
Over its sprawling 14,000 acres, Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest boasts a nationally recognized arboretum, beautiful gardens, nature centers and 30 miles of hiking trails. This natural preserve, originally gifted to the state in 1929, needed to address some issues.
Mike Nolan, Development Director, said, “We conducted some visitor surveys, and they revealed that we had some issues to face.” Issues such as improved visitor navigation, new outdoor exhibits, new educational facilities as well as research partnerships with local universities all needed to be addressed.
“We hired The Covenant Group to do a feasibility study as well as get us through the quiet phase of a fundraising campaign,” Mr. Nolan said. “We were trying to get a handle on what a feasible goal for fundraising might be. Of course, we had our dream list of everything we would like to do, and Dr. Moisan helped us focus our efforts to maximize the effectiveness of this campaign.”
Mr. Nolan continued, “Len gathered very useful data from the community. He spoke with foundation directors, potential donors, even CEO’s of local corporations. He provided us with a confidential report based on his findings that helped us clearly identify the issues that we needed to address. And he did all this very quickly, in less than six weeks.”
“The Covenant Group then helped us begin the campaign by organizing a board campaign to jump-start the giving. One of the key things that Len heard from people was that their giving would be dependent upon how involved our board members were in the initial giving. So, Len helped us set a goal of $1.25 million in board donations. Through his efforts, we have received 100% involvement from our board! Over $1.3 million has already been donated, and I believe we’ll hit $1.4 before we’re done. Len really got us off to a good start.”
Results
Provided accurate feasibility study
Clearly identified key development issues
Exceeded board giving goal
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Louisville, KY
For more than five years the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church community had been planning to move to a new location. The congregation needed more space for worship, education and activities. Their plan was to build a new worship center and multi-purpose facility in a new location. They finally found a three-acre piece of property with an older church on it that was for sale. The answer for this small congregation of about 70 families was simple; they would buy the land, renovate the church and then build a family activities center.
In January of 2004 church leaders negotiated and signed a 90-day contract, contingent upon conducting a successful fundraising campaign. That campaign would have to generate between $400,000 – $500,000 to make the full vision a reality, a big task for this small congregation.
According to campaign chairman, Greg Fischer, the Assumption Church had “no history of extraordinary stewardship. This simply was not a group of people sophisticated about fundraising. We needed help, encouragement and validation.” That’s when Mr. Fischer called on Bill Rothwell and The Covenant Group for help.
Bill developed a campaign plan, met with leaders, and then facilitated strategy and training sessions. According to Mr. Fischer, Bill Rothwell exceeded their expectations: “Bill was perfect for what the group needed. He built enthusiasm and made them believe they could do this. He was very helpful.” At the time Mr. Fischer was interviewed … just six weeks into the campaign, they had already achieved 136 percent of their goal.
The Goal: $500,000
The Result: After six weeks the church had already raised $680,000 with great potential for more.