Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Clermont, KY

May 18, 2016

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

“I really support The Covenant Group’s strategic planning process because their approach encourages staff-based support with board buy-in, and I felt that was important given what we were trying to achieve. The outcome is an effective plan that builds consensus and provides a clear sense of direction.”
- Jennifer Scott, Director of Development - The Cabbage Patch Settlement House

“The Covenant Group is highly competent, very experienced and knowledgeable. They provided a broad perspective by equipping us with useful data…and best practices in the field. All in all, they are excellent.”
- Dan Jones, CEO - 21st Century Parks

“The campaign has truly been a miracle. People were committed from the beginning, but…even raising $650,000 seemed like a stretch. To nearly double that amount is incredible! When the plan they developed allows you to hit a goal like that, it builds such a sense of community. The momentum built by the campaign is spilling outside the walls of our church and benefiting others in the process.”
-Father John Hollowell - Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church

“For those of us who don’t do this everyday, The Covenant Group instilled confidence in us. They helped us get through the fear and apprehension by providing us with a process, training and motivation. They taught us and helped us plan in a way that was for the better. We have built lasting relationships with donors and we will continue to steward these relationships long into the future.”
- Sue Finke, Director of Institutional Advancement - Covington Catholic High School

“No one anticipated we could raise this amount. Even the Archdiocese is surprised. The funds raised represent about 15 times our annual giving. But it’s not just the financial results. People stand around talking more than they did before the campaign. There is also a renewed and energized spirit among the parishioners. It’s the most exciting thing to happen in our parish in the last 100 years.”
- Gary Libs, Campaign Co-Chair - St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church

“The Covenant Group’s process involved a lot of people in our congregation doing small tasks … that built ownership. They took our vision and put it into a concrete plan. They helped us understand the importance of making our vision clear and laid out the steps to make the vision a reality. Their process built consensus and showed people how they could help. Their methods are based on a solid theological foundation that includes key documents, prayer support, and requisite training … all of which were invaluable.”
- Daniel Montgomery, Pastor - Sojourn Community Church

“Everything The Covenant Group did to help us…in the initial stages was helpful…the development of the case statement; our materials; the training of our Board members; strategies; all these steps laid the foundation for eventual success. They brought such a high level of professionalism, a wealth of experience and a strong track record of integrity and success… just being associated with The Covenant Group helped us.”
- Nancy Doctor, Development Director - Wellspring

“The structure The Covenant Group provided was excellent. It allowed our members to use their God-given talents to benefit the church community They helped us develop a plan and identify key leadership candidates to chair the effort, as well as engaging between 80 to 100 people to carry out the work of the campaign. It was truly a whole congregation effort and The Covenant Group helped facilitate that. They helped us reach our full potential as a congregation.”
- Ron Poisel, Pastor - Christ Lutheran Church

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Clermont, KY

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