Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, Louisville, KY

May 18, 2016

“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.”

“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

Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, Louisville, KY

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