Kentucky School of Art, Louisville, KY

June 3, 2016

|In Arts/Environment, Client Stories, Education

The Kentucky School of Art at Spalding University (KSA) started four years ago with a vision. Founder and Chancellor, Churchill Davenport, wanted to bring an innovative, first rate school dedicated to the visual arts to Louisville. Through partnership with Spalding University students have a unique opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities with a concentration in Art and now a Bachelor’s in Fine Art. Since its inception in 2009, enrollment at KSA has grown to more than 100 students today.

However, as a young, start-up organization, keeping a steady stream of operational capital can be a challenge. Meghan Greenwell, Director of Institutional Advancement, states: “We had an influx of capital at the beginning, but then we hit a lull. We needed a way to stabilize support and grow our donor base. We decided the best way to do that was through a capital campaign.” Before moving ahead with the campaign, KSA leaders sought the help of fundraising counsel to conduct a feasibility study. Meghan recalls, “We interviewed several firms. The Covenant Group really stood out. Len made us immediately comfortable. He had such a great attitude. We really believed that he wanted to partner with us in this journey. It was clear he understood higher education as well as our unique position.”

Upon the completion of the feasibility study, KSA launched a $6.5 million campaign. Because of the small development staff, Greenwell found the tools that The Covenant Group provided to be of great value. “They provided me the tools I needed to manage the campaign. In a one-person shop you don’t have time to create reports and resources. Having them readily available was such a great help.” She also mentioned that through The Covenant Group’s instruction, KSA has revamped the way they think about fundraising. “The campaign has helped us legitimize traditional development methods…our approach to direct mail, the annual fund, etc. It’s the first time we have implemented ‘best practices for a university’s Development Office and the change has been very positive and brought about great results.”

Although the campaign is only in the early phase of a 5-year effort, already the results have been impressive. So far KSA has raised almost $4 million. Although Greenwell states that the results have not really surprised her. “The Covenant Group has done a great job of helping us recognize and uncover the true potential of our donors. Len predicted our success, he saw the potential capacity in our database.” In addition to the financial impact of the campaign other positive outcomes have included a broader donor base, increased visibility and staffing additions.

Greenwell would not hesitate to recommend The Covenant Group to other firms seeking counsel. “The Covenant Group is so genuinely committed to client success. Len is always accessible; I can call him anytime and he is willing to talk, give advice and help me find solutions. They are able to help the organization see the whole picture. They do a great job of bringing the team together and they unify people to get results. They are absolutely the best.”

“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