Success Story: Pellissippi State Community College
Using A Feasibility Study To Plan A Successful Campaign
Success Story: Pellissippi State Community College
How do you generate investments for infrastructure improvements at a community college in a state known as the “granddaddy” of the Promise Program initiative? Can you convince investors to fund both efforts?
The Situation:
Founded in 1974, Pellissippi State Community College’s first graduating class included 14 students. Today, the school is Tennessee’s largest community college with an enrollment of over 11,000 students and an annual economic impact of $253 million. With the introduction of the state’s Promise and Reconnect Programs, enrollment was increasing by the semester. The school was bursting at the seams and badly in need of a capital campaign to fund the construction of a new science/math building, workforce development center, media/audio technology program expansion, and student/faculty support.
Funding Goals:
Raise $2.7 million for a new science/math building;
Raise $5.5 million for a workforce development center
Raise $800,000 for media/audio technologies
Raise $1 million for student/faculty support
The Challenges:
Generate investments from a community already supporting education through a Promise Program
Effectively collaborate with the county, the state, and the community to ensure the success of this campaign
The Convergent Approach:
The feasibility study we did for Pellissippi State uncovered an interesting set of challenges for the school. As a “granddaddy” of the Promise Program initiative, Tennessee has a great deal of funding entrenched in this effort. Many potential investors were hesitant to commit to funding Pellissippi State’s bricks-and-mortar improvements in addition to the donations they were already giving for scholarships through the state Promise Program.
Convergent strategized with school leadership to develop the Student Opportunity Fund. This fund would assist students “on the margin,” who had tuition paid by the Promise Program but were struggling to pay for short-term costs such as childcare and textbooks without which they could not attend school. In addition, Convergent helped secure a $1 million lead gift from a prominent local businessman who understood and helped communicate an important message to future campaign investors: Tennessee’s outstanding Promise Program was increasing attendance at Pellissippi State; thus, the need to invest in the infrastructure to support this increase was crucial.
Another major partner in the campaign was the Economic Development Board of Blount County (EDB) supporting the school as a collaborative effort in workforce development. These initial investments helped the campaign get off to the strong start it needed in order to ultimately achieve its fundraising goals.
The Results:
Pellissippi State Community College raised $14 million and achieved its capital campaign goals to fund its largest expansion in 44 years. Promise Program supporters enthusiastically invested in the campaign, both through the Student Opportunity Fund and other campaign initiatives to improve infrastructure. The college held its public kickoff as a simulcast between the sites of the two new buildings to appeal to investors with differing motivations: workforce and academic interests.
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Raised
$14,000,000
“I appreciated the time Convergent took to learn about the college and our community. They worked with us to develop a campaign strategy that will help us serve our students, build new facilities, and support local business and industry. I am quite confident that Convergent gave us the tools we needed in order to be successful in this campaign.”
Dr. Anthony Wise, Pellissippi State Community College President
Testimonials
Andrew Keenan
“The fact that Convergent could make the ask was huge. Working with our director and joining solicitations made me a better fundraiser – that was the right formula for us. Moving forward I feel much more confident in making asks and telling our story, and that is going to make us more sustainable in the long run.”
Andrew Keenan, Executive Director Callanwolde Fine Arts Center | Atlanta, GA
Lisa Zaken
“In the span of six short months, our Board went from being nervous about the initial campaign investment to being ecstatic with the attainment of our goal, and our subsequent stretch goal! Convergent can do it like no other. Their system is rigorous and extremely effective. We have nothing but great things to say about this organization!”
Lisa Zaken, President & CEO Leadership Gwinnett | Duluth, GA
Dion Davis
“The strategy and support offered by Convergent helped our Board expand its vision for the Foundation, which in turn helped to refocus and redefine our organization's impact in our community. The methodology behind their capital campaign process not only helps to raise more money in the immediate, but it also builds best practices for long-term investor relations and lays groundwork for the success of future funding initiatives.”
Dion Davis, Former Executive Director Jekyll Island Foundation | Jekyll Island, GA
Robin Mauck
“Working with Convergent has been a pleasure all the way around. Their approach is customized to your organization and their expertise is unmatched in the field. The Convergent team immersed themselves in our process, culture, and goals to provide exceptional value during our campaign. They truly walk alongside you every step of the way!”
Robin Mauck, Executive Director Obria Medical Clinics Gwinnett | Lawrenceville, GA
Aimee Hall
“I loved working with Convergent. I never could have done what Convergent did. If you want to run a successful campaign, you need to bring in that expertise. Thanks to their help, our capital campaign really took us to the next level within our community.”
Aimee Hall, Executive Director Safe Homes Domestic Violence Center | Augusta, GA
Phillip Aldridge
“I wanted to thank everyone from the Convergent team who assisted in our campaign. Of the varying ways the campaign’s success may be measured, I count it a blessing that we achieved what we did. Not just the funds committed but the contacts made, the level of exposure reached, and ultimately, what the funds and exposure mean in terms of how many more we now serve as a result. My thanks is in recognition and appreciation for Convergent serving as our fundraising counsel and for the patience and professionalism demonstrated throughout the campaign. You were a godsend for Valley Healthcare!”
Phillip Aldridge, Board Chair Valley Healthcare System | Colombus, GA
Jeff Taylor
“Early in our campaign feasibility study it became apparent that we lacked the Asking Rights necessary to conduct a capital campaign. As a result, Convergent’s knowledgeable consultants prepared an extensive plan of action that is a road map for growing our awareness and philanthropy. A successful capital campaign will be possible in the near future. Their entrepreneurial approach will definitely get you where you want to go.”
Jeff Taylor, CEO MedCura Health, formerly Oakhurst Medical Center | Stone Mountain, GA
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The Situation: 
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