Henderson, Kentucky, is home to the Henderson Boys & Girls Club. Data from recent studies show a significant number of students are home alone during critical hours directly after school; an increasing number of youth are in the criminal justice system; and a high percentage of children are overweight. The Henderson Boys & Girls Club provides a safe, nurturing place for children and teens to go to after school.
The Club had outgrown the space they were given through the generosity of a local church, limiting the number of youth and families they can serve in the community. The Club’s primary goal in launching their “Great Futures Start Now” capital campaign was to renovate a new, larger space at the historical Henderson National Guard Armory, with the objective of doubling the nonprofit’s capacity.
Funding Goals:
Raise $3.2 million
Renovate the National Guard Armory
Double the number of students currently being served
Increase programming to attract and retain teens
The Challenges:
As a local nonprofit organization, previous fundraising efforts had been limited to local community support. Capital campaign fundraising requires a different size and scope with larger investments on multiple levels, as well as multi-year commitments.
It was believed that a fundraising campaign of this size would be the largest campaign in the community to date. There was concern that the campaign goal amount would be too high for Henderson.
The Convergent Approach:
After evaluating the goals of this capital campaign, Convergent launched a feasibility study to examine its projected success. We worked individually with capital campaign and advisory board members to ensure the campaign was supported at the highest level. With the feedback from the feasibility study, Convergent helped the Henderson Boys & Girls Club tailor its capital campaign approach.
Our senior project director has many years of experience in both nonprofit development and leadership. She helped the Club create a case for support that included measurable outcomes as well as a rational and emotional appeal that would entice members of the community to invest in this initiative. We were able to quickly secure campaign leadership and several key pledges to drive the campaign forward. That momentum continued throughout the campaign, as we raised almost $3 million in the quiet phase alone toward the Henderson Boys & Girls Club’s $3.2 million funding goal.
The Results:
Convergent helped the campaign raise $2.97 million in the quiet phase alone. To date, they have exceeded their fundraising goal!
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Convergent helped the campaign raise
2.9
in the quiet phase
“We were very satisfied. The Convergent team’s communication was excellent and it wasn’t just responsiveness to us, it was keeping us accountable to what we needed to be doing. They helped us stay focused. We couldn’t have raised this money without Convergent.”
Bill Fidler, Board Chair, Henderson Boys & Girls Club
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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