Key Elements
- This campaign secured the largest number of pledged commitments in the Agency’s 92-year history, including a historic eight-figure commitment, the largest gift ever received.
- The Agency’s CEO, Monsignor John Enzler, is deeply connected and revered for his outstanding leadership and commitment to serve those most in need. Volunteers and donors admire Father John’s investment and were readily willing to engage in volunteer leadership capacities.
- Campaign volunteer leaders were committed to visiting financial prospects and developing strategies to engage new prospects, specifically young philanthropists.
- The young professional community was committed to launching and marketing their program to engage other young members in the area.
How We Helped
THE CHALLENGE
CCDC serves all in need and provides comprehensive support for individuals, families, and children. They are dedicated to fulfilling their commitment to their clients, their staff, and their community. As the need for direct and comprehensive services increased, CCDC determined three strategic areas of focus: programming, long-term sustainability, and investment in the growing immigrant population. To fulfill this strategic plan, they assessed the feasibility of a campaign to raise $100 million. Knowing the transformational nature of the campaign, CCDC knew they would need to spend significant time developing a compelling case for support to highlight the Agency’s impact and to build the infrastructure to serve more individuals in the coming decade.
THE SOLUTION
CCDC partnered with CCS in a comprehensive feasibility and planning study to evaluate interest and readiness for a campaign through discussions with nearly 75 stakeholders and potential new donors. Along with assessing campaign readiness, CCS determined the Agency’s internal capabilities and provided recommendations to build the campaign’s foundation.
The data produced through the planning study provided a strong foundation to launch an 18-month fundraising campaign to raise over $100 million. CCDC retained CCS to provide resident campaign management, including prospect and volunteer management and internal and external campaign communication oversight.
CCDC’s campaign activity was inspiring and secured 55 seven-figure and six-figure gift commitments as well as two eight-figure gifts—the largest in Agency history. The campaign also focused on growing the overall Agency prospect pipeline through the launch of the 83.33 Society, a young philanthropists group focused on volunteerism. This group will raise nearly $500,000 over the next few years.
CCS has been a valued and trusted partner to Catholic Charities. Their expertise and strategic counsel have been essential in helping us execute two successful campaigns, raising $175M. Not only did Bo and Jennifer devise a strategy that was well thought out and attainable, they also partnered flawlessly with our volunteer campaign leadership, donors, and staff. I would highly recommend the team at CCS, and we look forward to our continued partnership.
Beth Gorman, Chief Development Officer, CCDC
THE IMPACT
CCDC exceeded their $100 million campaign goal and secured unprecedent leadership commitments from both longstanding and new donors. The Agency invested in their endowment, making steps to more closely align with peer agencies in similar markets. This investment in the Agency’s sustainability is essential to fulfilling their Strategic Plan and ensuring service to the community for the next century.
The campaign provided the funding to launch the Agency’s newest program, The Newcomer Network, which provides the growing immigrant community with vital resources, immigration legal services, job training, and health and wellness care. The Network ensures immigrant families have access to the services available to them in a convenient referral system and empowers and connects newcomers to their communities. The Network has since launched and is actively supporting newcomers.
The campaign’s final element was to ensure that the Agency’s ongoing core programs will operate effectively, increase the breadth of their work, and maximize the impact on those in need in the community. These 50 programs address basic human needs such as food, shelter, and medical care, as well as programs to help with individual goals and self-sufficiency. CCDC has increased enrollment in professional development, job readiness, and personal management programs.
Explore More Case Studies
Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas: A Roadmap to Sustainability
Central US
Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas engaged CCS to perform a gift planning assessment, which uncovered donor prospects and approximately $43-92M in undocumented gifts.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Northeast US
Assumption Church engaged CCS for a feasibility study, audit, and campaign management for Faith, Family, Future, the church’s 175th commemorative campaign, which raised over $5M on an original $2.5M goal. Funds will allow repairs across the sprawling, historic campus.
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Central US
Established in 1841, St. Joseph Catholic Church is the sacred home to over 2,500 families and 420 children enrolled in the parish’s K-8 school. CCS managed St. Joseph’s capital campaign to raise $7.3M in six months to support a school addition and new Ministry Center.
St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church
Northeast US
St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Philadelphia retained CCS Fundraising to perform campaign planning and a feasibility study that evolved into a multi-year partnership, including campaign implementation and management. Campaign goals included structural improvements to the church.
Saints Peter & Paul Parish and School
Mid-Atlantic and Southeast US
CCS Fundraising helped Saints Peter & Paul Parish and School raise $20M through their A Sacred Vision campaign, allowing them to build a new campus expanding opportunities for students, parishioners, volunteers, ministries, and groups.
Diocese of Austin
Central US
CCS has been privileged to partner with the Diocese of Austin on two extraordinary fundraising initiatives, most recently the Encountering Christ campaign, which concluded successfully in 2020.
Featured Team Member
CCS was honored to partner with Msgr. John Enzler and the entire team at Catholic Charities. Their mission to serve those in need is so close to my heart and empowered me to do my part for the greater community. Watching program officers provide critical care for clients, many of whom had found themselves at the lowest point in their lives, inspired me daily.
Jennifer Devon, Assistant Vice President, CCS Fundraising
