Key Elements
- 2,026 new donors
- Contributed revenue increased from $6.3 million to a record $9.98 million
The Challenge
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) experienced a decline in its endowment and reached a crisis point that threatened the future of the institution. The ISO decided to embark upon its most critical and aggressive fundraising campaign to reengage lapsed symphony donors, find new donors, and increase the awareness of the ISO and its imprint on the community.
The Solution
While providing interim development services, CCS helped the symphony meet a new donor challenge campaign as well as increase the annual fund by 50 percent. The thoughtful strategy, messaging, and methodology pursued by the ISO, coupled with the tremendous support from the community, resulted in 2,026 new donors and increased contributed revenue to nearly $10 million—a record for the ISO.
The Impact
This extraordinary accomplishment helped the organization restore its credibility with our funding community, and set us up for future fundraising success. CCS helped organize a new systematic approach to fundraising for the development staff and established a new level of engagement, energy, and commitment from the ISO’s board of directors.
Gary Ginstling, Former CEO, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
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The NWFH engaged CCS to run a feasibility study, help hire leadership, reengage past inductees, and enhance exposure to support NWHF’s ongoing work to empower women since 1969.
Miami City Ballet
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Founded in 1985, Miami City Ballet features an international ensemble and world-class ballet school. Following CCS’s engagement, MCB grew its irrevocable and revocable gifts by more than $10M, surpassed its campaign goal by 18%, and increased legacy society membership by 50%.
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