Key Elements
- CCS performed a feasibility study to determine if VBMA could launch a campaign.
- The initial goal of $50M has expanded with the project scope to $91M, justified with prospect data.
- CCS is managing the capital campaign raising funds that will support the enhancement, resiliency, and maintenance of VBMA’s facilities to better serve the Vero Beach community.
brady roberts, executive director, vero beach museum of art
CCS came with the highest recommendations from peers in the museum field, and I can see why. Their team works seamlessly with ours to develop fundraising strategies and implement them on a daily basis with excellent results. They have been amazing partners in our campaign journey.
THE CHALLENGE
The Vero Beach Museum of Art (VBMA) is a thriving cultural center in Vero Beach, Florida, but the VBMA has outgrown its facility. As museum visitorship has grown and its program has expanded, the building is now inadequate from a capacity, safety, and efficiency standpoint.
THE SOLUTION
Based on feasibility study conversations, CCS recommended that VBMA embark on a multi-year campaign, immediately initiating planning and a quiet phase kickoff. The campaign began with an initial test goal of $50 million with a stretch goal of $65 million. To enable the Museum to best address current and future needs, at the recommendation of the architects, informed by condition reports and expert assessments, and reinforced by prospect capacity data from CCS, the board endorsed increasing the goal to $91 million.
With CCS’s help, VBMA has identified over 700 prospects within the existing constituent database and new community members. VBMA is in its 18th month of quiet fundraising and will likely begin the public phase following the expected groundbreaking in the summer/fall of 2025.
THE impact
Funds raised through this campaign will create more beautiful spaces and provide more welcoming and inspiring environments for the museum’s growing audiences. VBMA will finally have a cohesive building that befits the success of its program and robust offerings, where it can serve as the cultural town square for the community. The new spaces will allow for increased service to children, families, and adults through school programs, outreach programs, family programs, summer camps, lectures, and adult classes and workshops. Simultaneously, increased gallery square footage will ensure that the growing permanent collection is always on view to enjoy during and between temporary or touring exhibitions. Further, the museum will become more integrated with its natural environment in Riverside Park. The new construction will be fortified and help protect VBMA from environmental threats. Finally, this campaign will connect VBMA with the community and deepen its relationships with members and the broader arts and culture community.
Featured Team Member
Since this project’s start, the Vero Beach Museum of Art team has held true to their vision for a transformational expansion and building renovation to address current issues and create an inspiring space for today and tomorrow. This campaign aims to protect the art collection from environmental threats, expand program access, and enhance the museum’s ability to deepen their community impact and serve more within a more welcoming and functionally thoughtful design. Their ambitious resolve has guided decisions, clarified messaging, and inspired generous contributions from committed donors and new supporters. They have maintained momentum in a $90M+ capital campaign through strategic salon-style events and follow-ups, advancing engagement, solicitation, and closing gifts. The VBMA’s approach serves as a valuable case study in leveraging all available assets, variable schedules, and multi-faceted activities in a highly seasonal and philanthropic community.
CLAIRE SEIFERT, SENIOR DIRECTOR, CCS Fundraising
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