St. Louis, MO
Feasibility Study and Campaign
The Need
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) inspires and enables youth ages 6 to 18 to realize their full potential, providing after-school, teen, sports and summer programs and a safe place for children to learn and grow. With a successful history of serving St. Louis youth at ten locations across St. Louis City and County, BGCSTL recognized a need to expand its services in the region and open three new school-based sites, a new Teen Center, and endowment. This effort would help ensure a strong future with a $29 million comprehensive campaign.
How We Helped
Rubin & Associates consultants Michael Rubin and Wendy Dyer used their experience and creativity to move the campaign forward. They conducted a feasibility study to:
- Develop key messages and a compelling case for support
- Assess the potential for lead and major gifts
- Identify the best campaign volunteer leadership
- Determine any staffing and system needs
- Recommend capacity for campaign
Michael and Wendy guided the staff and board through the $25 million A Place to Become campaign, through the beginning of the public phase:
- Setting a rational campaign goal
- Staffing and supporting the Campaign Cabinet
- Creating the campaign plan and timetable
- Coordinating campaign collateral materials
- Researching, strategizing, preparing materials for lead gift solicitations
- Cultivating, recognizing and stewarding donors
The Outcome
The Feasibility Study indicated a strong interest in supporting the priorities. In addition to a solid donor intent to give, Michael and Wendy researched options for national funding, including involvement from the national Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The organization moved forward with a $25 million campaign and achieved more than $22 million while working with the Rubin team, up to the public phase.
FROM THE CLIENT
“Michael and Wendy helped us get ready for a significant campaign. Their experience and judgments were vital in ramping up our efforts. And because of their dedication and belief in our work, they took the extra steps to position us to move ahead with confidence.”— Flint W. Fowler, Ph.D, President