Fundraising Strategy Featured Case Study
Ohef Sholom Temple
Ohef Sholom’s mission is to provide a spiritual, cultural, and educational environment inspired by the highest Reform Jewish values.
Challenge:
Ohef Sholom Temple needed an additional $1 million+ to preserve its historic sanctuary and expand programs to current and potential members. There were champions willing to lead the fundraising, but no consensus among the board about the need for a campaign. Their culture focused on transactional giving and limited philanthropy, and there were no full-time development staff.
Solution:
I conducted a feasibility and campaign planning study for a $1.75 million capital campaign in honor of the Temple’s 175th anniversary which engaged and excited their member donors. We developed a campaign strategy and plan, recruited volunteer leadership, and executed the campaign. As a result, donors increased their annual giving and donated more than $1.75 million toward capital and program needs, plus an additional, concurrent $5 million in planned gifts raised in a separate effort.
“You eased any anxiety we had about undertaking a comprehensive development plan and fundraising campaign, and you fully immersed yourself to gain a firsthand understanding of our culture, vision, and goals. Our investment with you was invaluable and exceeded our expectations.”
