Development & Strategic Resource Acquisition
People, Not Just Pledges: The Importance of Relationships in Fundraising
In the world of museums, development isn't just about raising funds—it's about shaping the future!
Welcome to the Development section of my portfolio! I invite you to explore my experience in not just acquiring funds, but also in building lasting relationships and fostering an environment of growth. With a focus on strategically maximizing reach, impact, and long-term sustainability, each project showcased here represents a step toward a more inclusive and accessible museum landscape.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
The "Academy of Digital Learning" Capital Campaign
In 2017 the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History announced the launch of our ambitious initiative, the Academy of Digital Learning (ADL) Capital Campaign. This forward-thinking project represented a profound commitment to enriching its community through technology and education, revolutionizing the museum experience for a digitally adept generation.
At the heart of this campaign was a $30 million fundraising effort to revitalize the building and create groundbreaking digital learning experiences aimed at transforming the educational landscape of its region and beyond. This ambitious endeavor aimed to replace the aging OMNI Theater with state-of-the-art digital theater experiences, develop interactive digital tools to enhance educational engagement and cultivate lifelong learning opportunities for diverse audiences, particularly those from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds.
Fundraising Strategy
Relationship Building: One of the cornerstones of the campaign was nurturing strong relationships with potential and existing donors. This entailed more than simply asking for money; it involved demonstrating to donors how their contribution would impact the museum's future, and, more broadly, the community.
Donor Research and Cultivation: Identifying potential donors, understanding their interests, and cultivating relationships with them was an integral part of the fundraising efforts. This strategic and personalized approach resulted in consistent and substantial contributions.
Capital Campaign Committee: Forming a capital campaign committee helped share the workload and responsibilities, brought in a range of expertise and networks, and gave credibility to the campaign. This committee was made up of Museum board members, community leaders, and other influential individuals committed to the Museum's cause.
Naming Rights Sales: Selling naming rights to sections of the new wing provided a unique opportunity for significant donors to leave a lasting legacy. This was a powerful motivator for high-level donations.
Matching Gifts: Encouraging major donors to provide matching gifts was a great way to double the impact of other donations, and it encouraged more donors to give.
Community Engagement and Involvement: The strategy went beyond soliciting financial contributions. The community was involved in every stage of the campaign, creating a sense of ownership and connection to the project. Regular updates were provided to ensure transparency and maintain community interest.
Results
By implementing a cohesive fundraising strategy, my team was able to successfully raise $24 million by March 2020, bringing the vision of the new wing a significant step closer to realization. With the support of the Museum's President and the Museum's development team, I created the Campaign's narrative, presented the project to prospective donors, wrote proposals, and cultivated partnerships with local foundations to advance this project. This strategy, built on the foundations of relationship-building and community involvement, ensured the campaign was more than just a fundraising initiative – it was a community-driven project, and this engagement was a significant factor in its success.
Unfortunately, in 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Fort Worth Museum Capital Campaign into an indefinite hiatus in order to focus all fundraising efforts on the Museum's Operations and 2021 reopening. In 2022 the campaign resumed with a modified vision and in partnership with the City of Fort Worth, and in 2023 the FWMSH broke ground on the Omni renovation.
Current Science Studio / Science on a Sphere
A key achievement was successfully fundraising for the 'Current Science Studio / Science on a Sphere' project. I navigated negotiations and relationship-building with corporate sponsors, resulting in a significant sponsorship from Facebook amounting to $255,000. This funding allowed us to complete the construction of this exciting project in March 2021, providing a valuable new resource for our visitors' learning and engagement.
Fundraising Events
75th Anniversary Gala (2016)
In 2016, I was privileged to be part of the team orchestrating the Museum of Science and History's 75th Anniversary Gala. This event celebrated the institution's milestone. The gala was elevated by keynote remarks from Laura Lott, President and CEO of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), underscoring the Museum's impactful role in the community.
Mad Scientist Ball (2017, 2018, 2019)
I played a significant role in organizing the Mad Scientist Ball, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History's signature annual fundraiser. As part of the planning committee, we ensured this event was unique in every possible way. This event brought science and fun together, creating an engaging atmosphere that successfully appealed to our donor base. The funds raised during these events were directed towards facilitating innovative exhibits, implementing educational programs for students and families, and promoting the spread of science and history knowledge within the Fort Worth community and beyond.
Give Back Game Night (2018)
I took the lead in creating and executing the Give Back Game Night fundraiser, an innovative event aimed at introducing the Museum to young professionals. Designed to attract and engage a previously untapped demographic, this event not only provided a fun-filled evening but also educated attendees about the history, impact, and outreach of the Museum.
The theme for the evening was “Games and Gaming from the Past to the Present," featuring a variety of nostalgic 80s and 90s games. In addition to the relaxed atmosphere and entertainment, the event offered fundraising opportunities to maximize potential revenue.
Planned Giving Strategy and Execution
Played a significant role in developing and implementing planned giving strategies, leading to substantial donations. A notable example is the $2 million gift from the estate of Marianne Lyon in 2017. This substantial contribution enabled us to renovate the Dinosaur Gallery, enhancing the visitor experience and modernizing the aging Gallery.
Grant Writing & Sponsorships Success
I managed and authored over 300 grant and sponsorship proposals in my tenure at the FWMSH, with a successful win rate of 28%, exceeding the industry standard. My approach underlines the effectiveness of the tailored proposals and the in-depth research that went into every application.
The following list shows brief highlights from 2019 to 2021 of the successful grants, sponsorships, and corporate sponsorships that were awarded to the Museum while serving as Associate Director of Advancement at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.
Grants and Foundation Support
2021
- Amon Carter Foundation: $200,000
- Sid W. Richardson Foundation: $150,000
- The Burnett Foundation: $167,000
- Rainwater Foundation: $75,000
- The Morris Foundation: $11,960
2020
- Sid W. Richardson Foundation: $170,000
- Adeline and George McQueen Foundation: $100,000
- Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation: $35,000
- Lowe Foundation: $30,000
- Fund to Advance Racial Equity: $30,000
- Wells Fargo: $10,000
- Mary Potishman Lard: $10,000
- ASTC If/Then Grant: $10,000
2019
- Burnett Foundation: $250,000
Sponsorships
2021
- Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raiser’s Foundation: $50,000
- Hattie Mae Lesley Foundation: $35,000
- Crystelle Waggoner Charitable Trust: $35,000
- Colonial Country Club Charities: $5,279.95
2020
- Union Pacific: $10,000
Corporations
2021
- Bank of America: $30,000
- Folsom Point Charities: $20,000
- Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Corporation: $20,000
- BNSF Railway: $10,000
- Texas Wesleyan University: $10,100
- Frost Bank Sponsorship: $10,000
2020
- Facebook: $255,000 (Current Science Studio)
- Alcon Foundation: $250,000
- American Airline mileage award: $75,000
- Lockheed Martin $10,000
2019
- American Airline mileage award: $75,000
FWMSH Membership & Digital Fundraising
Membership Overhaul & Redesign
In 2018, I spearheaded an extensive overhaul of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History's membership program. This initiative began with an in-depth evaluation of its existing membership structure, incorporated valuable feedback from the community, and was informed by comprehensive research on best practices. Recognizing the need for clarity and simplicity, I led the development team in designing and executing a more streamlined membership model.
This membership overhaul was instrumental in increasing engagement, enhancing the museum's community impact, and boosting the institution's long-term financial sustainability.
Membership Experience Enhancement
While at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, I enhanced membership benefits by introducing exclusive offerings and unique reciprocal partnerships with local vendors. As part of these new benefits, I initiated a dedicated hour in the mornings for members. This early access time and opportunities provided a quieter and more personalized museum experience that was particularly attractive to homeschooling families.
Additionally, I introduced member-exclusive exhibit previews, offering early access to new exhibits, programs, and ticketed events. These measures increased member satisfaction and retention by over 30% in its first year.
Major Donor Membership Program Revamp
Recognizing the need to both attract and retain high-level contributors, I introduced new leadership membership tiers starting at $10,000 yearly. Beyond financial commitment, we enriched their engagement with exclusive events, personalized access to exhibits, and behind-the-scenes experiences. This strategic revamp ignited renewed interest among potential donors, transforming the program into a pivotal revenue stream for the museum, and strengthening our ties with key supporters.
COVID-19 Membership Response Program
During the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, I strategically created a new program to sustain our membership base and honor the invaluable service of first responders, teachers, and other critical members of our community. With the launch of our COVID-19 Membership Response Program, we introduced a new initiative: for each higher-level membership purchased, we provided a complimentary individual membership to these designated heroes. Not only was this program well received, but it also gained significant traction and sponsorship, reinforcing our museum's commitment to inclusivity and community support.
Children's Exclusive Membership Program
Recognizing the potential to foster a deeper engagement with our youngest visitors, I developed a Children's Membership Program that placed them at the heart of their museum experience.
The program equipped each child with an honorary 'Museum Reporter' ID and granted access to exclusive events specifically curated for their interests and curiosity. An integral part of this membership was a unique trading card collection, providing a tangible memento for each exhibition they explored. This child-friendly approach led to a noticeable increase in overall membership and after-school attendance, initiating a wave of positive feedback from our community and solidifying our commitment to nurturing a lifelong love of learning among our younger audience. Unfortunately, due to its social nature, COVID-19 placed this program on indefinite hiatus just months after it began.
Leveraging Social Media for Improved Fundraising
As part of our strategic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we capitalized on the power and reach of social media platforms to enhance our fundraising efforts and overall giving experience. Recognizing the growing trend towards digital transactions, we introduced seamless one-touch giving opportunities via Venmo, CashApp, and PayPal, as well as 'text to give' and 'round up' features.
This strategic move towards digital donations ensured accessibility, compatibility, and simplicity and was integral in securing funds during a challenging time. Our digital transformation not only provided an immediate response to the pandemic but also laid a sustainable foundation for future fundraising efforts.
Major Donor Program Management
An integral part of my responsibilities at MOLAA was the oversight and strategic enhancement of the Major Donor Program. I took an individualized approach to donor cultivation and stewardship, going beyond generic interactions to truly engage with our donors on a personal level.
At the heart of this strategy was the creation of comprehensive prospect profiles and briefs, developed in advance of donor meetings. These profiles contained an array of critical information – from the donor's philanthropic history and interests, to their connection to our mission, and any potential opportunities for deeper engagement. This detail-oriented approach allowed us to tailor each interaction to align with the donor's passions and interests, fostering a more meaningful connection.
The personalized nature of our interactions, paired with the unique opportunities provided by MOLAA, led to an increase in major donor engagement. This boosted our Major Donor Program, contributing to the museum's financial stability and facilitating our ability to execute on our mission.
Revamping MOLAA's Narrative
A key aspect of my role at MOLAA was reshaping and refining the museum's narrative to make it more compelling to funders. Recognizing the need for a compelling and engaging story that resonates with our target audience, I revised our approach to storytelling. This involved developing a nuanced understanding of our organization's mission, vision, and impact, which I then translated into a compelling narrative that effectively communicated MOLAA's unique value proposition.
This redefined narrative caught the attention of major funders nationwide, leading to increased interest in our work and activities. As a result, MOLAA began receiving invitations to apply for grants from some of the most prestigious funding bodies in the country.
Equity and Inclusion Initiative
I played a foundational role in crafting and managing MOLAA's Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) Initiative. I led the charge across departments to integrate systems and practices that fostered an environment of inclusivity and equity and integrated these elements into the Museum's grant narratives.
Significantly, the implementation of the DEAI initiative was pivotal in opening new avenues of funding for MOLAA. It significantly broadened our eligibility for grants, particularly from prestigious institutions like the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). By committing to and investing in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion, we not only enriched our museum community but also elevated MOLAA's profile among major national funders.
Digital Transformation in Fundraising
In response to shifting trends in financial transactions, I introduced innovative digital fundraising solutions to enhance the donor experience at MOLAA. These advancements were designed to facilitate access, and one-touch giving opportunities, which made donating simpler and more accessible to our community.
We implemented QR codes, allowing donors to scan and give instantly. We also integrated popular digital platforms such as Venmo, CashApp, and PayPal into our giving options. Moreover, to broaden how our community could support the museum, we introduced 'text to give' and 'round up' features, allowing donors to contribute via text message or by rounding up their purchase to the nearest dollar. The strategic transition to digital donations enabled our organization to gently solicit funds from the community at MOLAA's free events. But beyond addressing immediate challenges, this digital transformation laid a foundation for a more sustainable, flexible, and resilient fundraising strategy.
End-of-Year Appeal Campaign
I led the creation and execution of MOLAA's first End-of-Year Appeal in 2022. Recognizing the potential of this traditional fundraising practice, I steered our team in crafting an appeal that showcased the unique value of MOLAA and its educational programs to the community.
Our appeal was designed with a narrative focus, spotlighting stories from our community and illustrating the broad impact of the museum's work. By sharing compelling accounts of beneficiaries, we could educate our audience about the transformative experiences our programs offered.
This inaugural end-of-year appeal proved a resounding success, generating new funding and highlighting the strong bonds between MOLAA and its community. It not only increased our financial resources but also amplified awareness and understanding of the museum's vital educational role.
MOLAA Grants and Sponsorships Won
In my tenure at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), I played an integral part in the development team, engaging in the conceptualization, writing, editing, and submission of numerous significant grants. These collaborative efforts crossed departmental lines, reflecting the cohesive approach that characterized my work.
Most notably, I led the Perenchio Foundation grant application process, serving as the primary author and editor. This significant accomplishment resulted in an award of $2.5 million that significantly contributed to MOLAA's mission and ongoing programs.
Below is a selection of successful grants and sponsorships secured during my tenure:
2022 & 2023
- Perenchio Foundation: $2,500,000
- Ahmanson Foundation: $116,000
- Genesis Inspiration Foundation: $50,000
- Bank of America: $30,000
- San Manuel Band of Mission Indians: $25,000
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: $25,000
- Port of Long Beach: $7,500
- Rotary International Community Grant: $2,500
2021 & 2022
- California Humanities: $20,000
- Ruth & Joseph C. Reed Foundation: $15,000
- Port of Long Beach: $7,500
It's crucial to recognize that although these figures are associated with specific years, the preparation, strategy, and application for these grants often extend over numerous years. Additionally, there are several grant applications currently in the evaluation phase. Until formal approval is received, they will not be included in my tally of granted funds.
MOLAA Gala & Ambassador Program
MOLAA Ambassador Week Program
To elevate the MOLAA Gala experience, attract new major donors, and generate significant revenue, I developed and coordinated the unique Ambassador Week program. This immersive four-day event emerged as a crucial component of our annual Gala, offering attendees an unprecedented opportunity to delve deeper into Latinx and Latin American art, culture, and heritage.
The Ambassador Week was meticulously curated, presenting a new, enriching experience each day. Attendees were introduced to our vibrant Latin American collection, engaged in intriguing cultural discussions, and participated in exclusive events that heightened their appreciation of Latin American artistry. The evenings were marked by world-class fine dining, setting an energized tone that culminated in the grand finale – the annual Gala.
Exclusive Ambassador Membership Program
Recognizing the importance of our major donors, I spearheaded the development of an exclusive Ambassador Membership Program at MOLAA. Designed to forge deeper connections between our significant contributors and the Museum, this membership level offered unparalleled benefits, underlining our appreciation for their support.
The Ambassador Membership was intrinsically linked with our innovative Ambassador Week program. Additionally, their Ambassador status granted them privileged access to the Museum, including exclusive previews of new exhibitions, private tours, and VIP invites to our special events. This membership program bolstered the museum's relationship with major donors and provided a unique platform for them to interact with and contribute to its mission.
MOLAA's Expansion Project
Securing State Funding for Capital Expansion Project
The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), is embarking on a $50 million capital expansion project to meet the growing demand for its programs and space. The project includes building renovations, energy-efficient designs, enhanced open spaces, and modern layouts for improved accessibility. The expansion aims to accommodate the 40% surge in school field trip requests, sell-out rates of bilingual arts and culture summer camps, and an increased demand following the museum's post-pandemic reopening.
In my role within the fundraising team at MOLAA, alongside ATCUM and the Vice President of Government Affairs, we sought critical financial support from the State of California for our museum's expansion project. Crafting a compelling project description, coordinating closely with the architect and the Museum President, and lobbying with our local representatives were central tasks I carried out as we tirelessly pursued this funding.
Our perseverance paid off in June 2023 when, against the backdrop of significant statewide budget cuts, we received the thrilling news that the State would award us an unprecedented grant of $10 million to kickstart the project. This groundbreaking achievement underscores our collective effort to advance MOLAA's mission. The impact of this grant will resonate far beyond our museum walls, reaching the vibrant and diverse communities we serve.