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Fund Raising Successes
For more than 30 years, nonprofit organizations across the nation, of all sizes, and with various missions, have turned to Fund Raising Strategies in hopes that we can help them realize their dreams. Click on the links below for select case studies.
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| Mount Vernon Ladies' Association |
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(The foundation that has owned and operated George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate since 1858)
History
When Ann Pamela Cunningham first laid eyes on Mount Vernon in 1853, the mansion was in terrible disrepair. The roof was sagging, paint was peeling, and one of the great pillars along the front had collapsed and had been replaced by a ship's mast. The lawn was waist high in weeds. Mount Vernon was a victim of neglect and decay. Miss Cunningham was dismayed, yet resolute. The historic home of the father of our nation deserved better than this. It was then that Ann Pamela Cunningham decided she would save Mount Vernon.
Mission
Shortly thereafter, Miss Cunningham formed the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union in order to raise funds to purchase Mount Vernon. On April 6, 1858, they bought the estate from John Augustine Washington, Jr., the great-grandnephew of General Washington.
When the Association acquired Mount Vernon, practically the only items remaining were the key to the Bastille given to Washington by Lafayette and the famous Houdon bust that the General had placed above the door of the study. Under the leadership of the Regents of Mount Vernon, beginning with Miss Cunningham, the mansion was fully restored and much of the original furniture returned to Mount Vernon.
From the very beginning until today, Mount Vernon has kept its gates open, thanks entirely to the generous gifts of Americans and from the modest admission fees paid by visitors to the estate.
Enter FRS
At the time that Fund Raising Strategies first began talking with the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, the organization was in the middle of the largest capital campaign in its history. The challenge was to not only raise millions of dollars for its new underground visitors area and long-distance learning center, but also make sure that funds were available for operating expenses.
It was vital that the direct mail solicitations support and enhance the image so carefully nurtured over some 150 years by the Ladies of Mount Vernon. Working closely with the development staff of Mount Vernon, Fund Raising Strategies carefully constructed a direct mail fund raising campaign that not only raised funds for the organization, but also was consistent with the message and vision of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association.
This program has generated more than 150,000 donors to the organization, several of whom have chosen to make large personal gifts to the preservation of Mount Vernon and heroic legacy of President George Washington.
[View Million Dollar Package] |  |  |
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| The National Museum of the Pacific War |
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History
The National Museum of the Pacific War operated by the Admiral Nimitz Foundation is the only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of World War II in the Pacific Theater. Located on a nine-acre site in Fredericksburg, Texas, the complex includes the George Bush Gallery, the Nimitz Hotel museum, the Japanese Garden of Peace, the Pacific Combat Zone, the Plaza of the Presidents, the Surface Warfare Plaza, the Memorial Wall, the Veterans Walk of Honor and the Center for Pacific War Studies.
In addition to nearly 45,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space, the museum boasts an impressive display of Allied and Japanese aircraft, tanks, guns and other large artifacts made famous during the Pacific War campaigns.
Mission
The mission of the Foundation is to not only preserve and maintain the legacy of America's World War II veterans through Museum displays, seminars and other programs, but also generate traffic to the Museum so that the next generation of Americans will remember and honor the sacrifices of those who fought in World War II to secure our freedom.
Starting in the 1997 school year, the Museum initiated an innovative education program intended for visits to the Museum and for use in schools. Teachers can bring their classes to the Museum and enjoy docent-guided tours of the facilities and a living history program at the Pacific Combat Zone.
Enter FRS
When representatives of Fund Raising Strategies first spoke with Rear Admiral Charles Grojean (USN-Ret.) the Foundation was seeking to expand its facility to include all aspects of warfare in the WWII Pacific Theater. Working closely with Rear Admiral Grojean and the staff of the Foundation, FRS has created a direct mail campaign designed to not only raise funds for the Museum, but also to increase awareness across the United States. This successful effort has helped make it possible for the National Museum of the Pacific War to stay on track with its expansion plans and has increased traffic to this wonderful Museum.
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| Wildlife Waystation |
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History
Martine Colette founded Wildlife Waystation in 1976 to provide a rescue center for wild and exotic creatures. Her childhood was spent traveling Africa with her naturalist father, where she witnessed much animal suffering and learned how to heal their illnesses. When she came to the U.S. as an adult, many friends would bring her wounded or orphaned exotic animals to care for and she began to see just how great a need there was for a wildlife refuge. That's why she founded Wildlife Waystation which is now located in the Angeles National Forest, outside of Los Angeles.
Mission
Today this very special haven for abused and neglected animals is home for more than 1,000 permanent residents and a rehabilitation center for another 4,000 animals. Hundreds of native wild animals are cared for and released each year. They include every type of animal from tiny hummingbirds and majestic golden eagles to mischievous raccoons and California mountain lions.
Enter FRS
Operating one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the United States is a costly venture. And when emergencies arise, such as the "Idaho" rescue of 17 great cats almost overnight, the financial pressures are almost overwhelming. After meeting with Martine and the staff of Wildlife Waystation, Fund Raising Strategies created a highly efficient direct mail fund raising campaign tailored to the express needs and challenges of Wildlife Waystation. Today that award-winning effort raises funds from every corner of the nation to make absolutely certain this vital home for animals can not only keep its doors open, but also keep expanding its capabilities.
[View Million Dollar Package] | |  |
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| Korean War Veterans National Museum and Library |
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History
The Korean War, which took place almost immediately after World War II, has been called the Forgotten War. That's an apt description, but not only has the Korean War been forgotten, its warriors have too. How could a war that cost some 50,000 American lives be forgotten?
Mission
Well, a group of men who fought in that war decided that both the Korean War, and the men who fought there would always be remembered. In order to honor the sacrifices of these warriors, they created the Korean War Veterans National Museum and Library. They undertook this project to make sure that future generations of Americans would never forget the valor, the courage, and the commitment of those who fought the North Korean Communists on the hard terrain and in the bitter cold in order to stop the Communist advance around the globe and to give freedom to millions of men, women, and children in South Korea.
Enter FRS
Without much more than determination and a dream to build upon, the founders of the Korean War Veterans National Museum and Library were determined to turn their dream into reality. In the spring of 2004 they took a big step toward their goal of establishing a permanent place of remembrance by signing an agreement with Fund Raising Strategies for a no-risk test mailing.
The results of the pro bono test mailing were very, very encouraging. Signed by Korean War veteran and American Astronaut, Buzz Aldrin, the test fund appeal raised thousands of dollars of net income for the Museum. Of course, the test was just the beginning. Now a full-scale direct mail fund raising program is underway with the goal of raising the millions of net dollars needed to construct the Korean War Veterans National Museum and Library. Thanks to the successful direct mail effort crafted by FRS, the foundation will soon break ground on its long anticipated museum.
[View Million Dollar Package] | |  |
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| Soldiers' Angels |
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History
The Soldiers' Angels was started by a self-described "ordinary mother" of an ordinary young man turned hero, Sgt. Brandon Varn. Brandon was deployed in Iraq and has since honorably completed his mission and has returned to his proud and loving family.
In the summer of 2003, he wrote home expressing his concern that some soldiers did not receive any mail or support from home. Being a caring and loving mother, she decided not to allow a situation like that to continue. She contacted a few friends and her extended family to ask if they would write to a soldier or two.
Mission
Within a few short months, The Soldiers' Angels Foundation went from a mother
writing a few extra letters to an Internet Community with thousands of Angels
worldwide and growing stronger with the addition of new members daily. With more
and more merchants donating services, money, and items for packages, the Angels
reorganized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit so that all donations would be tax deductible.
Enter FRS
Soldiers' Angels had a wonderful track record of success in supporting our deployed troops before Fund Raising Strategies ever came on the scene, but they wanted to do more, much more. Through a targeted, focused effort, FRS has been able to rapidly develop a large house file for Soldiers' Angels which has generated additional revenue for this important cause. Today Americans from across the nation donate to Soldiers' Angels and the result is great growth in net revenue available for the needs of our soldiers.
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| NCOA National Defense Foundation |
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History
Chartered by Congress, the Non Commissioned Officers Association supports active and retired enlisted soldiers, airmen and seamen who served in the enlisted ranks. Through its National Defense Foundation, NCOA cares for hospitalized and wounded veterans across our nation.
Mission
Realizing that World War II veterans are dying at the rate of more than 1,500 per day, the Foundation recently decided to undertake its World War II Final Tribute project to honor those who did so much to preserve American freedom. No better organization could have been chosen for this important project. For many years the Foundation has encouraged and supported hospitalized veterans across the United States through its Operation Appreciation project. And now the Non Commissioned Officers Association is working hard to honor WWII veterans—living and dead—for their great sacrifices.
Enter FRS
For more than a decade, Fund Raising Strategies has worked with the NCOA National Defense Foundation to make sure it has had the funds to continue its many important projects and programs. By identifying the right lists and crafting fund appeals that highlight the work of the NCOA National Defense Foundation, FRS has helped the Foundation provide aid and comfort to American heroes, past and present.
[View Million Dollar Package] | |  |
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| World War II Veterans Committee |
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History
A former U.S. Navy officer, James Roberts woke up one morning and realized that the heroic veterans of World War II were passing from the scene. And, as a member of the news media, he realized that many of their exploits would go to the grave with them if he didn't step forward. So he founded the World War II Veterans Committee, and one of the first calls he made was to his long-time friend, Bruce Eberle, who had been raising funds through the mail for many years. Jim realized that this was no small undertaking.
Mission
Today the WWII Veterans Committee is the only group with a toll-free hotline (1-800-704-2484) for veterans to call and record their memories of the war. And a newsletter, World War II Chronicles, features stories from WWII vets and is distributed to VA hospitals four times a year. The World War II Veterans Committee is also the official sponsor of the annual Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC.
The late Admiral Thomas Moorer, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was an enthusiastic supporter. And so is David Eisenhower, General Dwight Eisenhower's grandson.
The WWII Veterans Committee staff has collected hundreds of stories from WWII veterans who have called the toll-free hotline. The courage and valor of these "average" vets who quietly faded back into their neighborhoods after the war is truly amazing. Without the efforts of Jim Roberts, the brave stories of these war heroes would have been lost in time.
Enter FRS
Thanks to Jim Roberts and to the generous support of more than 150,000 donors reached through the efforts of Fund Raising Strategies, these stories of valor and courage have been preserved, so they can be recalled as an inspiration for future generations.
[View Million Dollar Package] | | |
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| The Reagan Ranch |
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History
After President Reagan announced that he had Alzheimer's disease it was necessary for him to sell his beloved Rancho del Cielo, the ranch in the clouds. When Ron Robinson, President of Young America's Foundation, heard that the ranch was for sale he was determined that this piece of American history not be lost for all time. Ron realized that it's difficult to really understand the personality and character of a man or woman unless you have an opportunity to walk through their home and look in their closet.
Mission
That's exactly what visitors to the Reagan Ranch have an opportunity to do—look behind the window dressing. Located on a secluded mountaintop near Santa Barbara, California, the Western White House was where Ronald Reagan kicked back and relaxed. The Washington Post said that here you see the real Ronald Reagan.
Enter FRS
Young America's Foundation purchased the Ranch from Nancy Reagan in 1997. Ron Robinson made one of his first calls to Bruce Eberle, President of Fund Raising Strategies, Inc. Immediately thereafter, an aggressive direct mail fund raising campaign was launched. The effort met with almost immediate success, raising large sums of net income and identifying donors who subsequently made large gifts toward the project. Ron generously credits Fund Raising Strategies as the key to his efforts to acquire and preserve the Reagan Ranch.
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