Services: Feasibility Study & Fundraising Management Services
For more than 50 years, Congregation B’nai Israel served the Toledo Jewish community from its Old Orchard facility which was established at a time when membership was nearly three-times what it is currently. Due to demographic changes, the community has decreased and stabilized with approximately 400 families. Faced with the challenges that any 50 year old facility presents, coupled with the move westward of the Jewish community, a determination was made to relocate into a new building more appropriate for the membership and better positioned to serve the community.
Bloom Metz Consulting first conducted a Campaign Feasibility Study to test the premise of a $5 million capital and endowment campaign. A Case for Support was prepared to articulate the objectives of the campaign. A list of prospective supporters perceived to have influence, significant wealth, or access to wealth was established with input from members of a Task Force and research conducted by Bloom Metz Consulting. Confidential interviews were conducted to assess individuals likelihood of support, recommendations for potential leadership, opinions about the plans for the new building, and willingness to participate as volunteers. Upon completion of the study, Bloom Metz Consulting recommended a campaign be conducted however with a reduced goal. B’nai Israel leadership adjusted the original plans for a new building and a capital and endowment campaign with a $3.5 million goal was embraced.
Bloom Metz Consulting was engaged by B’nai Israel to provide Fundraising Management Services. The campaign work began with an "Organizational Phase" during which leadership was secured, marketing materials were prepared, and procedures were established. The "Quiet Phase" followed. Campaign leadership and board members were asked to make their multi-year commitment to the campaign, since it’s important for leadership to lead by example. Major gift prospects were also approached during this phase and asked to consider their multi-year pledges. The objective of the "Quiet Phase" was to secure 50-60% of the campaign goal in order to announce the campaign in the "Public Phase" with clear signs of success. Recognizing that people like to be on a “winning team,” this strategy was employed in order to create a sense of excitement so the general population would feel motivated to participate. Fundraising continued through the "Public Phase" to include face-to-face solicitations, parlor meetings, phoning sessions, and direct mail requests. The $3.5 million goal was ultimately exceeded, with the majority of the congregation participating to the best of their ability at all levels.
Congregation B’nai Israel celebrated its success and new home May 18 – 20, 2007 with a festive weekend including special dedication ceremonies and a community-wide concert. In addition to a beautiful new facility, B’nai Israel has experienced a renewed sense of spirit and dedication among the congregation.
Unique aspects of this initiative:
1. The need for a new building because of a declining membership v. a growing membership. An example of initiatives adopted to reinforce the viability of the congregation was the creation of a time capsule filled with memorabilia from the congregation’s 150+ year history and scheduled to be opened upon the 200th anniversary of the congregation in 2066.
2. With a reduced goal recommended upon completion of the Feasibility Study, B’nai Israel leadership considered alternatives to the traditional stand-alone new building. Leadership explored the possibility of establishing a facility with another community synagogue that would enable the two synagogues to share common space such as classrooms and administrative areas but maintain separate sanctuaries. Ultimately, it was determined B’nai Israel should move forward on its own, and it pursued the establishment of its new facility on the Jewish community campus in order to be able to share space and parking with the Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Day School.
3. Many members no longer lived in the Toledo Jewish community, yet they maintained an affection for B’nai Israel that was demonstrated through several significant pledges.