Case Studies: Center For The Arts

Challenge

This Center for the Arts organization, anchored by a historical theatre, was in the final phases of raising $28,000,000 for renovations necessary to attract and accommodate larger stage productions.

They needed a strategy to raise the remaining $5,000,000 necessary to finish the project but also to meet various grant requirements.

As most major corporations, foundations, and private donors had already contributed it was determined that the remaining $5,000,000 would have to be raised from the public at large, typically the most difficult effort.

Trainor was asked to develop a strategy, including public relations, marketing, and advertising plans to reach the public at large and secure the remaining funds.

Challenge:
Raise the last $5,000,000 of a $28,000,000 fundraising effort from the public at large, historically the most difficult group to do so.
Approach:
Feature the new stage which would now be large enough to attract even the most robust Broadway productions.
Recommendations:
"Brand" the new stage the "Stanley World Stage", communicating that now world-class entertainment would be available to the local community and sell "named" theatre seats that could be purchased as a gift or in memory on a loved one.
Results:
The final $5,000,000 was raised within 12 months.