In 2022, My Philanthropy Team was contacted by a small nonprofit staffed entirely by volunteers who dreamed of building an education center at Mitchell Canyon on Mount Diablo. As an official nonprofit partner of Mount Diablo State Park, Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA) has long supported the park’s educational and interpretive activities. More than 35,000 people visit Mitchell Canyon every year, yet the old portable trailer, inadequate parking, and non-ADA compliant restrooms severely limited access for many. MDIA’s visionary volunteers imagined a place where visitors, including busloads of school children on field trips, could learn about the biodiversity of Mount Diablo, explore Native Americans’ history and relationship with the mountain, and provide gathering spaces for art classes, hiking clubs, community events, and more.  

With this in mind, the volunteers of Mount Diablo Interpretive Association set out to launch a capital campaign to raise $4.6 million and asked if My Philanthropy Team could help. And, of course, we enthusiastically said, “Yes!” 

For a small membership organization with few donors and no paid staff, to spearhead a major building project was no small feat. MDIA’s approach, with professional fundraising consulting and coaching from My Philanthropy Team, has led to remarkable success, putting them a whisper away from their campaign goal.  

Imagine our delight when we recently received the following correspondence: 

Dear Brooke and Martha, 

Yesterday MDIA Board members and State Park representatives were pleased to attend the Wildlife Conservation Board meeting in Sacramento when they approved a $2.6 million grant to the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association.  This award was made possible by the tremendous assistance we received from both of you. 

Our little organization, with no paid staff and no fundraising experience, was able to raise $1 million through community donations, secure a $1 million State budget allocation and secure a $2.6 million WCB grant.  With this funding in place, we are ready to begin the final design and construction process! 

 We would not have known how to do any of this without the advice, encouragement and expertise of both of you over the last two years. We are so thankful for your leadership in guiding us through the process. 

 Thank you, we could not have done this without you. 

With gratitude, 

Mike Brandy, Vice President 

Mount Diablo Interpretive Association 

What can we learn from MDIA’s remarkable achievement? Several key strategies contributed to their success: 

#1. Financial Preparation: MDIA built a reserve fund from their membership program, earmarked for larger projects. This fund allowed them to commission initial concept drawings and cost estimates from a specialized architectural firm, generating excitement and credibility. The Board’s initial financial contribution further demonstrated their commitment to the project. 

#2. A Dedicated Campaign Committee: The MDIA campaign committee has been extraordinarily supportive of each other and every member fulfills key responsibilities. The MDIA board has shown its commitment, with 100% of board members having made gifts to the campaign. 

#3. Diverse Expertise: MDIA assembled a team with a range of skills. Board members with construction project management experience helped with planning, while others with backgrounds in education, sales, and community outreach added valuable perspectives. They also filled gaps by acquiring new skills, such as social media marketing and recruiting someone with fundraising experience.   

#4. Professional Coaching: MPT provided comprehensive guidance, helping MDIA plan and execute a capital campaign. This included crafting a compelling case for support, recommending a donor CRM system, designing campaign materials, and advising on major gift solicitation and donor communications. MDIA also engaged additional experts, such as a cost estimator and a firm specializing in interpretive displays. The fundraising success of the first two years, plus a solid plan for the building, put them in a great position when they applied to their top prospect, the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB)  

#5. Effective Fundraising Strategies: MDIA began by engaging their closest supporters, including board members and volunteers, who made early contributions. They then expanded their outreach to new major donors, as well as influential community organizations, elected officials, the school district, Native American tribal organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders. This broad support was crucial for their WCB application and will benefit the final campaign phases. 

#6. Cost Management and Communication: MDIA efficiently managed campaign costs, doing much of the work in-house while investing in essential coaching and professional services. They communicated the project’s strengths and their organization’s qualifications clearly and transparently, reinforcing their capability to lead the initiative.

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Need assistance? My Philanthropy Team is here to be your satellite fundraising team for all your development needs. We’re ready to jump in today to help with your year-end fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship programs, and so much more. Schedule a call today! 

Martha Henderson is a Senior Philanthropy Specialist and content writer for My Philanthropy Team.

 

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