Sierra College Sciences Center Fundraising Feasibility Report. Paul I. Lanning, Ed.D., CFRE December 11, 2012

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1 Sierra College Sciences Center Fundraising Feasibility Report Paul I. Lanning, Ed.D., CFRE December 11, 2012

2 Original Scope of Work Review/analyze, from a fundraising perspective, the current plans for the building and the total philanthropic funding needs of the College for the project. Assess potential gift sources; determine how much private funding could be raised during a predictable gift/pledge period. Develop an action plan and appropriate timing for the proposed Capital Campaign.

3 Methodology Review existing project plans with Sierra College leadership; Discussions regarding programmatic elements Review of blueprints Broader discussions about the College s future plans and needs in Biology and related disciplines Review existing Sierra College Foundation staffing structure as it contemplates mounting a campaign that was initially anticipated to have a $20 million goal; Identify specific components and naming opportunities to be targeted for private funding (based on current renderings);

4 Methodology Based on an overall budget of $100 million and a fundraising goal of $20 million, create a case statement to be tested in feasibility study interviews; Identify community, business and philanthropic leaders who might participate in confidential interviews; Conduct interviews with community leaders, with respect to the case for capital funding; Present findings and recommendations to Foundation and College leadership.

5 Change in Scope of Work Following review of documents and discussions with College leadership, we recommended that the study s scope and methodology be changed. It was our opinion that the project as originally designed several years before - a basic sciences building that simply replaced the current assets at Sewell Hall - could not generate significant philanthropic support. The existing plans were seven years old, developed without external (i.e. community, employer base, or philanthropist) input.

6 Change in Scope of Work Did not contemplate factors that have arisen since, such as: Growth in a variety of allied health disciplines Increasing focus on STEM-related instruction across the curriculum Future of nursing program with Roseville Gateway lease expiration in 2014 RPR agreed to develop two case statements: One for the existing project as planned: a basic biology (general science) building to replace Sewell Hall, including the relocation of the Natural History Museum and construction of a new Planetarium. The second proposes a new plan: the new building focuses much more on health science disciplines and related STEM programs, while the museum and planetarium remain in Sewell Hall.

7 Change in Scope of Work We also created and submitted an overall staffing plan recommendation at the request of the Foundation Board President. Midway through the study we learned that the College s matching portion might be reduced from $20 million to perhaps $5 million or less, which clearly would have a major impact on the overall viability of a fundraising plan.

8 Assessments Capacity of Region Capacity of Sierra College Infrastructure/Needs of College and Foundation Recommendations re: Revised Plan

9 Recommended Foundation Structure President / Foundation Board of Directors Foundation Executive Director Marketing Coordinator MGO Economic Development Coordinator Accountant Admin Assistant Grant Writing Consultant Scholarship/ Alumni/Giving Coordinator Special Event Consultant

10 Interviews Major regional employers Philanthropic foundation CEOs and program directors Prospective corporate partners/donors Past donors to Sierra College Rocklin/Roseville community members

11 Interviews Specific questions addressed the interviewees perception of: Importance of the College to the community; The need for a new facility; Local philanthropic climate; Potential barriers to a capital campaign; Interest in working on behalf of the College in fundraising activities for this project; Suggestions for other volunteer leadership; Suggestions regarding prospective donors; and Willingness to financially support the campaign.

12 Measuring Likelihood of Success Five essential elements: Understanding and acceptance of the College s mission, its quality of service provision, and importance to the community. Confidence in the College, in its management and volunteer leadership. Understanding and acceptance of the case for support with respect to the $5 million capital fundraising objective. An adequate pool of potential contributors. Potential availability of dedicated and capable fundraising leadership.

13 Conclusions There is philanthropic capacity in the region for a $5 million capital campaign. The College is a respected and valued community resource. College and Foundation management are considered professional, vibrant, highly competent. The Foundation Board lacks capacity for a multi-million dollar campaign. Additional community leaders and philanthropists are needed. Foundation staffing is very thin; insufficient for a successful capital campaign on top of increased expectations for greater annual support. The College does have potential for a successful $5 million campaign once the Foundation s infrastructure, volunteer base, and donor prospect pool are solidified.

14 Conclusions Public awareness and community involvement in the College are out of balance with its professional reputation. There are opportunities to forge new partnerships and engage more community involvement and advocacy. The case for modernizing the science disciplines at Sierra College through construction of a new facility is not critical/ compelling to a broad base. The need for philanthropic support calls for additional refinement and articulation. Focus on STEM and health sciences as a core elements of the case for support. Collaboration with and responsiveness to industry are imperative to the College s success. Consider inclusion of community-access clinics staffed by students under supervision of faculty and/or local healthcare professionals.

15 Conclusions The case needs to be established for the need of both public and private investment in the new building why state bond dollars are necessary but also not sufficient. The size, scope and location of the building must be validated as the best possible and the most cost-effective. There is a lack of cultivated major gift prospects that could be directed to a capital campaign in the immediate future. Challenges: Nebulous nature of the project at present Lack of cohesion within administration and faculty about project Current economic climate Uncertainty surrounding the state bond measure Prospect pool A capital campaign should not be conducted for at least 12 to 24 months (or until a lead gift is secured).

16 Recommendations Initiate a planning process to create an engaged, shared vision for the new sciences building. Involve representatives from key internal AND external stakeholder groups. Create a clear, compelling case for ensuring both public and private support for the new vision. Create a Sierra College STEM Advisory Committee (including health sciences) and strategically recruit individuals who will advance the cause for both public awareness and private support. Provide additional staff support for the Foundation. The Executive Director and an Assistant Director must focus on building a pipeline of major and planned gift prospects.

17 Recommendations Work with the Chancellor s Office to refine plans and details surrounding the commitment of state bond dollars. Seek clarity and communicate widely. Re test feasibility with refined, compelling case, including building renderings and location. Recruit a high level Capital Campaign Steering Committee and Campaign Counsel at least six months prior to the launch of the quiet phase of the Campaign. Plan for the quiet phase to continue until approximately 50% of the campaign goal is raised and a lead gift donor has been secured. Announcement of the lead gift should serve as a valuable springboard for the public phase of the campaign.

18 Questions/Discussion THANK YOU for your time!