Case Study

Expanding the Club: $10 Million and Counting

Client: Lawrence Boys and Girls Club, Lawrence, MA

Needed: Capital Campaign

Attorney Michael W. Morris has worked with Advancement Partners as a Board member of two separate organizations, both based in his native Lawrence, Massachusetts. Lawrence, a struggling mill city, has served as a destination for generations of immigrants and experienced a number of daunting economic and social challenges. Currently, about 70% of its population are immigrants. Mike has dedicated a significant amount of his time and resources to moving the city and its children forward. For the past five years, he has counted Advancement Partners, Inc. (API) as a valued and trusted colleague in these efforts.

Mike first worked with Advancement Partners as Chair of the Development Committee at his alma mater, Central Catholic High School. With the help of Advancement Partners, Central Catholic exceeded their $5 million capital campaign goal in support of a building initiative and endowment growth. The completion of a new South Wing and extensive renovations to existing facilities has enabled the school to increase capacity and enhance the educational experience of students.

Mike also plays a leadership role with the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence. For many years, the Club had struggled to fulfill its mission in an outdated, undersized facility that presented significant challenges given the large number of children it serves (approximately 3,500) and the comprehensive services and programs the Club offers. Despite these challenges, the Club has consistently been recognized nationally for its successes. The Club has received seven national awards for programming excellence, and six members have been named State Youth of the Year, with four being named national finalists and two selected as the National Youth of the Year.

With its very existence threatened by its decrepit facility, the Club began making plans for a new facility.

Mike was President of the Board and knew exactly where to turn to help build community support and raise the necessary funds.

?There was no question in my mind that API was the group for the job. They know all about justice and equality and they know how to harness ideals to practical goals. I knew they cared and I knew we were going to get a lot of heart along with a lot of brains,? said Mike. The resulting Boys and Girls Club campaign has raised over $10 million to this point, and a brand new sparkling Club now stands proudly. ?We wanted a building that matched the quality of our kids and API went out and helped us get it,? added Mike.

?Advancement Partners gives its clients tremendous confidence in raising funds. By actually participating in major gift asks, they supply the expertise which acts in tandem with the sense of mission that non-profit professionals bring to the table,? stated Mike. ?API?s disciplined and focused approach is a critical element in the success of non-profit fund-raising ?in each of my experiences with API, the consultant/clients relationship quickly evolved to one of trusted collaboration and partnership. I?d recommend Advancement Partners every time,? Mike concluded.