PHILANTHROPIC MARKET STUDY PROGRESSES Phase II of the National Railroad Hall of Fame’s Philanthropic Market Study began in September with the first of 35 private, confidential interviews with influential supporters around the country. Information gathered during the interviews will identify campaign leadership, potential contributors, and the project’s estimated philanthropic potential. The study is designed to lay the groundwork for a successful national fundraising campaign. The effort is being led by the Chicago office of Campbell & Company, a nationally-known consulting firm with over 35 years of experience serving the non-profit sector. Phase I of the philanthropic market study was completed in May as the Hall of Fame hosted receptions for select rail industry executives and community leaders in Washington, DC; Fort Worth; Chicago; and Peoria. At each gathering, a presentation on the project’s concept and planned visitor experience was followed by a feedback session led by representatives of Campbell & Company. Comments received during the events were incorporated into the project’s creative plan and promotional materials. Feedback from national receptions confirmed that the Engines of Freedom theme and planned visitor experience are uniformly popular, as is the concept of a modern facility that is high-tech, immersive, cinematic, and story driven. Participants also endorsed a national fundraising campaign targeting a $30 million facility investment plus a full endowment and operating reserve. |