St. Ambrose University

$100 Million Capital Campaign Strategy and Development

Introduction

St. Ambrose University launched a $125 million capital campaign to support its growth. This case study explores the campaign’s objectives, strategies, and outcomes, emphasizing the importance of cohesive branding.

Objective

The primary objective was to:

  1. Define the Theme and Relevance to the Goals: Create a compelling theme aligned with the university’s mission and strategic goals.

Strategies

Key strategies included:

  1. Developing the Theme and Branding:
    • Theme Creation: Crafted an inspiring theme encapsulating the university’s vision, serving as the foundation for all communications.
    • Brand Identity: Established a unique brand identity with a logo, tagline, and visual elements to inspire donors.
  2. Defining Marketing Strategy:
    • Comprehensive Marketing Plan: Targeted alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members.
    • Multi-Channel Approach: Utilized direct mail, email campaigns, social media, events, and public relations.
  3. Ensuring Consistency in Communication:
    • Unified Messaging: Maintained consistency in tone, style, and message across all materials.
    • Stakeholder Engagement: Engaged key stakeholders to support the campaign and align with its objectives.

Results

The initiative led to several positive outcomes:

  • Successful Launch: Immediate attention and support, with high engagement from alumni, donors, and stakeholders.
  • Enhanced Visibility: Consistent branding increased recognition and media coverage.
  • Fundraising Progress: Early donations set a strong foundation for achieving the $125 million goal, ensuring long-term support.

Conclusion

St. Ambrose University’s campaign underscores the importance of cohesive branding and strategic marketing, leading to increased engagement, awareness, and significant progress towards fundraising goals.

Strategies:
Key strategies included:

  1. Developing the Theme and Branding:
    • Theme Creation: Crafted an inspiring theme encapsulating the university’s vision, serving as the foundation for all communications.
    • Brand Identity: Established a unique brand identity with a logo, tagline, and visual elements to inspire donors.
  2. Defining Marketing Strategy:
    • Comprehensive Marketing Plan: Targeted alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members.
    • Multi-Channel Approach: Utilized direct mail, email campaigns, social media, events, and public relations.
  3. Ensuring Consistency in Communication:
    • Unified Messaging: Maintained consistency in tone, style, and message across all materials.
    • Stakeholder Engagement: Engaged key stakeholders to support the campaign and align with its objectives.

Results:

  1. Successful Launch: Immediate attention and support, with high engagement from alumni, donors, and stakeholders.
  2. Enhanced Visibility: Consistent branding increased recognition and media coverage.
  3. Fundraising Progress: Early donations set a strong foundation for achieving the $125 million goal, ensuring long-term support.

Conclusion:
St. Ambrose University’s campaign underscores the importance of cohesive branding and strategic marketing, leading to increased engagement, awareness, and significant progress towards fundraising goals.

Services Provided:

  • Brand Strategy
  • Brand Design and Execution
  • Communication Materials
  • Multi-Channel Marketing
  • Fundraising Plan and Execution

Our Role:

– Brand Strategy
– Campaign Naming
– Campaign Design
– Collateral Development