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Capital Campaign FAQs

Capital Campaign for The Rose Valley Museum at Thunderbird Lodge Preserving the Art that is Life

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Why is Rose Valley Centennial Foundation (RVCF) involved in a capital campaign?
  2. Why are we launching a capital campaign now?
  3. What is the capital campaign fundraising goal and budget? The goal is to raise $1,000,000 over the next three to five years.
  4. Who makes the decisions? Who has the oversight?
  5. Is the capital campaign organized in phases? If so, what does silent phase mean?
  6. What kind of support have we already received for this project?
  7. How do I donate? How can I pay my gift or pledge?
  8. May I pledge my campaign gift over a period of time?
  9. Is it ok to give to the campaign in my company’s name?
  10. What if my company has a matching gift program, does that help?
  11. If I cannot make a campaign gift or pledge now, can I still give something at a future date?
  12. Once I make my Campaign gift, how else can I help?
  13. Will donors (and donation amounts) be publicly acknowledged?
  14. Are donations to the capital campaign tax deductible?
  15. Who do I call if I have questions?

Do you have additional questions about the Capital Campaign for Thunderbird Lodge?
Please contact us at info@rosevalley100.org

 

  1. Why is Rose Valley Centennial Foundation (RVCF) involved in a capital campaign? In 2015, the Rose Valley Centennial Foundation took ownership of Thunderbird Lodge from the Olmstead family. This historic home was listed on the National Historic Register in 1989. and The RVCF board took on the responsibility as the landlord to seek an appropriate tenant. In order to  preserve and protect this centerpiece of Rose Valley’s National Historic District the RVCF is obligated to raise the much needed funding to underwrite the capital improvements and critical renovation costs of this community treasure.
  2. Why are we launching a capital campaign now?
    The impetus for all of this was the gift of the property. At the time, the RVCF and RVM leadership knew three things –the Rose Valley Museum and Historical Society needed a home, the growing list of capital repairs and improvements to Thunderbird Lodge was extensive, and as 100% volunteer-driven organizations, we needed money and we needed help. We engaged outside professional fundraising counsel to develop and execute a strategic, actionable fundraising plan.The economic mandate for was clear, build capacity, diversify revenue and secure additional resources. It was time to spend money to make money and invest in fulfilling a dream that will impact the next generation and beyond.
  3.  What is the capital campaign fundraising goal and budget?
    The goal is to raise $1,000,000 over the next three to five years.
    Campaign Budget 2017-2022
    Underwrite critical capital improvements and renovations to Thunderbird Lodge – $750,000
    Expand education-based programming – $200,000
    Build organizational capacity – $ 50,000
    TOTAL – $1,000,000
  4. Who makes the decisions? Who has the oversight?
    The RVCF Board of Directors has oversight of the capital campaign. For the duration of the campaign, the overall fiduciary and operational responsibilities sit with the members of the RVCF board. This group provides the ongoing leadership needed to ensure transparency and integrity over the life of the campaign’s key priority areas. The board will ensure that the funds raised are managed effectively in accordance with IRS rules and capital campaign purpose including any donor-directed restrictions.The Campaign Committee acts in a planning capacity to move the campaign plan and strategy forward. The museum curator and members of the Rose Valley Museum Board are on the Campaign Committee so there is coordination and overlap of the two organizations and their respective missions.
  5. Is the capital campaign organized in phases? If so, what does silent phase mean?
     Typically, capital campaigns are structured in phases. The first phase is called the silent or quiet phase. This means the fundraising happens internally. Basically, the silent phase is the work-horse phase of The Campaign 300 that involves the following:a. Develop a customized plan focused on the internal audience.
    b. Secure at least 50% of the total campaign goal.
    c. Prepare a case for support, create a campaign committee, develop a campaign plan including timelines, budgets, a campaign identity and campaign policies.
    d. Engage and solicit the group closest to the RVCF and the RVHMS. To set the tone, we solicited and secured pledges from the leadership, past and present, and the Campaign Committee members in the summer of 2017.The gifts secured during this phase are advance gifts totaling more than $250,000.
  6. What kind of support have we already received for this project?
    See the FAQ above.
  7. How do I donate? How can I pay my gift or pledge?
    We accept your gift in the form of:
    Check/Credit Card • Appreciated Stock • IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution • Bequest
    Please make checks payable to The Rose Valley Museum at Thunderbird Lodge Campaign
  8. May I pledge my campaign gift over a period of time?
     We encourage donors to spread their campaign gift over a three to five-year period. Capital campaigns have a special, targeted purpose for raising the money and the funds are restricted. By spreading your pledge out over time, you have the flexibility to plan for your financial commitment. The first pledge payment needs to occur in the 2018 tax year. All you need to do is complete pledge form and submit it as per the instructions on the form.
  9. Is it ok to give to the campaign in my company’s name?
    We are flexible and donors have choices on how to give: as a company, from personal income, an appreciated stock gift or an IRA qualified charitable distribution or name RVCF in their Will. We want to make it easy and flexible. You can be creative and combine gifts with personal and corporate.
  10. What if my company has a matching gift program, does that help?
    Absolutely! Matching gifts are the perfect way to increase your gift! Many business owners and/or executive level professionals are employed by companies who may offer this charitable benefit option. It is worth exploring if your spouse or partner has a corporate matching program. Contact info@rosevalley100.org to provide matching gift information.
  11. If I cannot make a campaign gift or pledge now, can I still give something at a future date?
    Keep in mind that our overall success is connected to our fundraising progress over the next 18-20 months. We realize circumstances change and contributions to the campaign are welcome now and in the future.
  12. Once I make my Campaign gift, how else can I help?
    We need your time and talent as well as your treasure! There are many ways to get involved. We ask that you consider connecting us with others in your circle of influence. People give to people. Consider ways you can involve your business associates, friends and family to support this worthy effort. Contact any of the Campaign Committee members listed on our Capital Campaign page or info@rosevalley100.org
  13. Will donors (and donation amounts) be publicly acknowledged?
    Donor recognition is an important part of every campaign. The Campaign Committee will be discussing ideas and firming up donor recognition opportunities over the course of the next few months.
  14. Are donations to the capital campaign tax deductible?
    RVCF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN 45-5469053
  15. Who do I call if I have questions?
    Lynn Kelley, Treasurer of the Rose Valley Centennial Foundation, at 610-565-9845