Florida Humanities
The Florida Humanities case study showcases a remarkable journey of growth in major gift fundraising. Starting in 2021 with just one donor contributing $5,000 or more, the organization has since secured 12 major gift commitments totaling $740,800 by 2024. This significant achievement highlights the effectiveness of our relationship-based fundraising approach, demonstrating the power of strategic partnerships and dedicated efforts in driving impactful results.
Mission:
To preserve, promote and share the history, literature, cultures and personal stories that offer Floridians a better understanding of themselves, their communities and their state.
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Photo courtesy: Florida Humanities, 2023
What I love about Florida Humanities
Florida Humanities delights, inspires and educates me to be a better Floridian and a more educated citizen. I am so much smarter because I partnered with Florida Humanities! Every book I’ve read from their University Press imprint, program I’ve attended virtual and in-person, podcast I’ve heard, and FORUM issue I’ve devoured has made me smarter. Meeting Jackie Levine and John Moran at the 50th Anniversary were like celebrity moments for me!
Client Testimonial
Florida Humanities stands out as a truly remarkable and innovative philanthropic agency. For 50 years, this statewide private organization has effectively fulfilled its dual mission of being both a Grantmaker and a provider of public-facing programming. By serving small to mid-size nonprofits and marginalized communities across Florida, Florida Humanities has made an indelible impact. Many of the programs that exist today in Florida owe their success to the tireless efforts of this organization.
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Our strong relationships with prestigious institutions like the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Smithsonian, and the Library of Congress have brought literacy programs, world-renowned speakers, and exhibitions to areas of Florida that might otherwise have been overlooked. As Florida emerged as the third most populous state in the union, and with the challenges of post-pandemic philanthropy and a stressed economy bearing down, Florida Humanities recognized the need to evolve. The organization boldly expanded its reach and brand across the state, despite not having a Development or Communications Director at the time.
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In just three years, Mandy Cloninger became an invaluable partner, helping to position Florida Humanities for growth. She was instrumental in embracing the organization's first Communications and Marketing Plan, crafting a Development Plan, and now paving the way for the hiring of a Development Officer to work alongside our new Communications Director.
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Mandy helped us create a culture of philanthropy, working with our state-wide board, staff and key volunteers. We have had a significant return on investment for major gifts by cultivating successful multi-year partnerships. By focusing on cultivating a culture that is driven by our board through relationship building, we have created long-term success. This partnership was built on a foundation of independence, utilizing best practices and the latest tools. It has been, and will continue to be, a strong and fruitful collaboration.
Nashid Madyun
Executive Director
Solutions Highlights
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We cultivated a culture of philanthropy with Florida Humanities board of directors and regional outreach. We trained the board to function as a AAA Board: Ambassadors, Advocates and Askers, embedded this training in orientation, and supported the board’s ongoing efforts via committee and 1:1 support and outreach.
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We partnered with the CEO to cultivate transformational partnerships and relationships across the state. We worked 1:1 with the CEO and board members to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward potential major gift donors. More than 100 personal donor visits and 30 proposals submitted.
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We built future funding priorities and strategic investment opportunities including: Florida Forum Magazine Sponsorship, 50th Anniversary Campaign, Hurricane Ian Documentary & Oral History Project, the Jacksonville Racial Awareness Project and the Digital Humanities Project.
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We invested in donor and member acquisition campaigns by sharing FORUM magazine with regional and diverse audiences.
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We built multi-channel membership and donor reengagement campaigns for annual campaigns and the 50th anniversary.
Results Highlights
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$740,800 in major gift commitments to date.
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4X Impact: Every $1 invested in major gifts returned at least $4.
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30% increase in membership and number of donors in 2022. 15.8% increase in 2023.
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34% increase in total donations.
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Florida Humanities 50th Anniversary Campaign $50 for 50 years achieved its goal of $25,000 in anniversary donations and a matching challenge of $25,000 from several generous donors to raise more than $50,000.