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The main question during discernment was, “Can we design a campus that aligns with our fundraising potential?” We are confident that the answer is “yes” and here’s why:
- Our starting point was a budget of $12 million (total including furnishings and landscaping). Our existing assets bring us well over halfway there:
- We have approximately $5 million in our capital fund.
- We will sell the property next door, 309 Springfield Avenue, and expect to clear $3.0M to $3.5M.
- The architect, Louis Cherry, has indicated that he can develop a compelling design that falls within the budget. The FET validated his assertions by visiting properties he’s designed and speaking to past clients.
- We hired a fundraising consultant, Andrew Hamlin, to assess our ability to fund a $12 million project.
- His study included in-depth interviews of 39 families who are among the top contributors to Beacon’s Annual Giving campaign.
- He was quite impressed by their level of commitment to Beacon, noting that 38 out of 39 said that they gave more money to Beacon than to any other organization. Although he did not ask for any financial commitments, he did ask participants to provide an estimate of their future donations.
- He outlined some next steps for the Board to take, including providing a clearer vision for how the new building will help us live into our mission.
- He stressed the importance of gaining broad congregational support.
What’s next:
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The architect is moving into the programming phase during which he will be seeking input from various constituency groups (Lifespan, Music, Worship, etc.) We expect to have high level plans for the property in the fall. Once received, we will share it with the congregation. If you haven’t seen the architect’s video, check it out.
- At the upcoming Annual Meeting on June 12, you’ll be asked to approve a capital budget to proceed with this project.
- We expect to launch a congregation-wide Capital Campaign in the fall.
In the coming months, you’ll be receiving updates about the building project from the Board of Trustees, FET and the Capital Campaign. Please visit Beacon’s website for details.
Madhan Gounder, Board President
Lead Ministry Team:
Rev. Emilie Boggis
Dr. Tuli Patel
Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner
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