This year was one of significant
accomplishment for the Foundation.
First and foremost, we succeeded in implementing two key objectives in our strategic plan to strengthen the Foundation’s infrastructure. This was accomplished primarily through the expansion of our technological resources and the introduction of new fundraising initiatives – both of which will enhance our capacity to meet the financial needs of our growing student population and the capital needs of the College.
Our decision to purchase a state-of-the-art donor database represents
an important investment in our future. This new technology increases both
the efficiency and accuracy of our efforts, thereby positioning us to compete
more effectively in the intensely competitive fundraising environment in
which we find ourselves. We believe it will be particularly beneficial to
us as we prepare to meet the financial needs associated with the 100% increase
in enrollment expected to occur with the addition of a second building to
the campus – the
Sound Building, scheduled to open in 2008.
The Foundation took another important step forward by broadening our fundraising
program through the introduction of three major new initiatives. Last November,
we hosted our first International Wine Tasting, a gala event presented by
our Board of Directors that proved to be a significant success in drawing
community attention to the Foundation and in raising new scholarship dollars.
This past spring, we instituted a Charitable Gift Annuity program – a
planned giving program that has enormous potential over the long-term. We
also launched Phase I of our Corporate Appeal, which already has generated
new and renewed interest in the Foundation and its objectives within the
Greater Bridgeport business community. While we plan to capitalize on the
initial success of these initiatives in the year ahead, we will continue
to develop new models for additional awareness-building and fundraising
campaigns for the future.
It is equally important to note that our base of support has continued to
grow. Our Annual Appeal raised $60,130 – a 25% increase over last
year and by far, the largest response in history of the Foundation. Additional
funds were raised through grants, new initiatives, other unsolicited contributions
and special events, bringing the total raised for the year to $384,627.
In looking back over our accomplishments, it is important to recognize that the successes we achieved would not have been possible without the focus and leadership of our dedicated Board of Directors and the enormous effort and commitment demonstrated by Maureen Dowdle, the Foundation’s Director of Institutional Advancement, and her team. I hope you will join me in celebrating their achievements and in looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Barbara P. Johnson