Steering Committee

Description of the Campaign Steering Committee

The Campaign Steering Committee will provide strategic and hands-on leadership for Menno Haven’s “Nurturing the Human Spirit” Campaign in support of the new Rehabilitation Center, new Health Care Center, two Memory Care Houses and a Resident Life Center. It will adopt final campaign goals and prepare and execute campaign plans to achieve them. Members of the Campaign Steering Committee will help identify, cultivate, and solicit (or facilitate the solicitation of) prospective donors who may be able and willing to make pace-setting contributions in the early phases of this effort. The Campaign Steering Committee will also help develop and execute the plan to reach a broader base of donors in the latter stages of the campaign. The Campaign will be led by Co-Chairs and Vice Chairs who will head up key subcommittees.

Responsibilities of the Campaign Steering Committee members:

With staff and consultants help, create a special “Celebration, Cultivation and Communication Program” in order to support and enhance the campaign’s “friend-raising” and fundraising efforts. Plan and schedule special presentations and events aimed at educating and cultivating the community about the four building projects. Sample components of the education, cultivation and public relations program may include:

  • Serve as a sounding board during the process of preparing critical campaign materials (especially in the development of the updated campaign “case for support”) and developing plans to host several community “information sessions” in the early phase of the campaign.
  • Participate in monthly meetings to review/update campaign strategy and time line, set interim goals, assess progress and organize gift solicitations.
  • Serve as special ambassadors in and around the community-sharing project details about the four projects, answering questions and encouraging financial support of the campaign.
  • Assist in identifying, cultivating and soliciting donors to the campaign.
  • Consider a personal gift to the campaign and consider augmenting that gift with a new or increased planned gift.
  • Help thank and recognize campaign donors and volunteers

Membership of the Capital Campaign Steering Committee:

The Campaign Steering Committee will consist of 15+ members who are recruited and appointed by the CEO, Board Chairman and Campaign Chair(s). The membership of the committee may be expanded as the public phase of the campaign approaches.

Meetings and Time Required:

Campaign Steering Committee members should expect to attend one regular meeting plus another subcommittee meeting or campaign event per month over the duration of the campaign. When possible, meetings will be held in tandem with other scheduled meetings/events or through telephone conference calls to minimize travel.

From Left to Right: Campaign Volunteers – Michelle Bowen, Mary Ann Castelli and Dennis Castelli

Communications Committee

The Campaign Communications Committee will be responsible for developing and implementing personal and creative strategies for connecting with residents and community friends, communicating the objectives of the campaign, helping to identify new gift prospects, involving/educating/cultivating known gift prospects, and expanding public awareness efforts. This group will work to create or further enhance a favorable climate for giving to the Nurturing the Human Spirit Campaign for the four building projects and will act as the public voice to specific target markets and the community at large for all aspects of the campaign.

Responsibilities of the Campaign Communications Committee Chair(s) and members:

With staff and consultants help, create a special “Celebration, Cultivation and Communication Program” in order to support and enhance the campaign’s “friend-raising” and fundraising efforts. Plan and schedule special presentations and events aimed at educating and cultivating the community about the four building projects. Sample components of the education, cultivation and public relations program may include:

  • Private gatherings and informational sessions in apartments, cottages, villas, lobbies and lounges throughout the internal and external community
  • Presentations to local/regional service organizations
  • “Brown bag” and catered lunches for non-residents
  • Breakfast/lunch/after hours “hard hat tours (tours of the facilities when construction has started)
  • Special event invitations and “sneak peek” events for VIP’s
  • Announcements at set campaign milestones
  • High profile communications materials
  • Public announcements of major named gift announcements
  • Use of video, special newsletters and the website to share project and campaign information
  • New media efforts
  • Major campaign events, such as the campaign kickoff, midway point, and then the “Victory” celebration.
  • Donor recognition events, plaques and ceremonies, as needed.

Meetings and Time Required:

Campaign Chair(s) and members of the Campaign Communications Committee should expect to attend one meeting per month over the duration of the campaign. When possible, meetings will be held in tandem with other scheduled meetings/events or through telephone conference calls to minimize travel.

Staff Support

Members will consist of Board members, residents, key supporters and volunteers who possess both an interest and skills in communications, special events, fund raising and public relations. Members will be people of high energy and enthusiasm for the mission of Menno Haven. The Campaign Steering Committee, CEO, Executive Director of Development Services, Campaign Consultants and other institutional representatives will work with the committee and maintain effective communication and follow-through for all aspects of the committee’s work.