Case Study: Espy Foundation

The Espy Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Oysterville, WA, dedicated to advancing and encouraging visual artists, writers, musicians and all aspects of creativity. In 2007, FPN conducted an arts stakeholder and community funding analysis regarding the creation of a $3.2 million artist-in-residence retreat and endowment in Oysterville. FPN worked with Polly Friedlander, the Espy Foundation Founder and President, and the Espy Board to create a customized campaign plan for the project.

To begin the process, FPN collaborated with stakeholders to determine the case for support and campaign budget, working directly with Polly and the board to create an extensive list of previous, current and prospective donors to Espy. FPN also supervised all marketing aspects of the campaign, making sure they were consistent and had a targeted message. This included overseeing the creation of a campaign brochure, one-page fact sheet focused on sustainability, a detailed profile of a previous resident artist and a page of quotes from those who were influenced by the Espy Foundation. FPN also developed campaign management tools such as a pledge form, invoice and follow-up letters.

FPN implemented a strategy aimed at securing $1 million dollars toward the Espy campaign by the end of the 2008 calendar year. This strategy involved securing donors to sponsor the four artist residences at $150,000 each. This, supplemented by previously pledged board gifts and a $25,000 grant received by the Espy Foundation, has put them well on their way to reaching their fundraising goals.