Deep Relationship Building and Gifts that Transform Lives

BrightStone  (Franklin, TN)

The Situation:

BrightStone, a faith-based organization serving special needs adults through a day education and training program, is now well on its way to becoming a full-fledged campus and residential program.  When VPG joined BrightStone as campaign advisors and major gift strategists, the organization had just purchased property in the beautiful equestrian county of Franklin, Tennessee. Their bold vision was to build a campus and transition to a residential program eventually serve upwards of 120 adults through its full-life care, equestrian and training programs.  The fundraising program was principally fueled through well-established special events programming and dedicated volunteers and staff.  Brightstone sought bold philanthropic strategies and a fundraising plan that were as bold and empowering as their comprehensive and life-changing programs.

The Deliverables:

VPG was engaged to create a clear and compelling campaign road map, collaterals and action plan for its historic Land of Dreams Campaign designed to bolster relationship building and the major gift program.  The deliverables included:

• A road map for a $12 million campaign, and a second phase of the campaign with a $25 million goal to fully complete the campus.

• The creation of a Campaign Cabinet to provide the leadership for the cultivation and solicitation of campaign’s lead and quiet phase gifts. 

• Bi-weekly coaching for the Executive Director and Director of Advancement and on the transition from a special events to major gift fundraising culture.

• Strategic and tactical counsel that supporting leadership in securing the institution’s first seven figure gifts and elevating six figure giving.

• Comprehensive campaign collaterals and the campaign slogan, “Land of Dreams”.  

• Bold AskingⓇ philanthropy training for the board and staff.  

The Outcomes:

The dedicated leaders, staff and donors have created a thriving major gift culture supported through deep and meaningful relations and shared passions for this unique community of adults and faculty.  Since our counsel, Brightstone has:

• Moved to a beautiful 140-acre Land of Dreams campus unlike anything in Tennessee for adults with intellectual and development challenges.

• Opened a beautiful and innovative 23,000 sf Center for Learning, Art, and Enterprise which is providing comprehensive programming and enabling the organization to serve more adults. 

• Continued to pursue phase one and two including two teaching homes, and

• Continued to build its board filled with meaningful and passion-driven relationships.

Brightstone continues to be on the move.  Future planed phases for the campus and campaign include a chapel, gymnasium, and horticulture program, among other things.  Most importantly, the “Land of Dreams” campus truly is a dream come true for these special adult citizens and prospective families.

“VPG’s art of Bold Asking was the focus of a wonderful retreat with our board and development leadership attending.  The presentations and interactive discussions gave us confidence in understanding how and when to effectively share our story with community leaders who could support BrightStone.  It was a game-changer to learn how to build relationships that could lead to transformational giving versus transactional giving. With her guidance, we experienced record philanthropic investments from both current and new donors.  Susan's counsel is an investment worth making.-Randy Elliott, Director of Advancement, BrightStone, Inc.