"Fessenden’s fundraising success is built on donors in our Red & Gray Society, which honors leadership donors to the school. Accounting for 90% of the $2 million annual fund, as well as many transformative gifts to capital and endowed funds, stewardship to Red & Gray donors is crucial.
The pandemic eliminated the opportunity to gather for our annual in-person recognition event, so we designed the Congo Bar Baking Lesson project as an inclusive, nostalgic, and family-friendly touchpoint instead. The project was twofold. First, we filmed a video message from our head of school thanking donors for their support. In his remarks, he introduced our food services director and visual arts teacher, who brought the viewer on a tour of the Fessenden kitchen and demonstrated on how to make Congo Bars. The second component was a mailable package with custom aprons, a recipe card, and a note of gratitude from our head of school and director of institutional advancement.
Utilizing many of our in-house resources, we spent 30% less than if we hosted the traditional event. Our team maintained our typical fall solicitation strategy, and the Congo Bar Baking Lesson landed in mailboxes and inboxes by mid-December, which proved to be a wonderful reminder to give and provided an activity for winter break. By the end of the fiscal year, giving by Red & Gray Society donors increased by 25% compared to the prior year. We also received notes from donors reporting they already had Congo Bars baking in the oven!"
From the Judges
Creative way to keep the school and donors connected with a well-known school tradition.
