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- <br />CONVERGENT ANALYSIS <br />Key Observations <br />When considering a major fundraising campaign, organizations must be aware of <br />the challenges and favorable factors that influence the ultimate success of the <br />program. The following observations are based on years of conducting similar <br />community and economic development campaigns. <br />In deciding how to proceed from this point, SLCPFP's decision makers should <br />review key observations and both favorable factors and challenges to overcome that <br />will have an impact on the proposed funding campaign. <br />Challenges to Overcome <br />• Lee County's incentive program will make it difficult for a campaign to <br />succeed. Of the 22 questions in Convergent's interview questionnaire, none <br />asked specifically about the incentive policy, yet this issue surfaced in well <br />over half of our interviews. Further, interviewees made it clear the incentive <br />policy will impact their financial support. Ten companies indicated a <br />difference in how much they would likely invest with the current policy in <br />place and how much they would likely invest if it were changed to be more <br />competitive. The total difference ranged from $212,500 on the low end to <br />$287,500 on the high end (over five years). While it's helpful that these <br />interviewees quantified their intentions, it makes it challenging to forecast <br />the impact their investment decisions will have on others. The support of <br />these 10 businesses — or lack thereof — will probably impact others' <br />investments at a similar level, or more. This impact could result in a total <br />swing of $425,000 to $575,000. <br />• Many interviewees cited the slow economic recovery as a potential reason a <br />campaign might struggle to raise $1.25 million. Many believe that a lower <br />amount could be raised but it will take considerable effort. Despite the slow <br />economy, Convergent has helped similar communities throughout the country <br />over the past five years achieve their goals. We have found that a slow <br />economy usually serves as a sense of urgency to local businesses focused on <br />improving their collective bottom lines. A refined, five -year plan, based on the <br />feedback of interviewees as detailed in this report with quantifiable ROI will <br />usually positively resonate with investors. <br />+ 32 + <br />