UKirk SMU

UKirk SMU: who are they?

UKirk SMU is a place where all belong on the campus at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Just a few years into their LGBTQIA-affirming, anti-racist ministry, they identified a need: their students need a long-term, permanent space where they can connect, share meals, study, engage in service, rest and most of all, call home.

Phase I: feasibility

We conducted a feasibility study to explore possibilities in establishing their own place of belonging. Alongside leadership, we:

• facilitated conversations that crystalized and articulated UKirk SMU's vision

• aligned potential projects with organizational values in a way that resonates with potential donors

• laid the groundwork for ongoing communications related to developing a case for a capital campaign

• created spaces for relationship-building and strengthening partnerships in common cause

Phase II: annual giving + fundraising

After an invigorating feasibility study, we recommended that UKirk SMU establish an annual giving program. An intentional and robust fundraising infrastructure is essential for the success of potential capital campaigns, and this infrastructure also creates meaningful opportunities for community and donor engagement.

Equipped with data generated by feasibility work, and after analyzing UKirk SMU's giving data, we:

• created a 12-month fundraising plan

• organized events for individual and congregational donors to experience the power of the UKirk SMU community

• prepared for one-on-one invitations to pledge to the UKirk SMU community over both an annual and multi-year period

• created a thank you rubric which engages fundraising committee, board and staff

• implemented an of year-end campaign

• planned a gala fundraising event with volunteers and staff