2015 Honorable Mention: Provisional Experiences Project

Provisional Experiences was the concept The Junior League of San Diego established to thwart a disconnectedness its newest members were feeling upon graduating from a comprehensive training program. A traditional curriculum integrated with an opportunity for them to form 10 to 15-member groups for the purposes of producing a mini fundraiser to benefit a community partner, Experiences at the same time promised to help the League expand its supporter base and build its brand within the community. Proceeds were then used for a mini IMPACT program that met the need of a community partner. were feeling with the With the onset of its Centennial in 2011/2012, the League saw an opportunity to launch an aggressive fund development initiative consisting of its first-ever capital campaign, part of which would be used to renovate its new Headquarters. Following a feasibility study recommending a $1,000,000 goal for renovations, a Centennial Project, and a public relations plan, the Board approved a $1,000,000 capital campaign.

During a two-year “silent phase,” 14 Actives and Sustainers solicited prospects in person for gifts of $10,000 or more. With $1,175,000 raised and aware their capital needs were greater, the team entered a “public phase” in which every member was approached. When it closed in the spring of 2014, the campaign had raised more than $1,405,000, all of which came from individuals. Four percent originated outside the League.

Several tangible outcomes resulted from this work. Headquarters has been renovated and the Apple a Day Healthy Living Initiative, the League’s Centennial Project that focuses on access to and education about healthy food, has been funded. In addition, the League was able to invest in public relations and members have taken ownership of fund development, a benefit that lasts.