Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce raised $10.9M in 8 years



"Our annual Total Resource Campaign has grown to over $2M.  At the same time our staff commission sales have soared with Fremont's help.  They are truly a full service organization.  Fremont's principals have world class chamber experience available to their clients.”

Charles Van Rysselberge, CCE, President
Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce

 

Challenge

 

  • Prior to Fremont's arrival, the annual campaign for the Charleston Metro Chamber had raised just $58,057.

  • Chamber revenue was in decline and needed a big push.  

  • Since the financial situation was desperate, increasing 0revenue was essential.

  • The Chamber wanted a partner that understood the needs of Chambers of Commerce with a demonstrated track record of success.

 

 

Solution

  • Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce retained Fremont Development Group to lead its fundraising activities in 10 of last 12 years.

  • Fremont conducted a Total Resource Campaign during 10 of the last 12 years and has assisted in sales force production.

  • Total Resource Campaign Implementation activities included use of:

    • Total Resource Campaign™ Sourcebook

    • 123TRC™(custom campaign management software)

    • Campaign Timeline and Project Plan

    • Product & Pricing Analysis

    • Identification of budget reduction opportunities

    • Goal setting

    • Recruitment of volunteer leadership

    • Preparation of your Campaign Manual (camera-ready for printing)

    • Training and Certification program for staff and volunteers

    • Campaign newsletter support and preparation

    • Development of team incentives and rules

    • On-site campaign assessment and coaching

    • Post campaign survey and volunteer critique session

    • Post campaign report

 

Results

  • Increased Year 1 revenues to $349,364 (campaign results from prior year before Fremont were just $58,057)

  • Increased Year 2 revenues to $507,000

  • Increased Year 3 revenues to $625,806

  • Increased Year 4 revenues to $876,312

  • Increased Year 5 revenues to $1,179,000

  • Increased Year 6 revenues to $1,551,801

  • Increased Year 7 revenues to $1,886,000

  • Increased Year 8 revenues to $2,076,092

  • Increased Year 9 revenues to $2,275,771

  • Increased Year 10 revenues to $2,324,948 (grew commission sales staff production to over $800K)

  • Improved staff and volunteer management and administration

  • Established a fund raising tradition that is deeply engrained in Chamber culture

  • Involved top level CEO’s in fund raising and Board service

  • Improved Membership Department procedures and trained staff

  • Strengthened entire staff understanding of importance of revenue development

  • Increased staff and volunteer motivation and commitment to chamber

  • Achieved a new level of fundraising success

 

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