Carnegie Science Orr Group enhanced Carnegie Science’s fundraising capacity, securing transformational gifts and laying a strong foundation for a $100 million campaign through strategic planned giving, talent recruitment, and DEI training.
Challenge The Carnegie Institution for Science, established by Andrew Carnegie, aims to empower exceptional individuals to explore the most compelling scientific questions freely. Facing global challenges, Carnegie aspired to significantly expand over the next five to ten years through transformational philanthropic investments in building and capital, institutional capacity-building, and endowment. To align with its ambitious growth plans, Carnegie engaged Orr Group to assess its readiness for a comprehensive fundraising campaign that would attract leading philanthropists to its cause. The primary goal was to ascertain whether to embark on a multi-year institution-wide campaign or to continue concentrating on principal and major gifts for strategic priorities.
Solution Orr Group concluded its planning study by recommending an 18-month Readiness Phase to enhance Carnegie Science’s fundraising capabilities. This phase focused on advancing donor relationships, accelerating fundraising efforts, and laying a solid foundation for an institution-wide campaign, now right-sized to $100 million. Following the completion of the campaign feasibility study, Orr Group expanded its partnership with Carnegie Science to provide comprehensive campaign management services, including leading planned giving initiatives, successfully managing a full-service search for a major gifts officer, and being retained for another major gifts officer search. Additionally, Orr Group led a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training to support Carnegie’s commitment to inclusive excellence. To further enhance Carnegie Science’s fundraising readiness, Orr Group recognized the importance of educating key leadership roles, including the CFO, COO, CIO, CEO, and CDO, on planned giving strategies. This process included advising Carnegie Science on deciding which tools to accept, drafting a comprehensive gift acceptance policy, training the board, and coaching the CEO and CDO on the nuances of planned giving.
Impact Orr Group significantly bolstered Carnegie Science’s fundraising capacity through comprehensive campaign management services, with a focus on planned giving. The feasibility study revealed $38 million in potential from planned gifts, and a recent $35 million bequest highlighted the importance of educating donors about the benefits of planned giving. By educating key leadership and setting up the necessary policies and training, Orr Group has laid a strong foundation for the $100 million campaign. This strategy has not only enhanced Carnegie’s immediate fundraising capabilities but also ensured long-term sustainability and growth.
“ Walking into a new role and reinventing our approach, it was invaluable to have Orr Group as a thought partner who immediately understood our vision and how to bring it to life. Their team brought deep experience, fresh perspective, and practical guidance, whether brainstorming major donor strategies or coaching our president. It was refreshing to work with a partner who not only shared where Carnegie Science wanted to go, but also helped chart the path to get us there.” “Walking into a new role and reinventing our approach, it was invaluable to have Orr Group as a thought partner who immediately understood our vision and how to bring it to life. Their team brought deep experience, fresh perspective, and practical guidance, whether brainstorming major donor strategies or coaching our president. It was refreshing to work with a partner who not only shared where Carnegie Science wanted to go, but also helped chart the path to get us there.” Jeanine Forsythe, Chief Development Officer, Carnegie Science