Pace University

Based on the recommendations developed during the Campaign Feasibility Study process, Orr Group is partnering with Pace University to lead and manage a historic $185M comprehensive campaign.

PACE University campus
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Situation

Ranked the #1 private four-year college in the nation for upward economic mobility by Harvard University’s Opportunity Insights, Pace University (Pace) provides a transformative education for its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. Pace prepares students to become leaders in their fields with an education that combines exceptional academics with real-world experiences including internships, research, clinicals, civic engagement, and study abroad.

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Solution

Having raised over $85M in the first phase of its comprehensive campaign, Pace retained Orr Group to conduct a Campaign Feasibility Study to determine the feasibility of raising an additional $65M over the next five years. As part of the Feasibility Study, Orr Group worked with Pace to develop priorities and a strategy for the University’s next phase of campaign fundraising. During this process, we interviewed over 40 key staff members and stakeholders, developed case for support materials, and presented a fundraising road map with recommendations focused on:

  • Activating Pace’s Development Committee to serve as the Campaign Committee
  • Aligning campaign priorities with the priorities of key stakeholders
  • Increasing corporate and foundation efforts, and
  • Developing Annual Fund language, strategy, and segmentation to have a stronger appeal to donors.

Following the completion of the Campaign Feasibility Study, Pace hired Orr Group to manage the campaign. Currently, we are focused on recruiting campaign leadership, developing a lead gift prospect pipeline, revamping the Annual Fund, finalizing case for support materials and developing cultivation strategies for existing donors. With Orr Group’s support, Pace is on track to raise $65M over the next 5 years.