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The Challenge

As Iowa’s first children’s human services agency, Tanager Place has been serving children and families challenged by social and psychological needs since 1879. One of Tanager Place’s treatment programs, the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, saw its waiting list boom with over 150 new referrals each month. With the building being too small, a different facility was found that could be renovated, doubling the number of children allowed to be seen. This capacity requirement left Tanager Place with a decision to make; a decision that cost $6.5 million.

The Solution

With a feasibility study completed, remodeling plans and a budget finalized, Tanager and AMPERAGE began the next steps to recruit a volunteer leadership team, develop materials and identify prospects. Tanager had already secured a $1.5 million challenge grant from The Hall-Perrine Foundation, which paved the way to encourage others to give. Additionally, with early leadership asks, the community had given $3.8 million already before February 2016 when Tanager launched the “Soaring Beyond” public campaign to raise $6.5 million.

Shortly after the public campaign launched in February, Tanager and AMPERAGE conducted various tactics to raise the remaining sum. From direct mail, phone-a-thons and various events, the connectedness and strategy led the campaign to reach its goal by December 2016, just 10 months after its public launch.

The Results

The “Soaring Beyond” campaign consisted of all the right giving essentials: an excellent and responsive staff, a dedicated and determined board of directors, strong and highly committed volunteers, supportive area media, a great cause and an extremely reputable organization.

With AMPERAGE’s assistance, Tanager Place raised $7.2 million and was able to buy and remodel it’s Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, ensuring that it can serve double the clients through its important service to thousands of children and families each year.

The Reaction

“Working with AMPERAGE on our capital campaign was a collaborative, team process. The AMPERAGE team helped to communicate the critical need— the materials were professional and received well. We received guidance from the team that helped us meet and exceed our goals. We believe that AMPERAGE was able to increase our successful campaign with their shared expertise and past experience through the planning, implementation and completion of our project.”

JOAN HACKBARTH

Director of Advancement, Tanager Place