The Ciesla Foundation, which produces documentaries celebrating the unique achievements of Jewish heroes, sought to create a film about businessman and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald. Rosenwald, who partnered with Booker T. Washington and African-American communities to build over 5,000 schools in the Jim Crow South, had roots in Chicago and was one of the city’s most important philanthropists. The filmmaker and executive director for the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit partnered with Evolve consultants to spearhead fundraising efforts in Chicago for the project.
Our team planned and executed a memorable evening with the filmmaker, bringing together supporters and new prospects from both the African-American and Jewish communities. The Ciesla Foundation developed several promising relationships in Chicago, resulting in ongoing support for the film from the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, a large private foundation and other key donors.
Through an analysis of Chicago’s philanthropic landscape and The Ciesla Foundation’s existing network, the consulting team identified individuals and organizations with potential interest in supporting the Rosenwald film. To help the foundation build relationships and solicit dollars, Evolve team members created a comprehensive fundraising plan that included a parlor meeting with a film screening, grant opportunities and individual face-to-face meetings.
“Via collaborative coaching and strategic campaign planning, our consultants sprouted a tremendous lead for funding for The Rosenwald Schools that allowed me to really start shooting the film. I would recommend clients hire them to get the job done.”
