In 2016, First Presbyterian Church of Granville engaged Benefactor Group to assess the potential for raising $2.75 million for the Joseph Reserve Fund and the Solomon Endowment Fund. To gauge perceptions of the organization and the appeal of the fundraising plans, Benefactor Group consultants conducted 21 interviews, facilitated two group discussions, and distributed an online congregational survey.
The findings revealed strong support for the initiatives; however, many respondents expressed a desire for more information about the funds and their impact. In response, Benefactor Group recommended that the church implement a year-round stewardship effort, allocate three years to achieve the fundraising goal, and focus on educating the congregation about the importance of endowments.
Benefactor Group continued to support First Presbyterian Church of Granville throughout the successful campaign, guiding them in executing the recommendations and fostering a deeper connection between the church and its members regarding the value of philanthropy and stewardship.