In late 2018, Peace Lutheran Church engaged Benefactor Group to assess the philanthropic appeal of a proposed $1 million campaign aimed at enhancing the fellowship experience, elevating the worship experience, and expanding the service ministry. Benefactor Group conducted 31 study interviews with 57 individuals, including two pastors, and facilitated two congregational briefings that included 67 church members. The feedback regarding the campaign plan was overwhelmingly positive. Peace Lutheran is deeply cherished by its members, and study participants expressed strong support for the campaign vision, believing it would lead the church in the right direction. Respondents indicated high confidence in the campaign, with the majority ranking Peace Lutheran among their top three charitable giving priorities.

Based on these findings, the Benefactor Group team recommended launching a campaign to raise $1.1 million. Suggestions included refining the campaign vision, enhancing the stewardship program to facilitate ongoing conversations about giving, clarifying campaign goals, recruiting and training volunteers and campaign managers, practicing sequential solicitation, and creating an up-to-date donor record that includes everyone who donated to the campaign. These strategies aimed to strengthen the church’s fundraising efforts and ensure the successful realization of the campaign’s objectives.