for Ourselves
gregation see how invested the community is in the parish ,” said Reverend Julie Wakelee-Lynch , rector of St . Alban ’ s .
A wave of interest in community partnerships has washed over St . Alban ’ s since the launch of its public campaign . From new requests to host events to offers from current partners to donate event proceeds to the campaign , “ St . Alban ’ s Serves ” is resonating with neighbors .
Following the launch , the parish introduced its Third Sunday Concert Series . The monthly chamber music series , featuring a diverse , rotating group of performers , has been both a financial victory and a community breakthrough for the parish , offering one of the few venues for live music in Albany .
St . Alban ’ s next step is to establish a separate , 501 ( c )( 3 ) nonprofit organization to support event programming and partnerships . Reverend Wakelee-Lynch hopes that the campaign and the church ’ s new nonprofit will continue to strengthen ties between the church and residents of Albany . “ We ’ re not just here for ourselves but for the broader community ,” she notes , echoing the inclusive spirit of St . Alban ’ s , the congregation ’ s greatest asset .
The success of St . Alban ’ s is a familiar story with congregations assisted by Partners ’ Capital Campaign Consulting
Each of these campaigns are marked by a powerful new message — that historic , sacred places have the power and potential to serve the larger community . According to Partners ’ new Economic Halo Effect research , 87 percent of the beneficiaries of community events and programs housed in sacred places are not members of the congregation .
Members of the Berkeley High School Orchestra perform at an event celebrating the launch of St . Alban ’ s Serves .
Partners ’ community-based capital campaign model is based on a rigorous feasibility study process that includes independent research and one-on-one conversations with current and former congregation members , elected and appointed government officials , local businesses , and foundation representatives . By reaching “ beyond the pews ,” Partners helps congregations diversify funding and identify new strategies for individual capital campaigns , while building community leaders into the fundraising process from the beginning . To date , campaigns managed by
An Albany High School choral group performs at celebration event .
Partners have had a
Services ( CCCS ) work . Partners ’ CCCS projects are geographically and demographically diverse , with successful campaigns total goal for these campaigns has come from the wider
median campaign goal of $ 935,000 ; on average , 63 % of the ranging from rural Vermont to Indianapolis to California . community .
Photos : Rev . Julie Wakelee-Lynch and Marcia Hickman SACRED PLACES • AUTUMN / WINTER 2017-18 • 19