A new home for world-class theater:
goodman theatre
Campbell & Company’s work with Goodman Theatre helped this legendary Chicago theater fulfill its vision of a new home, solidifying its reputation as the “best regional theatre in the country.”
When Goodman Theatre began the process of fundraising for its move to a new theater space in Chicago’s growing downtown arts district, its leaders called on Campbell & Company to help design and implement a campaign. The goal was to enable Goodman to build a first-class facility that would match its growing reputation as a world-class theater company. Goodman’s leaders were convinced that, with the proper counsel and training, they could secure the necessary gifts to achieve the campaign goal.
As counsel, we worked with staff and volunteers to help shape a case for support that highlighted not only the outstanding work produced on the Goodman’s stages but also the new facility’s role in downtown redevelopment. The successful $33.5 million campaign—which surpassed an original goal of $28 million—enabled Goodman Theatre to move into a state-of-the-art downtown theater and begin the process of building endowment for artistic development, education and community programs. Through a broad-based “buy a seat” campaign and a targeted cultivation program, Campbell & Company also helped Goodman build its donor base and develop strategies for a growing major gift program, thus building momentum for increased annual fundraising once Goodman moved into its new building.
Even as Goodman Theatre transitioned to its new home, Campbell & Company began working with the staff and Board leadership to develop a planned giving program, the Spotlight Society. And, in 2005, Goodman once again retained Campbell & Company to conduct a philanthropic market study and provide counsel on a new campaign focusing on endowment.