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Zoological Society of Milwaukee

Challenge

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee was established in 1910 as an informal group of community leaders who bought animals and raised funds for the Milwaukee County Zoo. Today, it is a nonprofit organization with the mission to conserve, educate, and support the Zoo.

ZSM retained Campbell & Company to test a major campaign, a public-private partnership with Milwaukee County. The effort included several capital priorities as well as education programs and endowment.

Process

We conducted a comprehensive campaign planning study and are currently providing our third year of counsel as ZSM implements a campaign for Adventure Africa, which will provide new habitats for hippos, elephants, and rhinos.

In addition, we have provided a full suite of campaign communications services including a communications plan for the life of the campaign, an extensive case development process, and a campaign name, identity, and flipbook, developed in partnership with ZSM staff.

“The thing that stands out to me about our Campbell & Company team is that they are always there and always available! They celebrate our successes and are my “ace in the hole” when I am stuck or simply need someone to lean on. No matter what our question, between the team members and resources they have available to them, they have the experience, knowledge, and expertise to quickly and concisely address nearly any question we have around our capital campaign and/or daily fundraising efforts.”

Peggy Gutekunst
Vice President of Development, Zoological Society of Milwaukee

ZSM has launched the public phase of its $25 million campaign, which will transform 25 percent of the Zoo’s footprint.

With our counsel, ZSM has secured multiple seven-figure commitments, even while navigating a mid-campaign leadership change. Our communications deliverables have garnered great enthusiasm from the Board and have proven to be effective cultivation and solicitation tools.