How the Chinese-American Planning Council Surpassed $2MM When $1MM Seemed Impossible

Learn how the Chinese-American Planning Council exceeded $2.1MM for a major naming campaign.

Founded in 1965, the Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc. (CPC) is the nation’s largest Asian American social services organization, providing access to 50+ programs in education, family support, and community & career empowerment at 35 sites in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens to over 80,000 Asian American, immigrant, and low-income community members across New York City annually.

The Challenge:

In the organization’s 59-year history, CPC has made do with many temporary spaces throughout the decades, always keeping their doors open to serve the community. Finally, in 2022, CPC had the momentous opportunity to design a permanent home in Lower Manhattan from the ground up.

Named CPC One, this building includes a Manhattan Community Center, over 200 units of affordable housing, and headquarters for all of CPC. It will serve 15,000 community members annually.

Though government funding was available, an estimated philanthropic goal exceeding $1MM raised over the course of a year left CPC unsure as to how to make this dream a reality. Without a solid major gifts program in place (having relied on mostly government funding and earned revenue) a naming campaign of this size looked daunting to Kim To, the Chief Development Officer, and Kaitlyn Mar, the Individual Giving Manager.

“Even at $1MM, this is CPC’s largest campaign to date, and it had to be accomplished in a much shorter time-frame than previous campaigns, from two years down to less than a year. Though we never doubted the support from our community surrounding this milestone in CPC’s history, the goal still felt ambitious.”

Kim To, Chief Development Officer

That’s when they turned to Capital Campaign Pro, and were paired up with Kristin Raack, one of our Senior Campaign Advisors.

The Solution:

Together, Kristin and the CPC team methodically identified short- and long-term major gifts prospects in order to build a major gifts program from scratch — not just for this campaign, but to lay the groundwork for future sustainability.

“Capital Campaign Pro came highly recommended by another fundraising expert and consultant, who shared that Andrea Kihlstedt literally wrote the book on how to run a capital campaign.”

Kim To, Chief Development Officer

Kim and Kaitlyn quickly pulled together a campaign committee to achieve 100% board commitment. By equipping CPC staff and (new) volunteers with development tools, the organization was able to grow its base of support through the community to maximize fundraising efforts.

Eventually, the CPC team was able to secure more than 70% of the campaign working goal before then raising that goal by 33%.

“Kristin has been a constant source of guidance and support, holding us accountable and encouraging us along the way! This campaign has been crucial in laying the groundwork for major gifts at CPC.”

Kaitlyn Mar, Individual Giving Manager

Another way that Kim and Kaitlyn have kept the future in mind is by being incredibly intentional with thanking and honoring supporters throughout each phase of the campaign. With a grand opening for the CPC One facility right around the corner, the organization is poised to be a lifeline and safe space that will exist for the next century and beyond.

The Impact:

Today, CPC has not only surpassed their goal — resulting in a new facility and a slew of expanded programs — but have also built a foundation for ongoing stewardship and greater fundraising. They’re now ready for ongoing major gift solicitation, have a stronger individual giving pipeline, and have recruited a new database staff member.

Most of all, the experience that Kim and Kaitlyn have gained will help sustain the organization for years to come.

“Like most development professionals, Kim and Kaitlyn have a multitude of other responsibilities in addition to the campaign and little to no previous campaign experience,” said Kristin Raack from Capital Campaign Pro. “Yet, because they are inquisitive and tenacious, I am not at all surprised that they surpassed the campaign goal which will benefit thousands of Asian Americans and immigrants with access to invaluable supports.”

Kim and Kaitlyn’s success is a testament to the strength of their community to envision and actualize equitable spaces.