Operating Expenses and the Challenges of Raising Money

By Alissa McKinney

2003

It has been a tough year to raise money for charitable causes. This can be attributed to the many projects in Des Moines soliciting for funding, the downturn in the economy, and for Terrace Hill, the fact that generous contributions were already made during the capital campaign.

Theres some confusion about the difference between the capital campaign and the annual giving campaign. The capital campaign raised more than $4 million from many generous corporations, foundations and individuals. The money was spent to improve the deteriorating infrastructure, to replace heating and cooling systems, to restore the exterior of the mansion, to develop a service courtyard area, to refurbish the Carriage House, and finally, with the completion of the last phase this summer, to improve pedestrian and vehicle access to the grounds.

The annual giving campaign, on the other hand, uses resources to support the ongoing commitment to keep Terrace Hill open to the public. Therefore, we need the support once again from corporations, foundations and individuals across the state. To achieve our goal, the Terrace Hill Foundation is creating a new database of donors, developing a direct mail program, applying for grants, receiving in-kind contributions, and soliciting new and past individual donors.

New fundraising initiatives include the six-course Victorian Dinners and the Victorian Day Camps for elementary children. Both events are sold out for the year. There is also a plan to increase the use of Terrace Hill through corporate meetings, special events, receptions and dinners. Terrace Hill provides a dramatic atmosphere to impress clients from out of town, employees and special guests.

Jacqueline Devine, the new Foundation president, has organizedand the Foundation board has approved a new plan. The goals include maximizing individual expertise and connections, enhancing overall board effectiveness, creating personal ownership of goals, minimizing duplication of effort, reducing financial frustration, measuring accountability and achievement, increasing satisfaction from participation, and achieving our mission, which is:

The Terrace Hill Foundation provides resources that support the restoration, maintenance and development of Terrace Hill as a premier historic Iowa landmark and as an educational center for current and future generations. The mission of Terrace Hill is concisely expressed in three words: restore, maintain and develop. These words of action not only shape the daily agendas reflected in the work of staff and volunteers but they are also the vision.

Terrace Hill committees are as follows: Finance Committee: Ed Skinner, chair; Jeff Hunter, Ty Logan, Liz Kruidenier, and staff members David Cordes and Alissa McKinney. Fundraising Committee: Elaine Szymoniak, chair; Elizabeth Kruidenier, Mary Manatt, Bob Josten, Bill Dikis, Lizz Nichols, Linda Grandquist, Patsy Tobis, Jacqueline Devine, and staff member Alissa McKinney. Legislative Committee: Elaine Baxter, chair; Elaine Szymoniak, Joe Seng, and staff member David Cordes. Tourism Committee: Nancy Landess, chair; Peggy Whitworth, Bill Dikis, Peg Armstrong-Gustafson, Jacqueline Devine, and staff member Carla Herling.

The Terrace Hill Foundation is committed to and enthusiastic about reaching the fundraising goals for the year. We are confident that the Iowa community will also share our enthusiasm and vision. Terrace Hill is a magnificent Iowa historic landmark, and as such, it is our link to the past and the bridge to our future.

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