The Valentine Richmond History is now in its second century of serving as a regional historical resource for students, citizens, and scholars alike.

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While the Center had successfully conducted a silent campaign to raise $3 million to restore two of its historic buildings and build the annual fund, it continued to face numerous financial challenges.  When The Sheridan Group conducted its Feasibility Study to test a $15 million combination of capital, endowment, and current program initiatives, we found an organization fully recognizing and addressing a structural deficit and volunteer leadership fully prepared to lead and to give.  It was very clear to us that an immediate campaign focusing on endowment and program funding was not an option but a necessity.

 

The Center’s Board and key volunteer leaders were more than equal to the task. The Center successfully met an initial $5 million Second Century Campaign Nucleus Fund Phase goal, primarily from current and former board members and long-time donors.  The Campaign successfully launched a Leadership Gifts campaign on its way to achieving a $10 million goal.

 

As its endowment and program funding grew, the Center also secured specific funding for much stronger public relations and communications programming as well as educational and outreach programming.  Public perception of the Center’s positive impact in many communities grew significantly and helped encourage corporation and foundation giving to complement the giving of longstanding individual supporters.