The District of Muskoka has approved a new fundraising strategy in support of the Fairvern Long-Term Care Home redevelopment project.
During the Aug. 20 council meeting, Suzanne Olimer, commissioner of finance and corporate services, presented a report outlining a strategy that includes new fundraising initiatives and the establishment of a Sponsorship, Naming Rights and Philanthropic Recognition Policy.
Olimer said the initiatives were developed following a feasibility study that identified an estimated fundraising target of approximately $3 million, based on what the community and donors could realistically be expected to contribute over the course of the campaign.
“Through the generosity of residents, families and the community, past fundraising and donor contributions have helped enhance residents’ quality of life, funding equipment and amenities,” stated Olimer in the report.
According to the report, the annual fundraising amount to date for Fairvern is $4,500 and $1,500 for the Pines.
To help with the new fundraising efforts, she said they will establish a Sponsorship, Naming Rights and Philanthropic Recognition Policy which aims to establish opportunities for sponsorships, philanthropic contributions and donor recognition.
The report states the policy is expected to generate between $825,000 and $1.44 million for the redevelopment project, while also supporting campaign-based fundraising initiatives and community partnerships involving District-owned assets, facilities, programs, services and initiatives.
The policy states naming and recognition gifts are expected to be structured as multi-year pledges, with annual contributions made over a set term rather than as lump-sum payments.
Spaces within resident household areas, including activity rooms, living rooms, and dining rooms, will not be eligible for naming or sponsorship.
To support the campaign, the district approved a new full-time equivalent position dedicated to donor outreach, relationship building, and naming and recognition coordination, while working with Corporate Communications on website, social media and paid advertising content.
The position is expected to cost approximately $223,000 over an 18-month contract, with an additional $10,000 allocated for social media and paid advertising, according to the report.
After a lengthy discussion, council approved the new fundraising strategy. Staff will develop website and social media content promoting Fairvern naming and recognition opportunities and report back to council at a future meeting.
