New Century Campaign

A proposal to revitalize the Penn AXP experience

The Moose needs your help!

Current Challenges

The chapter house is an old building that is rapidly approaching its 100 year anniversary (built in 1917).

As we can all appreciate the house takes quite a bit of abuse during the course of the year.

There has been increased pressure from the university to make additional improvements in light of accidents at other houses.

In recent years the lower number of new members has materially impacted rent collection, the primary source of funds for maintenance and capital improvements.

Alumni donations fluctuate from year to year but rarely are sufficient to fund major projects unless there is an emergency (e.g. the furnace breaks).

The backlog of required work is equivalent to New Jersey’s pension fund…there is no money for it!

Current Challenges (cont’d)

Improvements to the house are an essential part of the recruiting process. Without these changes we will be less and less competitive with other houses, university housing and off-campus housing.

The university’s spring rush process conflicts with the timing of when leases must be signed. We need every tool we can to make living in the house a true perk.

Although most alumni have very positive feelings about their Penn AXP experience only a small portion of our donor base actively participates in alumni activities or makes financial contributions.

We need to enhance the alumni experience to create more opportunities for people to stay engaged.

Rental Income History

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Alumni Giving History (per starting school year)

Donations tend to fluctuate based on the urgency of the appeal for funds. These contributions are helpful but not sufficient to fund the major renovations required.

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1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

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# of Gifts

Donations

A New Century Campaign

In preparation for the 100th anniversary we want to launch a new capital campaign to fund revitalization of the chapter house.

In addition to simply raising funds we want to dramatically broaden the number of active alumni who contribute from ~10% to at least 25%.

For those who have been steady contributors over the years we want to inspire significantly larger donations.

We want to start the campaign with a big bang and build momentum via major tangible improvements each and every year, culminating with an alumni party in 2017.

We want to start our next 100 years debt free so the annual undergraduate rent will enable sustainable maintenance and regular improvements.

Renovation Projects (partial list)

Safety upgrades are a top priority. The 2011 New Year’s Eve accident at Phi Kap highlights the risk.

Focus on things that improve the quality of life for living in the house to make it more competitive with off-campus housing.

– Repair the roof and ceilings to eliminate periodic leaks and water damage.– Replace carpets throughout the house. New couches and furniture for the

main level and basement. Repair or replace broken fixtures throughout the house.

– Provide new mattresses and updated furniture / fixtures in the rooms.– Remodel the basement laundry area and add additional washer/dryer.– Improve all three bathrooms. Improve common closet spaces.– Repair / Polish the basement floor– Repair / Improve stairs to attic and improve insulation.– Central Air Conditioning if funds were available (would improve summer

rental income and reduce current electric bill from window units).

Our Proposal

Based on the success of the undergraduate scholarship program (launched with the generous support of Brother Jim Rappapport) we are looking for major sponsors to kick start the campaign.

We are hoping to raise a total of $400,000 over the next 6 years. That would cover the cost of renovations and the balance of the mortgage.

We are looking for several substantial kick-off donations to build momentum and inspire others to act.

A pledge to match dollar for dollar all contributions up to $500 / year and to match two dollars for each dollar contributed above $500 / year. A total amount or amount per year cap for this contribution would be very reasonable.

Our Proposal – cont’d

A variety of mechanisms are available to provide appropriate recognition for your generosity and that of the other alumni. For example, several people have suggested the creation of a centennial plaque with engraved names for donors.

Full audit ability of the donation amounts, donors, project budgets and actual expenditures.

The undergraduates will manage a web page that will track progress on the various projects so we can present “before and after” photos of the work being done.

Next Steps

Discuss timing and comfort with the scope of the campaign. Discuss any privacy or other concerns you may have. Discuss expected projects and current project estimates. Discuss our anticipated outreach program (direct mail,

Facebook, LinkedIn. undergraduate phone bank, etc.)

We need leaders who can step up and inspire others to preserve the memories and experiences we cherish. Thank you for considering this proposal.