The Presbyterian Mission Agency Board is being asked to approve beginning a “focused exploratory planning phase” for a multiyear fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $4 million to support the work of Stony Point Center.
That’s the next step in a plan to finance major capital improvements at Stony Point, a conference center about an hour north of New York City that Diane Moffett, the president and executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA), wants to make a focus of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Matthew 25 initiative.
Last fall, the board voted to “affirm the basic direction” of a 75-page vision plan for Stony Point — a plan that was developed with the help of the Run River Enterprises consulting group and that called for making at least $10.3 million in capital improvements at Stony Point over the next decade.
The board also voted then to provide $75,000 for a feasibility study to assess how much likely could be raised in a capital campaign — and it’s that report, from the consultant CCS Fundraising, that’s coming to the board at its meeting April 15-17. That meeting is being conducted virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Read the full report here: P.102 Stony Point Feasibility Report)
The recommendation acknowledges that “we are in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic that causes us to proceed carefully regarding our next steps.”
The recommendation states that the fundraising plan would have a Northeast regional focus, and it would have a “preliminary working goal” of raising $4 million, plus an unspecified budget for the campaign itself — considerably less than the $10 million originally discussed.
Over the past half-year, the consultants held more than 60 discussions with potential stakeholders. In those conversations, the report states, 80% of the participants supported moving forward with a fundraising campaign. About half (49%) “were unsure of the $10 million philanthropic goal, while 36% thought the goal was feasible,” and 15% said the goal was not achievable.
If the money were raised, the priorities for capital improvements include adding private bathrooms in the lodges at Stony Point; solar power; landscaping and improvements to the conference, dining and administrative space in the Evergreen building; and other upgrades such as adding a commercial laundry.
Not on the list: new construction.
Campaign Planning Study Final Report
The study also found that many participants had a positive view of PMA, with 16% having a “very positive” impression and 39% a positive view, and with Moffett’s leadership of the agency being cited as one of PMA’s top strengths, along with its ministries and programs.
A key challenge: communication, as some Presbyterians don’t understand exactly what PMA does. Also, the PC(USA) is losing members, and funding in some places is stressed.
The stakeholders also emphasized the importance of having a clear vision if the fundraising campaign is initiated.
“During this planning period, it is essential to define a clear vision for the campaign and build core relationships with congregations, presbyteries, synods, and donors through targeted cultivation and stewardship,” the report states. “PMA should develop a comprehensive communication plan and implement Matthew 25 programming” at Stony Point before the campaign is publicly launched.
In their interviews, some PMA staff members gave a sense of the fundraising terrain.
“I know the money is out there, but I wonder if SPC is well-known enough nationally,” one told the consultants.
“We need to do something very soon or else the facilities are going to fall apart,” a staff member said.
The report also stats that “any future Case for Support will need to address the following frequently asked questions:
- What is Stony Point? What is its mission and what services does it offer?
- Why Stony Point? Why is this the place that we are going to bring the PC(USA)?
- Do other groups besides Presbyterians get to use SPC? Who is included in SPC’s audience?
- Why is PMA raising money for Stony Point?
- What is SPC’s role in making the Matthew 25 vision happen?
- What proportion of funds will go to each case component?
- What about people who are further away – is there a way for SPC to come to them?”
The PMA board meeting is one of a series being held virtually next week. Also on tap: the PC(USA) A Corporation Board, meeting April 14-15, and the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly, meeting April 14-17.
Other items of business are expected to include proposed budgets for 2021-2022 for both PMA and the Office of the General Assembly — including a proposed per capita rate.
