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WCJ Capital Campaign a Success!

Logo: Stepping Up

In 2004, with thriving programs, a rising public profile, and sound management in place, the agency's leaders turned their attention to ensuring the financial stability of the Women's Center.

WCJ identified a campaign goal of $1.3 million and three major fundraising objectives. The Jacksonville philanthropic community stepped up to invest in the future of women and girls in our area and the Campaign for the Women's Center of Jacksonville met its goal in March 2006 to purchase our building, provide needed renovations, contribute to the general operating budget for three years, and create an endowment for our future.. Following is a description of each objective:

Campaign Goal: $1.3 million

Facility Acquisition, Renovation, and Maintenance: $500,000

The building at 5644 Colcord Avenue accommodates the staff and clients of the Women's Center beautifully. It provides ample space to serve clients individually or in small groups. There is space for a resource library, a small kitchen, long hallways that lend themselves to art exhibits, and a sunny interior courtyard with a tranquil garden. Women from all corners of Jacksonville find the location convenient, welcoming, and safe.

Following our Campaign Celebration in March, we completed the purchase of our wonderful building and began the planned renovations. We now sport a new roof, an exterior paint job and re-pointing, new gutters and downspouts, wheelchair ramps at each entrance, a completely overhauled HVAC system, new plumbing, and renovated ADA compliant restrooms.

All major mechanical and structural components are new or in acceptable condition and reserves have been established for future maintenance or replacement. The ADA compliant restrooms and the exterior ramps now allow total accessibility to our wheelchair bound clients, their families, guests, volunteers and other visitors.

Annual Support for Operations and Programs: $125,000/year, ($375,000/3 years)

The programs and services provided by the Women's Center are funded largely—though not entirely—by a combination of city, state, and federal grants; earned revenue; designated gifts through United Way; and modest investment income. Each year, WCJ raises additional funds from generous individuals, foundations, and corporations to ensure that quality programs and services can be offered to all women regardless of their ability to pay.

Operating Reserves/Endowment: $300,000

In order to sustain services to women in need—regardless of any fluctuations in funding and cash flow—the Women's Center will build an endowment. Annual investment income produced by $300,000 is the equivalent of a counselor's salary or start-up funds for a new program. This long-range fiscal planning is not only prudent management—it provides the women of Jacksonville with an appropriate model of fiscal responsibility.

(Campaign and Marketing Expenses: approximately$125,000)