The grant from the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund meant a great deal to DePaul Industries.  It helped move the organization from an “also ran” to a “prime player” status through the establishment of a giving and advocacy entity (the Ambassadors Club) and the prestige of being backed by the prestigious Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund.  We learned that when a structure such as the Ambassadors Club has been created, the Board will become energized to make it successful and potential donors will have a vehicle that allows them to demonstrate their support of the organization.  Our Board giving reached new heights and, just as importantly, our Board’s enthusiasm and desire to utilize their personal and business contacts attained unparalleled levels. The matching of funds was seen as great “bang for the buck” by those approached to donate and elevated DePaul Industries in the eyes of the business and philanthropic communities.

Sustainability is the key to fundraising success through the years.  The formation of the Ambassadors Club, as suggested and promoted by the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, allowed DePaul Industries to create a new cadre of supporters who will, hopefully, donate to the organization on an annual basis for years to come.  Many of the new Ambassadors Club members have already signed pledge cards stating that they will donate at least $1,000 per year for the next three years.  This base of supporters will be utilized to secure additional donors and to help plant the seeds for a planned giving program, as well.

The grant from the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund has been pivotal in DePaul Industries' fundraising success.
 

~Noel M. King, Director of Development, DePaul Industries