Capital Campaign Fundraising Plan

So, what’s the plan for raising all this money? Thanks for asking!

First a reminder of what we have done so far. A year and a half ago we conducted a fundraising feasibility study where we asked how much money we could raise, priorities of projects, fundraising capacity, and more. That process helped us focus our efforts by organizing construction projects to right-size our budget, seek other forms of funding (which are still pending), and start planning for our capital campaign. In particular the vision for this campaign comes from what we heard during that process–that the address and our building are highly prized assets, and the spirit of this place is an irreplaceable gift to us all. What happens at the New York Aikikai truly couldn't happen anywhere else.

Joan Ellis and Mieke Vandersall were named as capital campaign co-chairs and we began gathering leadership and volunteers. A capital campaign is a HUGE effort that requires many hands, hearts, and heads.

Starting this past summer, volunteers have been approaching about 55 individuals, families, and dojos who we identified through our feasibility study to start this next phase of fundraising with a strong start. On October 28 we will announce how close we are to our primary goal of $490,000. At that time you will also have the opportunity to make a pledge to the campaign, which we request to be paid over a three year period.

After the kickoff, a hearty group of community gifts volunteers will be in touch with all who haven’t yet pledged. We will be asking what questions or concerns folks have, and also invite them to pledge, if they are ready. We hope to reach our primary goal in the first few weeks of the campaign and then move on to more fun stuff–first the HVAC system and then the viewing window, security system, and new mats. There will be incentives for giving all along the way, and we will also expand our base to be sure to include our national and international community.

To track the progress toward our fundraising goals, please check out the thermometer you’ll see at the dojo and on the pledge page of the fundraising website.

If you are attending the 28th–thank you! We can’t wait to party with you! If you aren’t but still want to contribute, please email us. We will be sure to be in touch with everyone after the party.

At this particular moment in NY Aikikai’s history, we extend a heartfelt thank you for being a part of our special community.

A photo from our campaign video shoot to premiere at the October 28 capital campaign party