Memphis Union Mission

Preparing for a First Campaign

Background: Memphis Union Mission (MUM) has a long and successful history of supporting homeless men, women, and children in the Memphis, Tennessee area by providing short-term housing, education, rehabilitation and helping them transition into the workplace and independence. Historically, the bulk of MUM’s generous support had been from churches, businesses, and individual small donors. They had never conducted a multi-million-dollar campaign before.

Solution: Understanding that the MUM staff and board did not have this kind of campaign experience, the Chairwoman of the Steering Committee recommended a partnership with The Compass Group. Having worked with Compass in another successful campaign, she valued the guidance and structure Compass would bring to MUM’s effort. Launched in 2016, the $15 million campaign to build a new Opportunity Center began with the expansion and engagement of a very strong Campaign Steering Committee comprised of community leaders and philanthropists. Compass initially conducted a feasibility study which provided a road map for the campaign, identified prospects, and provided the information necessary to create specific strategies for solicitation. Working with the Steering Committee and staff of MUM, Compass guided the implementation of the campaign plan and the recommendations from the feasibility study.

Success: The highlight of the campaign was a $2.5 million challenge grant received from a national corporation. This challenge immediately created credibility, excitement in the community, and urgency resulting in the successful completion of the campaign in 24 months.